Pennsylvania Information

[Statdawg]

This thread is for planning your trip to the Keystone State. Those that reside here please add your favorite links, clubs, and places to ride and see along the way.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/NorthEast/PA/PA_index.htm

East Pa. BMW Motorcycle Dealers

http://www.hermys.com/

http://www.twojacks.com/

East Pa Clubs

http://mac-pac.org/

http://www.blackdiamondbeemers.com/index.htm

Tourism

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/pa

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/pennsylvania-uspa.htm

visitPA (http://www.visitpa.com/index.aspx) - Along with practical travel tips, hotel & restaurant guides, maps & pictures, check out the Road Trips section for complete excursions & scenic drives in selected areas, plus a complete directory of related links & resources.

PA Tourism and Lodging Association - Here (http://www.patourism.org/) locate member companies in different regions of Pennsylvania including hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts inns along with discount coupons, travel guides & links to major attractions throughout the state.


PA Restaurant Guide -here is (http://www.eatingpa.com/) One-stop searching for good eats throughout the state searchable by city, cuisine or restaurant name.

Visit Philadelphia - Here for a (http://www.phila.gov/visitors/)practical guide to the City of Brotherly Love with driving times from various locations, directions, maps, photo tour, visitor guide including major attractions, hotels & restaurants, sporting & entertainment event calendar.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Explore (http://www.pittsburgh.net/) the entire city online by neighborhood, ethnicity, lifestyle or interest, together with a complete visitor guide to major & nearby attractions, fun facts & trivia.

The Pennsyvlania Dutch Country / Lancaster County, PA Welcome Center - A warm welcome, (http://www.800padutch.com/)and all you need to know about the area's history & culture plus visitor guides to lodging, food, farm markets, arts & crafts, major attractions & family fun.

Pocono Mountains - Summer (http://www.800poconos.com/) resort central, with special deals & packages year-round plus a complete visitor guide to what to see and do, hotel & restaurant guides, free brochures and toll-free information.

Welcome to Gettysburg.com - The (http://www.gettysburg.com/) premiere spot for Civil War buffs & reenactors with detailed information on the battlefield site history with maps & pictures, the complete Gettysburg Address and more on the living history center, related attractions, dining & lodging guides.

[john1691]

Welcome to Lancaster County--now go home! Just kidding, if you are on a bike, welcome, if you are in a car and are too old to see over the steering wheel like 1/2 of the tourists that cause traffic to creep along, well, ok, we'll take your money too! We have 4 covered bridge loops that can actually be strung together and done in one day. The Amish farms are beautiful, with rolling pastures and well kept property. Our western border is the Susquehanna River, which some time ago carved out some interesting river hills, making some fun, curvey sections of back roads. We have a couple local brewers, Lancaster Brewing, as well as Bube's Brewery, and Nissley Winery has a summer concert series that is a lot of fun. The area is littered with B&B's, as well as campgrounds and of course, every hotel chain you can imagine. The National Steam Train museum is here in Strassburg, where you can take a steam locomotive ride through Amish farmland.

So come visit, and PM me if you want any help with roads to ride or accomodations, or just to meet another club member over coffee.

[deitscher]

Just to add to what has been previously stated...PA has much to offer! Our commonwealth has a wide range of geography and cultures to explore. From rolling PA Dutch farmland in the SE to colonial history in the greater Philadelphia area to vast expanses of hardwood forests in central, NE and the northern tier territories to the shores of Lake Erie in the NW to Scotch-Irish Appalachian communities in the central and south-central regions, you can't go wrong in "Penn's Woods."

One word of caution while traveling in PA, watch out for Nittany Lions...they are everywhere!

A couple of Links for your interest:

www.pawilds.com (http://www.pawilds.com) - your guide to the wilds of North-Central PA. Great roads in this part of PA.

http://www.centralpacvb.org - your guide to central PA and Penn State Country.

Pennsylvania is prime riding territory for your Beemer!

I look forward to passing you on a PA road! I think one of our license plate slogans sums it up well: "You've got Friend in Pennsylvania."

[cruisincruzan]

paroute6.com

[tessler]

And don't miss Baloney Day in good old Lebanon, PA (http://www.lebanonpa.org/lebanoncity/site/default.asp)!

[TGA57589]

I live close by and if you're not from the area I would suggest Lancaster county through central PA as well. I live next to Lanc. county and ride in that area as much as possible to just enjoy the openess and yes even the smell of the farms. Just a relaxing ride for me.

[gsjay]

www.visitjohnstownpa.com

www.thealleghenies.com

Laurel Highlands BMW Riders #294 Campout
June 19- 21, 2008 in Somerset Pa. at Pioneerpark Campground.

jason

[bricciphoto]

statdawg—Thanks for planting the Pennsylvania flag in the Northeast section.

Representing: Adams County home of Gettysburg (http://www.nps.gov/gett/), Eisenhower National Historic Site (http://www.nps.gov/eise) and orchards (http://www.allaboutapples.com/orchard/pa02.htm) (mostly). And not too far from Catoctin Mountain Park (http://www.nps.gov/cato) home of the Presidential Retreat at Camp David (http://www.nps.gov/cato/historyculture/retreat.htm).

Facts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_County,_Pennsylvania)

History (http://www.achs-pa.org)

One of Pennsylvania's fastest growing counties (roughly 60 miles to Baltimore and 85 miles to DC).

There's also Gettysburg Bike Week (http://www.redknightspa12.org/gettysburg.htm).

[FredRydr]

This link is to state forest maps in pdf format, and there are a lot of state forests for great off road and dual-sport riding. These are useful for planning and travel, because many such roads are not in the Garmin or Navitech maps databases. Choose the region, then choose Forest Map:

Pennsylvania State Forests Maps (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Forestry/stateforests/index.aspx)

You can get free printed color maps on glossy paper at each forest headquarters or from the Department's headquarters in Harrisburg.

Fred

[TGA57589]

One thing you will need to be aware of riding in Dutch Country...I almost always see the black bumpers usually in a big van running stop signs, tailgaiting generally driving like mainiacs on back roads. If you live in the area you'll understand what I mean so you have to be careful. I was in the area of Shady Maple smorgasboard yesterday to experience the drivers in the tourist zone not paying attention to the road but fortunately or not it was in the 20's so I had my dad's van. The area is beautiful but you have to be very aware of the tourist's and their lack of paying attention to the road.

[john1691]

True, though I wouldn't say our native cagers are any worse than most in say, Jersey. And beware of road apples left by the 4 legged friends. I try to stay away from the touristy part of the county during summer months, as when the Amish farmers are out working their fields with horse drawn equipment, people tend to do dumb stuff while fumbling for cameras or just staring. Plenty of "river roads" to play on near the Susquehanna, as well as some nice views of farmland, and mostly rideable 10-12 months a year.

[pffog]

Better roads, if you like small tight and twisty stuff, in North Central Pa than in New England or the Adirondacks, for sure.

[porkchopgreasy]

Gotta start in Linglestown, PA at St. Thomas Roaster's Coffee Shop on PA 39 they have the best Joe in town. Unfortunately it is right next to theight damned flagpole (http://stthomasroaster.com/)

Then Route 322 North.

Then 225 North.

Then 325 East. Great Road and the best fishing.

[roburnmc]

The lower Susquehanna River area has a lot of nice back country roads to explore. Specifically Lancaster and York counties. When I don't have a lot of time to do longer rides, I often go to this area for a few hours and it always puts a smile on my face. I did a really nice New Years Day ride in this area. Dirt, gravel, twisties, a lot of road varity.
But of course heading to the mountain regions is always the best. Route 125 from Pine Grove to Shamokin is awsome. Just watch out for the lunitics riding this route on Sundays.
Happy riding.

[ndjimbo]

But of course heading to the mountain regions is always the best. Route 125 from Pine Grove to Shamokin is awsome. Just watch out for the lunitics riding this route on Sundays.
Happy riding.

+1. Route 125 is one of my favorites. Countless hairpin turns, beautiful scenery, little traffic, no cops.

[aaaaaa]

This thread is for planning your trip to the Keystone State.
:dunno

What trip?:dance :whistle ;) :lurk :blah :ear :hungover :wave :german :blah :bottle :deal

[FredRydr]

Okay, you want some local favorites?

PA 994 - entire length from Orbisonia to PA 26
PA 641 - from Roxbury to end at US 522
PA 74 - from Carlisle to end at PA 75
PA 233 - from PA 194 to end at PA 997
PA 125 - from Pine Grove to Shamokin, but turn left near US 81 entrance and use Mollystown Road shortcut through Jolliet back to Good Spring and PA 125 again
PA 849 - from Duncannon to end at PA 34
PA 339 - from Mahanoy City to Mainville and then Mainville Dr to E Bloomsburg

Also: cross the Susquehanna on the old paddlewheel ferry at Millersburg over to PA 34 - schedule limited, so check website

There are too many to list today. More later.

Fred

[gsjay]

What about Route 144 from Galeton on Route 6, south to Black Moshanon near route 80.

I think it's the best 75 miles in the state!

jason

[jlcox]

What about Route 144 from Galeton on Route 6, south to Black Moshanon near route 80.

I think it's the best 75 miles in the state!

jason

Jason is correct Rt 144 from State College, PA to Rt 6 in the north is a great ride. Also look at Rt 44 north from Avis.

Elk can be seen along Rt120, Rt 255, and Rt 555 (look near Pennfield on a PA map)

Jerry

[XTrooper]

Sullivan County, PA: Eagles Mere, World's End State Park, Forksville. Great riding roads and scenery, little to no traffic. We live in southern Luzerne County and the Forksville area is one of our favorite day trip destinations. I highly recommend it.

If you make it up there, you owe it to yourself to stop and eat at the Forksville General Store! It's one of the coolest places on the planet and their subs are true Philly style! The BEST!

http://www.forksvillestore.com/

[jlcox]

Jason is correct Rt 144 from State College, PA to Rt 6 in the north is a great ride. Also look at Rt 44 north from Avis.

Elk can be seen along Rt120, Rt 255, and Rt 555 (look near Pennfield on a PA map)

Jerry

Almost forgot how we like to eat. Check out Rt655 valley between Rt22 and 322. Look for Belleville on the map. Now comes the good part, Allensville a small town west of Belleville has a great restaurant with an all you can eat buffet. It is all home cooking and I stuff myself every time we go there.

As you sit eating you will see Amish buggies of different colors going up and down the road. Sunday is a day of rest and a time to visit for the Amish. Just watch out for those round slick thing on the road.

Great valley to explore, it has some nice side roads and if you travel Rt 305 out of Belleville you run into Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Have fun and great eats.

[gsjay]

Almost forgot how we like to eat. Check out Rt655 valley between Rt22 and 322. Look for Belleville on the map. Now comes the good part, Allensville a small town west of Belleville has a great restaurant with an all you can eat buffet. It is all home cooking and I stuff myself every time we go there.

As you sit eating you will see Amish buggies of different colors going up and down the road. Sunday is a day of rest and a time to visit for the Amish. Just watch out for those round slick thing on the road.

Great valley to explore, it has some nice side roads and if you travel Rt 305 out of Belleville you run into Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Have fun and great eats.


Yes, the buffet in Allensville if outstanding! Great food and a great price.
the valley is just wonderful.
Just do it!
jason

[RobertJ]

For some great riding don't forget route 32 from Easton down through Yardley. Here is the link for Bucks Cohttp://visitbuckscounty.com/unty info

[sailer]

I hope thread is the correct place for this

I am trying to use a business trip as a catalyst to go to Deal’s Gap Tail of the Dragon

I have to be in Birdboro Court for my company on May 17th

So here is my plan:

On Tuesday May 11th or a few days sooner (if I can get away with it) drive my truck with my bike from Boston, Ma to the Birdboro, PA area

Find some place safe and legal (and free if possible) to leave my truck as I plan to unload my bike not to return until Sunday May 16th

Are there any cool roads that will get me down to the Front Royal, VA and the beginning of the Skyline Drive?
If not, which would be the fastest way to get there? I would like to stay off the slab as much as possible. If I do have to use them, no big deal

From there I plan to ride down to dragon, I would like to take skyline to the blue ridge parkway the entire way, but really would like to be there in 2 days, so might have to detour to some bigger roads to make up time. I will trying to do between 300 and 350 miles a day, spend a day at the gap and then return back to load bike no to truck
And be ready for work on Monday

So here are the local knowledge question

1. Safe, legal, free, places to leave my pick up truck, in or near Birdboro, Pa and or near answer to question number 4

2. Best bike route from Birdboro, Pa. to Front Royal, Va. Do not want to go to far out of the way but don’t mind a few extra miles if it keeps me away from the slabs or traffic lights.

3. Fastest route in case of wash out/rainstorm

4. Does anyone have any suggestion to a hotel that is very close to the Birdboro courthouse, 9:00am trial?

I have been studying maps of the area and this is not my first road trip, but as we all know, nothing beats local knowledge

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

If anyone is in the area, who has some free time and local knowledge, wants to lead the way that would be just great. I have been known to bend a couple of traffic laws so I promise not to hold up anyone’s riding style

[36654]

Almost forgot how we like to eat. Check out Rt655 valley between Rt22 and 322. Look for Belleville on the map. Now comes the good part, Allensville a small town west of Belleville has a great restaurant with an all you can eat buffet. It is all home cooking and I stuff myself every time we go there.

As you sit eating you will see Amish buggies of different colors going up and down the road. Sunday is a day of rest and a time to visit for the Amish. Just watch out for those round slick thing on the road.

Great valley to explore, it has some nice side roads and if you travel Rt 305 out of Belleville you run into Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Have fun and great eats.

Peachey's burnt down this week.......... However, Greenwood furnace is still there.

[pffog]

I..............
1. Safe, legal, free, places to leave my pick up truck, in or near Birdboro, Pa and or near answer to question number 4

Have not ridden that far S and E in Pa to help with roads, but do have a lot of experience finding a place to park.

Try the Anonymous listings, call MC dealers in the area, Call large towing companies in the area, many have large lots and for a 6 pack or $10 gift cert at the local Denny's they will let you park. Trucking companies or truck repair facilities the same, a little sweet talk and assurance that they are not responsible for the truck, just assurance that they will not tow it.

That is what I have had the best luck with.

[36654]

Jason is correct Rt 144 from State College, PA to Rt 6 in the north is a great ride. Also look at Rt 44 north from Avis.

Elk can be seen along Rt120, Rt 255, and Rt 555 (look near Pennfield on a PA map)

Jerry

Close, but no cigar.

Rte 144 doesn't go to State College. It starts at Potters Mills, goes to Bellefonte, then on to the Allegheny Plateau.

Similarly, PA 44 crosses US220 at Jersey Shore and travels up the Pine Creek Valley until Waterville where it leaves the creek valley and climbs up on the plateau. From there, you're on the plateau until Coudersport, where you intersect US 6.

Take PA120N from Lock Haven (Stop for a view at Hyner Lookout and watch the hang gliders) to PA555 at Driftwood and on to the Medix Run Hotel. Take a rest on the deck at the hotel and have a burger. Afterward, follow PA2004, the Quehanna Highway, thru the nature area, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quehanna_Wild_Area then south on PA879, across the Susquehanna, to PA144. Follow PA144 south until Bellefonte, where you pick-up I80, I99 or US322 (at State College).

[Statdawg]

Bumped up the ladder for the rally.

[Jogitu]

Centralia, PA is not far from the rally. An abandoned town due to a still burning mine fire sounds intriguing to me. Does anyone know if it worth a look and can you even enter the area anymore? I ask because I don't accept the "if it is on the Internet it must be true" theory.

http://www.offroaders.com/album/centralia/centralia.htm

[UncleHowie]

Centralia, PA is not far from the rally. An abandoned town due to a still burning mine fire sounds intriguing to me. Does anyone know if it worth a look and can you even enter the area anymore? I ask because I don't accept the "if it is on the Internet it must be true" theory.

http://www.offroaders.com/album/centralia/centralia.htm

Yep, it's been discussed here briefly already. Here's the thread:
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50783&page=3

Start on the bottom of the page, at post #45.

A few more posts on the following page or so.

[36654]

Jason is correct Rt 144 from State College, PA to Rt 6 in the north is a great ride. Also look at Rt 44 north from Avis.

Elk can be seen along Rt120, Rt 255, and Rt 555 (look near Pennfield on a PA map)

Jerry

If you can make 144 run through State College, I'll give you $100.00:)

The southern end of 144 is at US322 in Potter Mills (Seven Mtn). Its northern terminus is at US6 in Galeton. The route runs east of State College (and probably pre-dates that community) and passes through my hometown of Bellefonte, crosses the Bald Eagle Valley and then climbs up the Allegheny plateau.

US322 goes through State College (big yawn), then northwest to Phillipsburg, Clearfield and Ohio.

Enjoy.

[CaptainR12C]

Where all that great chocolate comes from!

http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/

[36654]

Where all that great chocolate comes from!

http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/

If you like chocolate and are cheap like me.........Stop at the Aldi store in Burnham or Williamsport and check-out the Moser-Roth chocolates.

[rockbottom]

Okay, you want some local favorites?

PA 994 - entire length from Orbisonia to PA 26
PA 641 - from Roxbury to end at US 522
PA 74 - from Carlisle to end at PA 75
PA 233 - from PA 194 to end at PA 997
PA 125 - from Pine Grove to Shamokin, but turn left near US 81 entrance and use Mollystown Road shortcut through Jolliet back to Good Spring and PA 125 again
PA 849 - from Duncannon to end at PA 34
PA 339 - from Mahanoy City to Mainville and then Mainville Dr to E Bloomsburg

Also: cross the Susquehanna on the old paddlewheel ferry at Millersburg over to PA 34 - schedule limited, so check website

There are too many to list today. More later.

Fred

You've got my week covered. I did 994 and 641 today and 233 and 74 yesterday. But I'm also a big fan of 30 from 75 to 160.

[pffog]

We haven't even talked back roads yet, some gems in the area :thumb

[Statdawg]

We haven't even talked back roads yet, some gems in the area :thumb

:ear I want to see which ones you missed.

[pffog]

:ear I want to see which ones you missed.

I haven't missed much in the area, I have showed some seasoned back road riders that live there, roads they never knew existed. I have made 2-3 trips a year for the last 10 years averaging 750-900 miles/ trip in that area, just to find ride the back roads.

Names like st Johns/Hobbie/mountain rd (depending on what map you look at), Pine mtn. Rd, Pine-Logantown road. Cider Press rd, Mollystown, and Lincoln roads, 2 seperate Gold mine Roads. West county and powder Glen roads, Blue ridge trail, Switze Road, Alden mountain. Running gap Rd, (a jeep trail at best) that I rode on my RS, Copper mills Rd, another goat path. Blue balls Rd.

Some to the SW, Mountain house road, Enders, millers creek and Carsonville Rd (S of Carsonville), Marsh creek Rd. I have to go, but there are dozens more I know like the back of my hand, along with the widly popular and known roads.

And don't be surprised, if you don't know some, as I have showed some big mileage back road, NC riders some great roads they didn't know existed too. I am just a map geek, what can I say.

[rockbottom]

I recommend riding Ridge Road. By my calculation, there are about 7,000 with that name in Pennsylvania.

[Statdawg]

I was wondering if our membership would be interested in some of those off-the-beaten track routes ? I was thinking about doing a GPS file just north and northwest of the rally site but when I think about it there are just as nice roads going east and southeast or west.

I know the roads you mention but two names, so I have to look at a map. There are plenty of ridges and hollow roads, my favorite is Devils Hollow near Devils Glen Road, its a GS road and I am not sure why the names unless they do not wish visitors.

The Carsonville area I usually hit coming home from Hermys BMW and approaching it from the east. I do the Millersburg Ferry crossing once a year and explore the back ways to Jersey Shore - Allenwood - Lewisburg area or come up the east side of the Susquehanna river.

The Back Mountain area offers numerous twisty roads, there is a nice loop west of Harveys Lake that was an organized car racing track till someone hit a pole in the late 1950's....... its a baby LeMans. Or near Tunkhannock the sport bike community blasts up Sugar Hollow Road. Giants Dispair is used for Hill Climbs is just east of Wilkes-Barre and it puts you into some great riding heading south into the Leigh Gorge. Also RT 29 is popular from W. Nanicoke north. A great road off of it is the Mooretown that gets you west to RT 118...........nice twisties and pavement but the shoulders could be safer.

Of course everyone raves about RT 339 and 125 but those little roads around them are just as sweet.........matter of fact way east, I like Buck Mountain near Hazleton better than 125. Off of 339, Red Ridge to Nuremburg and then east on the mountain road is wonderful, down the road you have Moss Glenn, Turkey Hill or the Catawissa road and Cold Run down to 895 is scenic. In the Zion Grove area, Ridge and Fern Glen roads are twisty and scenic.......great back way from Centralia to 339 to Bloomsburg. ......another ridge road.

But I still want to make a great loop between the Harveys Lake - Bloomsburg - Hughesville- Exchange all scenic to yourself roads for our membership. But the great motorcycle sites will sway them to the popular known roads.

My advice to visitors is frame an area and get lost. Use the south and main branches of the Susquehanna River and RT 118 to the north enjoy everything in between. To the east frame the Susquehanna river with I 80 to the north I 78 to the south and stay on this side of the Delaware river. If the roads are busy keep making turns. Set your GPS to have Bloomsburg your home and enjoy.

Pennsylvania has too many roads........

[pffog]

I was wondering if our membership would be interested in some of those off-the-beaten track routes ? I was thinking about doing a GPS file just north and northwest of the rally site but when I think about it there are just as nice roads going east and southeast or west.

It takes the right kind of rider to enjoy these roads, about 5% of the 2% of riders that profess liking twisty stuff. If you don't mind narrow tight and technical they are wonderful.

Of course everyone raves about RT 339 and 125 but those little roads around them are just as sweet.........matter of fact way east, I like Buck Mountain near Hazleton better than 125. Off of 339, Red Ridge to Nuremburg and then east on the mountain road is wonderful, down the road you have Moss Glenn, Turkey Hill or the Catawissa road and Cold Run down to 895 is scenic. In the Zion Grove area, Ridge and Fern Glen roads are twisty and scenic.......great back way from Centralia to 339 to Bloomsburg. ......another ridge road.

Yea, I take a different Buck mountain Rd to Nuremburg, as the 339 gets rough as soon as it crosses the county line heading to Zion Grove, I will have to try Red ridge next time. I head straight at the Mountain Rd intersection and head over to Weston Rd toward Sugarloaf, and Sugarloaf mountain Rd, then up to the Hobbie area, most of the paved roads around Hobbie are great. Out of Catawssa, the Logging rd was paved a couple years ago and is a good path to the 339.

I find most areas E of I81 to be too populated with lots of drives, houses, and low speed limits with roads full of Volvo's and minivans, so I stay away.

Pennsylvania has too many roads........SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..................... ......

[36654]

I recommend riding Ridge Road. By my calculation, there are about 7,000 with that name in Pennsylvania.

Between each valley? :)

I'm betting his Ridge Road is PA144 from Moshannon to South Renovo. But, that leaves 6999 other possibilities.

I'm wondering which Marsh Creek road he means?

[pffog]

Between each valley? :)
I'm wondering which Marsh Creek road he means?

The one from 144 E to Balnchard, and in that area the 445 is is one of the most technical in PA, IMHO, off camber turns and all.

[Statdawg]

I find most areas E of I81 to be too populated with lots of drives, houses, and low speed limits with roads full of Volvo's and minivans, so I stay away. That is the same problem with some of the Back Mountain / Harveys Lake area roads ......... it depends on time of day and which day of the week since many people sleep here and work east of it. Also there are lots of commuters because Penn State has a campus in Lehman, Dallas has a University, and there is a huge State Prison that employees many in Jackson twp..

There are a few nice cuts through the Poconos but on weekends you have familys and vehicles pulling watercraft...........I save this area for a mid-week morning.

North center Pa near Tunkhannock to Towanda is the natural gas boom area so you may have to share the road with trucks. The Dushore area back roads are not bad in any direction.

I was just in the rural area of Bloomsburg this afternoon and had no traffic even on the main roads.............the bike ran very well. :)

RT 339 is bumpy near Zion Grove and the mountain over to Mahanoy City has leftover tar and chip still on the road from last fall. Usually from Mahanoy City I head towards Sheppton then towards Nuremburg once there you have other choices, even going towards Rock Glen is a nice.

Going the other direction there are many differant back roads to get to Hermys BMW in Port Clinton. Its nice to see the vastness of the coal fields then come summer they are blocked by trees.

[36654]

The one from 144 E to Balnchard, and in that area the 445 is is one of the most technical in PA, IMHO, off camber turns and all.

Exit 144 at Runville and follow the township routes to Blanchard. The paved roads that exit to the north loop back to the main road. If you have a GS, you can go over Walker Ridge to Orviston. Then follow Beech Creek down to civilization.

PA 445 is Nittany to Madisonburg. A flat bed truck lost a load of 2"x4"'s on the roof of my 76 Beetle on that road in 79 or 80.

[Motocamper]

I was wondering if our membership would be interested in some of those off-the-beaten track routes ? I was thinking about doing a GPS file just north and northwest of the rally site but when I think about it there are just as nice roads going east and southeast or west. I am interested in plotting some routes North of I 80. Just need to figure out how to do it on Zumo 550. Give me a PM.
tony

[lewisb]

There are 21 covered bridges in Columbia County Pennsylvania. The attached route takes you through (or by) 17 of them. The route is about 50% dirt roads and 50% paved roads. I started in Berwick but the route can start at Rupert Bridge which is just outside the Rally fairgrounds. It's about 140 miles and 6 hours of enjoyable riding.

[Raidojc]

A couple of favorites for those of you visiting the Bloomsburg Area:

Thumbs up on Two Jacks BMW, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, about a 60 minute ride NE of Bloomsburg. Very good customer service. I was at their shop this weekend for riding gear and learned that they'll have a service center on-site at the Bloomsburg fairgrounds in July.

For a fun couple of hours try Bill's Old Bike Barn which has dozens of older HDs, MotoGuzzis, and other vintage motorcycles on display. Very unique. Located about 15 minutes NE of Bloomsburg. http://www.billsbikebarn.com/

A new brew pub is under construction in the North end of town, just off the I-80 ramps, called the Turkey Hill Brew Pub. Looks first rate. The owner expects to be operational in mid-April. No website at this time but imminent. Contact the Inn at Turkey Hill for more information. http://www.innatturkeyhill.com/newsworthy.html

Jeff C.
Glenmoore, PA
1993 K1100RS Mystic Red

[cruscor]

I live in Benton, PA a little north of Bloom, and so I definitely say that Rickett's Glen State Park is a must see. Also, one area that hasn't got much attention is the Union County area. Lewisburg, like Bloomsburg is a college town, so it has it's own great bars/restaurants worth checking out if you're headed that way. It's definitely an area worth considering. I like taking rt. 254 west from Benton to get there from my house. The views along this road are incredible (minus the power plant).

My favorite place to visit out there and a real hidden gem is a place called T&D's cats of the world. It's an exotic animal sanctuary located in Penn's Creek. All the animals there, including lions and tigers used to be people's pets, a lot of the personalstories of how the animals got there are incredible. The website is www.tdscats.com there are some nice rides out that way.

[rx35285]

I'm looking at entering PA on 22 west of Pittsburgh. What would you recommend for a mostly 2 lane route from there to Bloomsburg?

TIA
Dave

[rockbottom]

I'm looking at entering PA on 22 west of Pittsburgh. What would you recommend for a mostly 2 lane route from there to Bloomsburg?

TIA
Dave

Here are a couple of options (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&hl=en&msa=0&ll=41.170384,-78.288574&spn=2.923284,7.13562&z=8&msid=215297622548952181534.0004a15cab294b9217910). The northern one is a bit longer but probably more scenic.

[Motocamper]

Here are a couple of options (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&hl=en&msa=0&ll=41.170384,-78.288574&spn=2.923284,7.13562&z=8&msid=215297622548952181534.0004a15cab294b9217910). The northern one is a bit longer but probably more scenic.

The north route is better even if you had to ride I 80 for an hour. It took us one hour of snail pace to thourgh the Northumberland, PA bottle neck of RT 11 & RT 147 on thursday rush hour 3 to 4. About 6 F@*&^% miles My left hand is still numb. This is not the first time it has happened to us. I should know better by now.
Tony

[rockbottom]

Hmm. I rode through there in 147 on Sunday afternoon and it was fine. Just windy as the dickens.

[Motocamper]

Greetings
We to have breezed though midday, evenings and weekends. The Northumberland, PA bottle neck of RT 11 & RT 147 only happens around weekday quitting time.
tony

[rockbottom]

It would be good advice for everyone to avoid 11 at rush hour as much as possible. Marysville and Shamokin Dam are bottlenecks as well.

[aphillips66]

I'm really looking forward to riding through Pennsylvania in July. It sounds like there are a lot of good routes. Now I wish that I had booked more time.

I once rode through PA on my way home from a run down/up the Blue Ridge Parkway. I came across a fantastic route somewhere in the western part of the state. I really enjoyed it out there. I was the traffic. :~)

[075038]

Rally goers may enjoy an 85 mile ride west over to State College, PA before, during or after the rally.

State College PA Has:

Penn State University Students: Many attend in the summer session as well. www.psu.edu

Kissell BMW, Ducati etc Motorcycle Dealer, recently moved just off Atherton Road, off 322 west of town. www.kissellmotorsports.com

Beaver Stadium: Joe Paterno's Football Team's Stage, 110,700 seats. Good Museum under grandstands, tours given. live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157625207329992

Berkey Creamery Ice Cream and Yogurt to die for: Free parking in parking garage in back but getting the gate to lift for motorcycles is tricky because pavement sensors are looking for car and a button push together, move motorcycle side to side and still reaching the button is the tricky part, two by two might work better. Corner of Bigler and Curtin Roads. http://creamery.psu.edu/store

College Ave (Main Street) Route 26, one way divides town from Penn State U. Two or three sections of Free motorcycle parking spaces on left. Diners and evening spots etc. The back street, Beaver Ave, one way the other way also has many shops and eateries.

Dirt Roads: Find Poe Paddy State Park with camping on trout stream, and Penn's view, in 7 mountains section, southeast of town 20 miles, (13 are dirt). http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/poepaddy.aspx

Hike Mount Nittany: East of town, drive part way up, hike last mile to good views of "Happy Valley." Sunset views too. http://www.hikemountnittany.com/

Tourist Information Center: Across Street from Beaver Football Stadium, just off Route 322

Museum: PA Military Museum 3 miles away in Boalsburg http://pamilmuseum.org/

Penn State's Art Festival July 14-17 http://www.arts-festival.com/

This content might be well liked by those coming to the rally.

I've warned Kissell's that they will feel the effects of thousands of BMW motorcyles nearby that week.

Keith of Kennett Sq

[pffog]

Just an FYI!

If any of you are in Bloomsburg at the rally, watch out for a Black GM/Chevy PU truck, with a short (2' Long) light bar on top and most recognizable a small thick black antenna mounted on the LR side of the bed.

Guy tried to deliberately run me off the road a couple years back, on 44 just N of Bloomsburg I wrote every Fire department and the local Sheriff and reported the incident. Never heard a thing back.

If it had a couple of flat tires during the rally, that would be a good thing.

[thumperbum]

My advice to visitors is frame an area and get lost. Use the south and main branches of the Susquehanna River and RT 118 to the north enjoy everything in between. To the east frame the Susquehanna river with I 80 to the north I 78 to the south and stay on this side of the Delaware river. If the roads are busy keep making turns. Set your GPS to have Bloomsburg your home and enjoy.

Pennsylvania has too many roads........

Statdawg I couldn't agree more except for us having too many roads. Maybe if I worked for Pendot! I grew up outside of Bloomsburg between Berwick and Orangeville at the foot of Knob Mouintain. I'm surely not a Pa Touring expert but have explored some in the last 25 years. I love the ride from Bloomsburg to Worlds End by way of Central, Rickets Glen State Park, LaPort and Eagles Mere. We saw two eagles on route to LaPort some years ago. A bag lunch overlooking the Loyalsock Creek Appalachian Trail and doesn't sound too bad! I'm sure a continuation to the PA Grand Canyon then a highway I80 cruise back to Bloomsburg would be a fantastic outing. Also Lockhaven and Renovo are prime examples of PA Appalachian Mountain territory.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/worldsend.aspx

As far as I know Centralia doesn't have any homes left. The government finally chased out everyone and tore them down. It's now just a stretch of road that passes a cemetery and some smoking holes and vent pipes. They drilled holes trying to locate the fires and thus let air into the burning coal veins. In the 80's and 90's you could see glowing holes in the ground. Everyone leaves it alone now. My father worked there in the 60's and 70's, (I can't remember the years anymore, forgive me) trying to push the fires out with heavy equipment. the dozer tracks got so hot you couldn't put your hands on them. They gave up fighting the fires.

About 8 miles outside Bloomsburg on the way to Centralia is Numedia Dragway. For a fee you can test your speed skills on Friday night!
http://www.numidiadragway.net/

I would like to add some local attractions that are interesting to me. The Pioneer Coal Mine and Hickory Run State Park were Middle School Field Trips. Hickory Run has a boulder field left over from when the Glaciers retreated. It's quite an anomaly.
http://www.pioneertunnel.com/home.shtml
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx

I have to mention Knobles Amusement Park again. I have seen it posted earlier but warrants another mention, and this is why. It's a smaller park but is very entertaining for all ages. It's cheep and you can literaly park your bike and be in line for a world class roller coaster ride in, ah, say 15- 20 min at the most. The Pheonix is awsome wooden coaster, you will want to go again! I think they have camping also. No admission fee, stay as long as you want.

http://www.knoebels.com/
I hope this was helpful. I accidentally deleted the post once and had to rewrite it.:scratch
Keep the rubber side down! BTW this not a dry state but beer is not sold in convenience stores. We have State Stores for Liquor and Distributors for beer. Bars are everywere, as are American Legions and VFWs to help you enjoy the stay here.

[DAVEJENKINS2]

Hey All:

I am planning a ride from Rochester, NY to the Poconos. Heading down on Saturday the 28th and coming home to Rochester on the 29th.

Anyone have some tips on a route that would be nice to ride? Places to stay, and a good dinner?

Thanks!

[thumperbum]

It looks like picking up 220 at Mansfield and catching 118 to Scranton area is a viable route. I would be saving a few minutes for this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdanvers/3708250219/
Have a great ride!

[aphillips66]

What is the local law enforcement in Pennsylvania? Here in New Hampshire, it's town/city police and state police that enforce traffic laws. The deputy sheriffs typically don't do traffic enforcement, mainly court/jail duties. What's the deal in PA? Should we be cognizant of any car with a blue (or red?) light bar? :brow

[thumperbum]

It's the same here and Bloomsburg police have plenty of practice maintaining order down town. Being a college town with yearly parties at Spring break ect. and the 4x4 Jamboree they keep busy. But for the most part they leave people alone and concentrate on problem areas. They want the business to continue to come back to town. Normally the good old days of open containers at the Square and BurgerKing, (ie the loop) are long gone, but they overlook alot as long as your not causing trouble. They put up "X cruises per hour past this point" signs on main street some years ago, mostly for show. But when Events are in town thats forgotten about.
Town police cruisers are well marked and the state police are too but they have unmarked chargers, mustangs and the occasional crown vics on the interstates. They may gear up the town force the first day or two to "keep the piece", but I doubt staties will be seen in town.

[pffog]

What is the local law enforcement in Pennsylvania? Here in New Hampshire, it's town/city police and state police that enforce traffic laws. The deputy sheriffs typically don't do traffic enforcement, mainly court/jail duties. What's the deal in PA? Should we be cognizant of any car with a blue (or red?) light bar? :brow

The good part in PA, is any radar set up has to be stationary, they cant get you on the move like NY state. But they are around, especially on main roads.

[aphillips66]

Thanks, guys. It's not that I intend to show crass disregard to the traffic laws, I haven't had a ticket in a very long time. I just like to be informed. :dance And I monitor "radio waves" most of the time, too. :)

http://aphillips66.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Breakfast-Ride-Bentleys/i-P5ddSV3/0/L/IMG2019-L.jpg

[aphillips66]

Here is a great resource for maps of the state forests (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/index.aspx). The public use maps show the dirt roads, trails, and scenic views. And the paper maps are free for download or you can call the department and ask for them (also free). 717-787-2703

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/assets/images/dcnrlogobuttonsb.jpg (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/index.aspx)

[Motocamper]

Here is a great resource for maps of the state forests (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/index.aspx). The public use maps show the dirt roads, trails, and scenic views. And the paper maps are free for download or you call the department and ask for them. 717-787-2703

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/assets/images/dcnrlogobuttonsb.jpg (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/index.aspx)

Thanks for the good info.
Tony

[bmwrider88]

The good part in PA, is any radar set up has to be stationary, they cant get you on the move like NY state. But they are around, especially on main roads.

here's another word on PA Police:
in addition to the regular municipal police forces and the State Police, here in PA,

many smaller towns & communities now have *combined* enforcement agencies, called Regional Police.

the suburban or outlying areas around most any midsize/bigger town or city are called townships here. most townships have their own police forces, because, unlike small towns, they have the financial base to keep them afloat.

IMO it's the Regional Police and the Township Police one must watch out for

lots of gung-ho ex military types with attitude far bigger than their actual authority. you don't get a lot of breaks from these guys. but yeah, +1 on the stationary radar. we got that up on a lot of places.

[bmwrider88]

reading through this entire thread, it again occurs to me what a fantastic place Pennsylvania is for motorcycling! mostly rural, largely mountainous, PA has it all- from dirt state forest roads for the GS riders, to twisty mountain roads, to back country lanes, to sweeping wide open US and Interstate highways, it really is fantastic.

i once read (and yes i know that 86.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot)
that PA has the 2nd highest number of motorcycle registrations in the USA. i almost believe it! out for a ride on a sunny Sunday, you'll pass SO many bikes. i go to other states and find myself wondering where the heck everyone is.

more often than not, the smaller roads are bereft of traffic! it's like there's a football game on every day and the locals are all home watching it! the drilling/digging for Marcellus Shale has messed up some of the great riding up in the Northern Tier area and certain other regions, and there's always logging trucks anywhere near the Allegheny National Forest,

but still, i gotta say Pennsylvania is the East Coast's *Secret Weapon*!

yes, there's great riding all through New York State, New England is beautiful, West Virgina and Virgina are endless, and yepper- Tennessee/North Georgia/Western North Carolina are all fantastic- but good ol Pennsyltuckey rivals them all. from side to side, from top to bottom, it is just beautiful.

AND you don't have to go to Lancaster County to see the Amish- they're all over the place so keep an eye out for them.

Cheers!
Tom (your friend near Harrisburg)

[thumperbum]

Hi all.
I drive/vanpool 30 miles of I80 and I380 for work.
This morning we were passed in the Pocono's by a State Trooper in a marked Dodge Magnum. Add that to the list. He was heading back to the barracks ending his night shift as usual they cruise seems like 80 mile hour, almost every morning. But I have notice they set up more speed traps when it gets closer to the months end and its probably a state wide practice, maybe.

[Visian]

There are 21 covered bridges in Columbia County Pennsylvania. The attached route takes you through (or by) 17 of them. The route is about 50% dirt roads and 50% paved roads. I started in Berwick but the route can start at Rupert Bridge which is just outside the Rally fairgrounds. It's about 140 miles and 6 hours of enjoyable riding.

so *this* is where the Covered Bridge Route came from!

Somehow it made it's way to me, and if you're entered in the GS Giant event (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50277), this ride earns points as an Adventure Detour and is a target rich environment for GS BS points.

Good show!

ian

[mark1305]

I'm planning on coming up using I-81 from just east of Knoxville for expediency despite my usual dislike of the superslab.

Continuing map/satellite photo studies make it look very attractive to leave I-81 for US 11 at Harrisburg and follow The Susquehanna Trail and US 11 on around to Bloomsburg. Are there any good reasons not to use this stretch of US 11, such as super low speed limits or bad major road construction spanning large areas?

My other, older plan was to continue on I-81 to maybe Buck Run and work my way up to Bloomsburg mostly on SR 42. That route looks to have as many small communities with the normal slower speeds as the river route - but minus the river view.

(I already checked the link for motorcycle roads/rides in PA and didn't find anything on US 11, just a ride with a short stretch along the east bank of the river just above Harrisburg.)

What say ye local riders?

TIA

[pffog]

Continuing map/satellite photo studies make it look very attractive to leave I-81 for US 11 at Harrisburg and follow The Susquehanna Trail and US 11 on around to Bloomsburg. Are there any good reasons not to use this stretch of US 11, such as super low speed limits or bad major road construction spanning large areas?
TIA


15/11 is as boring as the slab, except slower. After the first 5 minutes the river is all the same view. If you must take the slab, I would try this.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216095386428690908839.0004a667f08e10226add e&msa=0

Some good twisty stuff, not great to make time, but very nice riding.

[mark1305]

Thanks, I like those two options.

It does look twisty, as in good but time consuming. I've saved it to My Places. Depending on my timing as I get to the decision point, I can either use your route coming up, or stick with something faster.

Then if I don't use it coming up, I can use it on my return trip since I'm heading back towards Front Royal, VA to do the whole Skyline Drive/BRP on the way home when my schedule has way more flex in it.

Many thanks!

[pffog]

Thanks, I like those two options.

It does look twisty, as in good but time consuming. I've saved it to My Places. Depending on my timing as I get to the decision point, I can either use your route coming up, or stick with something faster.

Then if I don't use it coming up, I can use it on my return trip since I'm heading back towards Front Royal, VA to do the whole Skyline Drive/BRP on the way home when my schedule has way more flex in it.

Many thanks!


Look at the balloon I put up on the page also, a few more miles on 81 cuts off the bottom end, but gives you the 125 which many call PA's Deals Gap. Just take Mollysville rd and catch the route

[mark1305]

Way cool! Thanks!

I just bought a large print (yeah, my eyes are getting old - but I'm not) PA map today which really puts different routes in perspective and gives me some good info for rides once I get up there. This is going to be one of those lifetime trips complete with the photos and memories. And I grew up in some pretty good riding territory back in the day.

[Motocamper]

Thanks for the route pffog
We hate 11/15. Rush hour traffic is painfully slow and to be avoided. After 6:00 or before 7:00 can be a good pace. Never thought about coming up 125, next time!. 487 - 61 to Shamokin 125 south will be our way south to Willville. :D
Have you riden 22/322 to Rt225 to Rt 325 to rt125?
Tony

[pffog]

Thanks for the route pffog
We hate 11/15. Rush hour traffic is painfully slow and to be avoided. After 6:00 or before 7:00 can be a good pace. Never thought about coming up 125, next time!. 487 - 61 to Shamokin 125 south will be our way south to Willville. :D
Have you riden 22/322 to Rt225 to Rt 325 to rt125?
Tony

No I actually take a plethora of small twisty back roads from the area NE of Hburg. In that area the NE/SW roads follow the valleys, and have lots of small, but interesting towns. and one of the sweetest sections is the road directly across 209, S of the 125.

[mark1305]

Look at the balloon I put up on the page also, a few more miles on 81 cuts off the bottom end, but gives you the 125 which many call PA's Deals Gap. Just take Mollysville rd and catch the route

Yep, given the info posted just above this one regarding the rush hour perils on 11/15, I think that the 125 route just moved to the top.

Thanks again for all the info.

[Statdawg]

Yep, given the info posted just above this one regarding the rush hour perils on 11/15, I think that the 125 route just moved to the top.

Thanks again for all the info.

The worse rush hour is near Hummels Wharf / Selinsgrove area just take the old road around it.

<iframe src="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/332069/embed" height="500px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[gardner17756]

For those riding Rt's 125, 61, to 487 this sweet backroad from Danville will allow you to avoid 11/15 from Danville to Bloomsburg. Google Map: East Market St. Danville, PA. River Drive, Danville, Pa. Rupert Drive, Rupert, PA. Bloomsburg, PA.

[36654]

Thanks for the route pffog
We hate 11/15. Rush hour traffic is painfully slow and to be avoided. After 6:00 or before 7:00 can be a good pace. Never thought about coming up 125, next time!. 487 - 61 to Shamokin 125 south will be our way south to Willville. :D
Have you riden 22/322 to Rt225 to Rt 325 to rt125?
Tony

What on earth is occurring in that area that could create a rush hour?

[mark1305]

More good looking options! Options are good. :thumb

[Statdawg]

What on earth is occurring in that area could create a rush hour?

:thumb Coming up from Camp Hill I never had a problem.

OK :The only time and place I had trouble was in Selinsgrove trying to get out of Hoss's Resturant and make the two lane swing to head southward and being stuck in the Selinsgrove vs Berwick High School Football crowd on a September Friday night.

Also, I think there "was" bridge construction near Northumberland way last year that may have been an issue.

[2004GT]

Anyone riding to Bloomsburg from Pittsburgh on Friday, 7/22?