Events: Oktoberfest Ride 2022
(2022) Sunshine was in the forecast for the 2022 Kermesse Sport Oktoberfest Ride based at Blueprint Brewery in Harleysville, PA. A recent completion of a bridge repair returned the fall classic course to its original splendor. As always the middle climb for those on the long course proved challenging. It was the post ride food that made it all worth the struggles.
The summit of the first KOM was marked by the steeple of Old Goschenhoppen Church.
Occupying the autumn calendar for the eighth year, Kermesse Sport returned with a route that mimicked the old Univest race course of the early 2000s. It always seemed to storm heavily prior to Oktoberfest, knocking bridges out or buckling roadways, but this year’s route featured the anticipated Montgomery County country roads that former pros like Tom Boonen (1999) and Toms Skujins (2015) hammered along. The reasoning behind revisiting this course is simple - it is a beautiful course with peaceful roads and - mostly - natural views. Each year we keep returning to keep in touch with our younger riding self, even if it means taking on Eichele Road’s wall once more.
Riders from as far as New England and Maryland lined up for the fall classic. A rolling start time did little to warm riders. The struggle on the day was appropriate layering as riders went out in barely above-freezing temperatures. The high on the day would be in the sixties with long shadows and variable wind. There were ice cream headaches on the opening downhill on the way out; there were engineering problems with removing heavier clothing as the day warmed up. Hydration was key if only the Montgomery County Roads would flatten out long enough for sips and nutrition. The set up of summer bibs with leg warmers, long sleeve base layer, winter jacket, and windproof vest was nearly perfect for the conditions. It was in those final thirty minutes that the vents were tugged for more ventilation and rear pockets bulged with extra items.
Broomstick Road can be accessed by taking Swinging Bridge Road. These are some of the fun road names in Montgomery County, PA.
It was the scenery that made the Oktoberfest Ride enjoyable. The route hugs the banks of the Perkiomen Creek before landing in Green Lake Park. Here is where the remnants of autumn’s splendor held on long enough for riders to witness. Hardwood forests were past peak foliage but gave a glimpse into the hues of fall. The route returned to civilization before plunging back into the woods in the final third of the route along Swamp Creek Road. For the final KOM of the day, a relatively shallow affair, the foliage rattled downward to cover the forest floor and much of the roadway. Sunbeams stretched amongst the tree trunks. If ever there was a peaceful place to ride, the Oktoberfest route was certainly it.
As reputation commands, there were three KOMs on the day for the long course riders. The first climb on Church Road, approaching Old Goschenhoppen Church, celebrated the autumn frost with a satisfying warming upward grind. This year it felt easier, and the top came into view with the steeple framed by hardwood trees. Eichele’s climb was as difficult as always. A walker descending the bottom slope grinned as he wished, “Have fun,” knowing full well what was in store for us. The Doylestown Bike Works unmarked service car smartly positioned itself in view of the steep wall to heckle riders and to relay their reactions. The climb stays the same steepness, but we hardly maintain the same fitness. The final climb of the day, Knockel Road, is a gift compared to the other two KOMs. Though it is shallow, the legs have been gouged by relentless rolling hills and two strong climbs. It was the hope of being close to the finish that kept the motivation up.
Kermesse Sport rest stops are something to behold, and the Oktoberfest rest stop is possibly the best of any event.
Kermesse Sport has a strong rest stop game, yet their flagship rest stop can be found at the Boy Scout Camp Garrison along Upper Ridge Road. Here were the famous cupcakes we dream about. This year was a maple frosted cupcake that hit the spot for a quick pick-me-up. Philly pretzels and coffee, plus Heed energy drink by Hammer Nutrition, occupied the table. This spread alone is worth the modest entry fee. Dozens of riders from both the long and shorter course met up to discuss their experiences prior to the rest stop before heading out for the final twenty miles.
Look closely on the horizon and you can see the Limerick nuclear cooling towers which felt like the Eye of Sauron throughout the ride.
As one descends into the forested areas of Montgomery County, PA, the route slowly reintroduces riders to suburban life. The trees move aside for houses. Then developments occupy the views. Cars become more numerous. The turns are faster and roads are not pedaled on for long. Slowly the route returns to Blueprint Brewery in Harleysville to the strong aroma of cumin spice and the hum of early finishers talking. Having cleared the course, riders received an Oktoberfest mug, a beer ticket, and German-inspired food supplied by Lindinger’s Deli and Catering. It was here we enjoyed catching up with buddies. At the table was a volunteer from Kermesse, two mechanics in the neutral support car, and a DBW rider who somehow managed to find his way to Blueprint without having ridden Oktoberfest. All was as it should have been after a late season outing.
Riders were treated to German-inspired food by Lindinger’s Deli and Catering for the Oktoberfest Ride when finishing at Blueprint Brewing Company in Harleysville, PA.
There were times where the road was absolutely clear ahead of us. At moments groups of riders showed up. Sometimes they were passed, but two riders, both atop Giant TCRs, drive a furious pace. They were caught twice but could never be successfully put away as they would hum past miles later. After passing Souderton High School, they were left to ride off into the distance. We had been properly dropped.
The ride is not without blight. As if the Eye of Sauron, the Limerick nuclear cooling towers were visible from nearly every place along the route. They seemed to rotate with the route. It got so intrusive to the landscape that the Tolkienese idea came to mind. The Eye of Sauron was the ever-present entity that reminded one this was all optional. It was at the moments of deep forest plunging that the cooling towers could not be visible. Those were the moments when it became easier to let go and simply enjoy the feeling of riding amidst beauty.
