Events: The 2020 Kermesse Sport’s Spring Classic Series

All photos are courtesy of Mike Maney Photography. Be sure to check out his work; he is a fellow cyclist in the Bucks County cycling community with multiple KOMs to his name.

(2020) It is time to admit winter will not be making an appearance for the start of 2020. Twice since the start of the year it has been at least sixty degrees, making it quite easy to make a list of bike events. As always, we are spoiled by great spring events under a single company: Kermesse Sport. For the 2020 calendar, some exciting changes have been added to the established spring events. We have circled each course at least once. Have a look at the four Kermesse Sport events and consider registering for the series:

Sourland Semi-Classic - February 23

It is the shortest of the four Spring Classics (64 miles), has the fewest sectors of gravel, and has the least amount of climbing. On paper the Sourland Semi-Classic might appear as an ‘easy’ day out. With the starting location at V5 Cycles in Flemington, NJ, for the second year, the Sourland Semi-Classic shares some of the famed Hell of Hunterdon roads. A select portion of the shared roads go in opposite directions. This also makes the Sourland Semi-Classic the perfect ride to kickstart the season. (Read about our 2018 experience here.)

Sectors in the Hell of Hunterdon are labeled prior to entering and departing. They count down to give one hope. Photo courtesy Mike Maney.

Sourland Semi-Classic’s further challenge is the potential for colder temperatures and the hallowed spring weather sought after by cycling diehards. The opening Kermesse event is not without a little climbing, particularly the picturesque setting of Zion Hill Road. Fortunately the climb is featured in the early part of the route, likely to warm shivering muscles. But like I said, don’t think the Sourland Semi-Classic is easy. It’s also the perfect ride to collect that Strava Gran Fondo badge for the month of February. Later the post-ride celebration awaits those who accept the challenge with food provided by V5 Cycles and libations by craft brewers.

Hell of Hunterdon - April 5

Having circled Kermesse Sport’s Hell of Hunterdon for the past ten years, we will let our attendance record do the talking. This is the marquee event for the spring cyclist. This year Kermesse adds a few more options to riders looking to score a (Hell) of Hunterdon result. The full distance event will still feature its imposing 82 miles, nineteen unpaved sectors, and more than 5,000 feet of climbing. That final number can be whittled down with an enticing shortcut prior to the final grind. Last year was difficult to ignore the possibility when the tailwind whipped up a convincing argument. (Read about our 2019 experience here.)

A group of riders navigate one of the many beautiful sectors on the Hell of Hunteron course. Photo courtesy Mike Maney.

New for 2020 Kermesse has added Purgatory, where riders will spend 30 miles burning off the sins of the holidays. It is a self-supported affair but gives riders a taste of the two longer courses. The Heck of Hunterdon is the medium distance route: 52 miles, nine unpaved roads, and nearly 4,000 feet of climbing. Believe us when we proclaim this course, in any distance, is beautiful. 

All Hell dwellers will have their event start and finish at the Princeton Elks Lodge with savory food and thirst-quenching beverages. The swag at the (Hell) of Hunterdon is nothing short of remarkable. With moto support, aid stations for the longest two rides, and a classic course, this Kermesse event is a must-do any year. With the addition of course choices, spending a day in Hell got paradoxically more comfortable. 

Fleche Buffoon - April 25

Having the Fleche Buffoon starting at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in New Hope, PA, has two benefits: Hell of Hunterdon participants can atone for their sins from a fortnight prior while Fleche Buffoon riders can ask for forgiveness at the finish for all the curse words they yelled climbing the fourteen bergs and steep hills along the Delaware River. The ride - all on paved roads - goes up and down the bluffs and palisades of the Pennsylvania side continue the trend on the New Jersey side for the return trip. It is impressive how climbs on both sides of the Delaware River have different personalities. (Read about our 2016 experience here.)

At seventy-five miles, the route is neither the longest nor hilliest Kermesse event but it is a challenging day out. We certainly entertained the idea of Faust, selling nearly anything to make the climbing easier. Add one more item to the confession post-ride. The route returns to the bustling town of New Hope, PA, where participants can kick back and relax with fellow finishers and post ride food and drink. Here is where riders can debate which climb was the most brutal, Fretz Mill Road or Uhlerstown, but where riders can reminisce about the descents. This is one to add to the trophy case for the spring rides.

Fools Classic - May 31

Both sides of the Delaware have distinctive differences in unpaved experiences. Photo courtesy Mike Maney.

The Fools Classic is the event for the rider who wants to experience the allure of an Italian-themed spring classic. The event that started the Kermesse Sport Spring Classic Series over a decade ago comes back bigger and better than before. One of the best food places in Doylestown, PA, is supplying the post-ride food. Altomonte’s Italian Market will be putting their Italian food out for riders looking to tackle the prodigious unpaved roads of Bucks County, PA. Last year we called it quits on the ambition to do the Imperial century distance and resolved satisfaction, if it can be called that, to riding the standard course. Compounding the struggle was the fact we had been dismounted our bike again on Berger Road. (Read about our 2019 experience here.)

To explore Bucks County is to step back in time. The Fools Classic routes have always managed to encompass the colonial feeling of navigating rudimentary roads and respite, which is odd considering how populated the county is. Often there are major roads near the Fools Classic route but one would never know it. The route explores red clay roads paralleling streams, gray gravel roads brushing the northern boundary of the county, and ancient dirt roads that pass the oldest working lumberyard in America. All of this happens in dozens of miles. This event has seen numerous changes since its inception, but this year has it all. With three Kermesse events already completed in the Spring Classic Series, you just might find yourself ready to tackle the finale with panache and Altomonte’s catering. The Italian spirit of the Strade Bianche comes to Bucks County through the nearly twenty unpaved sectors. Swap the malty for the grapes. The accomplishment of finishing either the 80-mile or 110-mile routes will be cause for celebration.