BACTRACKING 2024

 Upside-Down covered bridges, canals, flamingos, nuclear power plants, paper mills, Underground Railroad Stations,  battlefields, National Parks, gnomes, wild turkeys, deer, lighthouses, airplanes, snow, rattlesnakes, Mountain Laurel, museums, ugly sweaters, rivers, rocks, the ocean, spectacular views, great company, and of course...ice cream.  These are just a fraction of the things I’ve experienced along the trails in 2024.  What follows is a synopsis of my favorite bike rides and hikes of the past year.  Happy New Year and see you along the trails in 2025!

David Raymond in Ohiopyle State Park. -- June 10, 2024

SWATARA RAIL TRAIL

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Swatara State park has been a mountain biking destination for me  for over 15 years (and it was again for Ben and I this year)... but, in 2024, I decided to check out the rail trail that runs through the 3,520 acre park.   The Swatara Creek meanders its way through forests and wetlands of the park.  Along the trail, I passed the remains of seven locks from the Union Canal.  The canal was constructed in the early 19th century and connected Schulkill and Susquehanna Rivers.  The canal operated until it was destroyed by a flood in 1862 and was never rebuilt because a railroad went into operation along the Swatara Creek. 

Mountaining biking Swatara State Park with Ben Kelly -- February 3, 2024

Checking out the remains of the canal locks at Swatara State Park -- February 11, 2024

CHESTER VALLEY TRAIL

AUGUST 14, 2024

I’ve been wanting to ride this trail for a long time now.  Everytime I come home from Philadelphia I pass underneath it on the PA Turnpike.  The Chester Valley Trail is approximately 20 miles long and runs through Chester and Montgomery counties.  It was a unique combination of rural and city biking which, combined with the Schuylkill River Trail could make for an epic ride in the future!

Oh Deer! Chester Valley Trail -- August 14, 2024

Chester Valley Trail -- August 14, 2024

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION & THREE MILE ISLAND

MAY 19, 2024

This seemingly ordinary ride from my own driveway turned into something really cool.  Multiple Underground Railroad routes passed through York County, Pennsylvania.  Most Freedom Seekers chose NOT to stay in York County too long because it bordered Maryland (a slave state) and was easily accessible to slave hunters.  African Americans seeking their freedom often sought passage across the Susquehanna River to Dauphin and Lancaster Counties.  Once there, it would be more difficult for their pursuers to find them.  Lewisberry, just north of York City had a strong connection to the Quaker Community.  Members of the Redlands Meeting House in Lewisberry were active conductors in the area.  My bike ride, on this day, took me to the Redlands Quaker Meeting House.  Afterwards, I pedaled towards Goldsboro (along the Susquehanna River) for a good look at the infamous (and soon to be operational again) Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant.

Redlands Meeting House.  I really dig the Ted Kennedy for President in 1980 graffiti to the left side of the entrance!  -- May 19, 2024

Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in the background -- May 19, 2024

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN w/ VICTOR

MARCH 10, 2024

One of my favorite characters in American history is the explorer, Kit Carson.  Each year, I show a video of Carson to my students in which he is walking up a hill, against the cold wind, to the Oregon Territory.  This is how Victor and I felt as we hiked up Catoctin Mountain in Maryland on a blustery, March day.  Towards the end of our epic hike we made friends with an incredibly friendly deer as we made our way down the mountain.

Hiking (against the wind) Catoctin Mountain -- March 10, 2024

Victor Wueschinski and David Raymond at the peak of Chimney Rock -- March 10, 2024

Victor Wueschinski and David Raymond on Wolf Rock -- March 10, 2024

Victor and I made a friend on the way down the mountain! -- March 10, 2024

Our friend didn't want to leave our side. -- March 10, 2024

GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

MARCH 3 & NOVEMBER 2, 2024

The absolutely best way to see the Gettysburg National Military Park is by bicycle.  I toured the sight of the largest land battle in the Western Hemisphere this way twice in 2024.

Gettysburg National Military Park -- March 3, 2024

Gettysburg National Military Park -- November 2, 2024

YORK COUNTY HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL & NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD TRAIL - JUNE 17, 2024

I didn’t plan on riding 60 miles this particular day… but that’s what ended up happening.  I started my ride in Glen Rock expecting to just ride to the Pennsylvania/Maryland border and back… but instead I kept on going.  Once across the Mason-Dixon Line, the York County Heritage Rail Trail becomes the Northern Central Railroad Trail.  The Maryland section continues for another 20 miles, passes through scenic areas of Gunpowder Falls, and ends at Cockeysville.

Mile 0 of the Northern Central Railroad Trail near Cockeysville, Maryland -- June 17, 2024

Straddling my birth state (Maryland) and my home state (Pennsylvania). -- June 17, 2024

I love stopping at the gnome village along the Northern Central Railroad Trail. -- June 17, 2024

Wild turkey sighting along the Northern Central Railroad Trail. -- June 17, 2024

CAMP MACK w/ MATT

APRIL 27, 2024

Camp Mack is Matt’s territory and he graciously took me on a tour of the area.   I really enjoyed the hills, the rocks, and the single track.  It was a perfect way to spend a dreary April morning.

Matt Linnane and Dave Raymond at Camp Mack -- April 27, 2024

Camp Mack -- April 27, 2024

Matt Linnane and Dave Raymond at Camp Mack -- April 27, 2024

WHITE ROCKS w/ ROBIN

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

White Rocks is an amazing gem of a trail in Pennsylvania’s South Mountain Region.  It’s about a mile and a half climb to where the trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail.  Along the way, there are numerous rock outcroppings to hike over and around.  From the summit, you have an amazing view of the valley below!

Hiking White Rocks Trail with Robin -- February 25, 2024

ENOLA LOW GRADE

JUNE 20, 2024

I love the Enola Low Grade bike trail in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  The trail starts by paralleling the Susquehanna River.  It then passes Safe Harbor Dam before it turns east towards Quarryville.  Along the way, it crosses over multiple trestle bridges and provides stunning views.  When I rode it in June we were experiencing a drought here in Southeast Pennsylvania.   My 40 mile ride was on a dry, cinder surface that was nothing but dust, dust, and more dust!  By the end of the ride, my black Diverge was completely white!

Nothing but miles of dust on the Enola Low Grade Trail -- June 20, 2024

An amazing view of the the Susquehanna River and Safe Harbor Dam from the Enola Low Grade Trail -- June 20, 204

Celebrating the summer solstice on the Enola Low Grade -- June 20, 2024

SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS STATE PARK

JUNE 7, 2024

I wrapped up the first week of my summer vacation with a ride from my house to Susquehanna Riverlands State Park.  The park is one of the smallest in the State of Pennsylvania… but it provides an amazing view of the Susquehanna River from Schull’s Rock!

Susquehanna Riverlands State Park -- June 7, 2024

Schull's Rock in Susquehanna Riverlands State Park -- June 7, 2024

The view of the Susquehanna River from Schull's Rock. -- June 7, 2024

C&O CANAL TRAIL

APRIL 28, 2024

There is no part of the C & O Canal Trail that I don’t enjoy… but hands down, the best part passes Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.  Back in April, I did a 60 mile round trip from Brunswick, north to Dam #4, and then back to Brunswick.  I chose my starting point so I could grab a burger from Box Burger in Brunswick afterwards!

The morning fog over the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. -- April 28, 2024

The town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. -- April 28, 2024

The firehouse at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia -- April 28, 2024

Near the train tunnel on the C & O Trail across the river from Harpers Ferry. -- April 28, 2024

Dam #4 along the C & O Trail. -- April 28, 2024

KING’S GAP w/ ROBIN

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

King’s Gap is a Nature Education Center on the northwest side of Michaux State Forest.  Robin and I got away for a brief hike in the snow on her birthday weekend!

Hiking a snowy King's Gap with Robin. -- February 19, 2024

OGUNQUIT, MAINE w/ ROBIN

JULY 26, 2024

Maine is officially off of my bucket list.  Robin and I spent a week there for our 11th anniversary this year.  While we were there we toured the town of Ogunquit on our bikes.  I was excited to see the lighthouses and crashing waves of the Maine coast!

Exploring Ogunquit, Maine! -- July 26, 2024

A small lighthouse along the coast in Ogunquit, Maine. -- July 26, 2024

Robin and I ditched our bikes for a short hike out into the harbor! -- July 26, 2024

Cycling Ogunquit, Maine with Robin. -- July 26, 2024

WINNIPESAUKEE RIVER TRAIL

JULY 24, 2024

New Hampshire is off my bucket list, too!  My NPO, Bobblehead George, was filming at the Franklin Pierce Manse in Concord, New Hampshire back in July.  Afterwards, I snuck out for a quick bike ride on the nearby Winnipesaukee River Trail.  The trail connects the towns of Franklin and Tilton, New Hampshire.  Franklin, NH, was once the center of the paper industry and was nicknamed “The Paper City.”  Along the trail you can easily see the remains of the old paper mill and the Sulphite Railroad Bridge (sometimes known as the Upside-Down Covered Bridge).  The bridge, on which the train traveled on top roof, is believed to be the only surviving “upside-down” bridge still in existence.  The Winnipesaukee River Trail is only 5 miles in length… but it was well worth the effort to seek it out and explore it!

The remains of the paper mill along the Winnipesaukee River Trail. -- July 24, 2024

It is impossible to miss the trail head for the Winnipesaukee River Trail.  Just look for the huge steel wheel! -- July 24, 2024

What is left of the Sulphite Railroad Bridge (the only upside-down covered bridge in the U.S.) -- July 24, 2024

I ran into my friend and colleague, Mike Graham, while riding the Winnipesaukee River Trail. -- July 24, 2024

MICHAUX STATE FOREST w/ MATT and TIM

JUNE 4, 2024

June 4 was the first Tuesday mountain bike ride in Michaux with Matt and Tim.  Early in June, the mountain laurel is in full bloom.  Our ride that day started on top of Woodrow Road (where the Mountain Laurel was EVERYWHERE) and ended at Pine Grove Furnace.  In between we saw a rattlesnake, passed through Camp Michaux, discovered a “new to us” way to get across the ridge on the north side of Michaux Road, and blasted down one my favorite trails, EZ Out.

Enjoying the Mountain Lauren in Michaux State Forest. -- June 4, 2024

Tim Sindlinger, Matt Linnane, & Dave Raymond in Michaux State Forest. -- June 4, 2024

Blasting down EZ Out... one of my favorite trails in Michaux State Forest. -- June 4, 2024

COROLLA to KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C.

JUNE 25, 2024

There is no way a half-century ride with my son-in-law, Kevin, doesn’t make this list.  During our family vacation to the Outer Banks we took a bike ride from our rental house in Corolla to Kill Devil Hills and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.  This is the spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful manned airplane flight on December 17, 1903.  Typically, when I ride this far, I am by myself.  It was great to have Kevin for company.

David Raymond and Kevin Wimpfheimer at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. -- June 25, 2024

The Wright Brothers National Memorial. -- June 25, 2024

The Wrigth Brothers National Memorial. -- June 25, 2024

The Wright Brothers National Memorial. -- June 25, 2024

David Raymond and Kevin Wimpfheimer at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. -- June 25, 2024

SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL

JULY 31, 2024

Another half-century ride that I couldn’t keep off of this list.  I love the Schuylkill River Trail.  On this particular day, I began my ride just west of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, made my way past the Philadelphia Museum of Art, through the heart of Philadelphia, past Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell, to the Ben Franklin Bridge and Delaware River.  

The steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. -- July 31, 2024

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. -- July 31, 2024

A random flamingo along the Schuylkill River Trail. -- July 31, 2024

BEDFORD HERITAGE TRAIL

MARCH 17 & DECEMBER 28, 2024

The Bedford Heritage Trail runs through my hometown of Bedford, Pennsylvania.  The northern terminus of the trail starts at Old Bedford Village.  The trail then traces the Raystown branch of the Juniata River, passes through historic downtown Bedford, and then ends at the iconic Bedford Springs Hotel.  I try to get out every time I am visiting.  It’s my own version of riding down memory lane.

My hometown of Bedford, Pennsylvania. -- March 17, 2024

The covered bridge at the entrance of Old Bedford Village. -- March 17, 2024

A mural of young George Washington along Pitt Street in Bedford, PA. -- March 17, 2024

The Bedford Springs Resort. -- Decembver 28, 2024

ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER RIDE

DECEMBER 29, 2024 

The Ugly Sweater Ride is a tradition that we started seven years ago and has become a favorite of our group!  This year we chose to ride sections of the Greenbelt in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Along the way we traversed a lot of goose shit near the Susquehanna River, took a tour around the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and visited Santa at Fort Hunter Park, and got a lot of thumbs up and words of approval for our attire!   It’s always good to get together with my summer mountain biking crew for this event.

2024 Ugly Sweater Ride.  The Pennsylvania Capitol building is in the background. -- December 29, 2024

Matt Linnane, Santa, Tim Sindlinger, and Dave Raymond. -- December 29, 2024

2024 Ugly Sweater Ride. -- December 29, 2024

Matt Linnane, Dave Raymond, and Tim Sindlinger. -- December 29, 2024

David A. Raymond – December 29, 2024

All Trails STILL Lead To Ice Cream -- December 4, 2024

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