The ride winds down...the bikes are loaded up...ice cream is on our minds...but the day's adventure isn't always over. So many times we find ourselves mountain biking in locations that are full of history, beautiful scenery, and hidden surprises. These post-ride field trips add to the mountain biking experience, form lasting memories, and strengthen bonds of friendship. They are proof that there is more to see beyond the trail and, just because the the ride has ended...the adventure doesn't have to. Here are just a FEW of the excursions, sights, and "nerdiness" that have highlighted our mountain biking trips over the years. Enjoy!
After riding some pretty swampy and humid trails (Plantation Trail comes to mind), Mikey, Glenn, Billy, Mark and I took in the sights of the waterfalls near our campsite at Blackwater Falls, West Virgina -- June 2008
Wrapping up a cold, January ride in Governor Dick park near Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, Mark and I took time to climb up the fire tower on top of the ridge. So super cool! -- January 21, 2013
After riding in Governor Dick, Mark Lentz and I stumbled upon this ultra cook Eagle Scout project. This young man made fiber glass reproductions of how local lumber was converted to charcoal for the iron furnaces -- April 1, 2013
Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop is located in Caledonia State Park west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Thaddeus Stevens was a "Radical" Republican and on of Pennsylvania's members of the House of Representatives during and after the American Civil War. He was a vocal voice for the rights of African Americans. Mark Lentz and I checked out this area after a day of mountain biking in the southern part of Michaux State Forest -- October 12, 2015
If you ride anywhere in central Pennsylvania, chances are you will ride near an old iron furnace. Greenwood Furnace is located in Greenwood Furnace State Park near State College, PA. The remains of the furnace represent what is left of a thriving village that surrounded the iron furnace from 1834-1904. -- June 28, 2014
After riding in Ohiopyle State Park you cannot help but take time to go explore the main falls in the center of Ohiopyle. Just up the road you can hike down and explore Cucumber Falls. Any trip to Ohiopyle isn't complete without a ride through the natural waters slide. Check out the video below. -- April 2009
Just down the road from Ohiopyle State Park is Fort Necessity National Battlefield. It was here, in 1754, that a young George Washington was forced to surrender (the first and only time in his career) to an overwhelming French force -- April 2009
Left: Glenn Medice and Mark Lentz exploring the covered bridge at the top of Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest, NC. Right: Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest, NC -- August 2008
During our ride in the Lehigh Valley, Kevin Hardy and I came across the "Star of Bethlehem" that sits on top of the mountain overlooking Bethlehem, Pennsylvania -- August 2010
Riding at Mount Penn near Reading, PA, Mark Lentz and I stumbled upon Kuechler's Roost. Jacob Kuechler lived on top of Mount Penn in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He would serve food, drink, and conversation with people who visited the area. So cool! -- July 2, 2014
Mark and I also visited the Pagoda and fire tower which while riding in Mount Penn. Both structures overlook the town of Reading, Pennsylvania -- July 2, 2014
Riding near Raymond B. Winter State Park, Mark Lentz, Mikey Nardelli, and I came across an ultra cool amphitheater (top) and a spring house. Both located deep in the forest -- July 13 & 14, 2011
I've written about it so many times...but I cannot leave out our constant exploration of Camp Michaux located near Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Michaux State Forest. It served as a CCC camp, a WWII prisoner of war camp, and a church camp. What an awesome place to explore! -- July 24, 2014
Mark Lentz and I spent some time exploring Penn-Roosevelt Lake in Penn-Roosevelt State Park near State College, Pennsylvania. The lake was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps -- June 27, 2014
After mountain biking the Allegrippis Trails near Raystown Lake, Mark Lentz, Mikey Nardelli and I picnicked in, and explored, Trough Creek State Park. We found this really cool (literally) ice cave -- October 14, 2013
After the ice cave, Mark, Mikey, and I hike to the top of ridge to check out the balancing rock hovering over Trough Creek State Park -- October 14, 2013
Yep...taking time out after a ride at Chickies Rock in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! --April 13, 2014
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- February 3, 2017
It's not nature...nor is it historical...but it's pretty cool! Welcome to Dillsburg, PA. After a tough ride at Camp Tuckahoe, Mark Lentz and I made it a point stop and take a pic with the Dillsburg Pickle -- July 3, 2013
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You can find all of our ride pics and trail maps on the ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM website and, as always, here's a list of GARMIN maps and stats from a few of the rides featured in this post:
(January 21, 2013) Mountain biking at GOVERNOR DICK with Mark Lentz
(October 14, 2013) Mountain biking the ALLEGRIPPIS TRAILS with Mark and Mikey
(July 2, 2014) Mountain biking at MOUNT PENN with Mark Lentz
(June 27, 2014) Mountain biking in ROTHROCK STATE FOREST with Mark Lentz
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