The Fleche Buffoon

Fleche Buffoon

Bucks/Hunterdon Counties’ tribute to the Ardennes Classics! 
All of the fun of our other Spring Classic events, WITHOUT the dirt roads!

A “Spring Classic" for those of you who don’t particularly like riding on dirt roads.  The Fleche Buffoon is our tribute to the Ardennes Classics (Fleche Wallone, Amstel Gold Race & the oldest of the classics, Liege-Bastogne-Liege).  The Long Course is circa 76 miles and the Short Course is circa 62 miles, through the Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ countryside.  The challenging courses features >10 steep climbs over their routes.  Along the way there will be miles of country roads, scenic farmland and quaint river towns.  In true Amstel fashion, there will even be an authentic windmill along the Long Course.  According to Ride With GPS, the total elevation gain is ca 6100 feet for the Long Course and 4900 feet for the Short Course.  Again, this course is entirely paved , no dirt, like our other Spring Classics, the Sourland Semi-Classic, Hell of Hunterdon and the Fools Classic.

This ride is mostly self-supported (like a randonnée, brevet, and the original professional races):

The course will NOT be marked but we will make available cue sheets & GPS Data to pre-registered participants.

There is only 1 aid station, but there are several stores on the course

The ride has an “At-Will” Start, meaning participants will be allowed to start their ride at a time of their choice within a designated start window (ex. They may start anytime between 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM).  The start window will open at the same time as registration, so there will be no delay in participants starting their rides.

This is a ride, and not a race, and the roads are open to normal vehicular traffic, so you are expected to obey all rules of the road. 

 

All entries are final; no refunds. Entries are not transferable.  Please don't ask.The event will be held rain or shine.  Normal amounts of rain will not cancel the event.However, in the event of Extreme Weather (such as impassable roads, named storms, or Official Weather Warning), other emergency, or situation beyond the organizers’ control, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the event or reschedule it to a date of their choice.  If you cannot attend the rescheduled date, your entry will be forfeited, and a refund will not be issued. Should the event be cancelled for reasons of force majeure, entry fees will not be refunded.All Merchandise Sales are final; we cannot guarantee exchanges.  Items not picked up at the event may be shipped to you at your expense, upon request. All riders are required to check in prior to the ride, and sign a waiver.  Check in is open from 9:00 to 9:50.  All participants must sign the waivers during the registration process.  Parents/legal guardians must complete the waiver for minors.  All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. 
 This is a ride, not a raceThe roads are open to vehicular traffic; all rules of the road must be obeyed.  Participants are responsible for their own safety and for knowing and complying with Pennsylvania’s & New Jersey’s applicable laws and vehicle codesParticipants should ride in a safe and courteous manner; please stay to the right, except when passing.  NJ Traffic Guidelines suggest cyclists ride Single File. You will be riding on country roads; assume there is gravel in every turn.  Be aware that some sections of roads are rough and that road surfaces vary. There is no dedicated emergency medical transportation service for the event, please bring a cell phone and be prepared to dial 911 as needed. The routes and road defects will NOT be marked.  Participants are responsible for their own navigation.  Access to Cue Sheets, RideWithGPS App and GPS files will be provided to the participants. 
 All bicycles must have at least 1 working brakeAll riders must wear a helmet that meets CPSC, ANSI and/or Snell (or similar standards).Wearing headsets or earbuds are prohibited. Bicycles with Aerobars are permitted, but use of aerobars while riding near others is prohibited due to safety concerns. E-Bikes: Participants using Class 1 (Pedal Assist) & Class 2 (Pedal Assist w/ Throttle up to 20 MPH) E-Bikes are permitted to participate in the rides.  Use of Class 3 (Throttle Type >20 mph) and Class 4 E-Bikes (>750w) are prohibited from participating in the rides.
 

Support
The organizers will provide a Broom Wagon to pick-up participants who can’t make it back to the finish.  However, there will not be an active SAG program or on-course medical assistance.  Participants are highly encouraged to carry cell phones, spare tubes, and tools.  Since the course is not marked, we highly suggest the use of GPS enabled devices. 

The course officially closes at 3:30.   At this time all course services cease; any riders remaining on course will be without support.  Post Ride Food & Drink service ends at 4:00.  Riders who do not depart the aid station at the Upper Black Eddy Fire Company (ca mile 34) by noon are advised to take a short cut to avoid being on the road after services end, and to best ensure that post ride food and drinks are available to them. 

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