PA cyclists

“I'm looking for some folks who would be interested in riding the Pine Creek rail trail. It is roughly 60 miles long and does have camping opportunities along the way although sixty miles is easily a day trip. The surface is crushed limestone. There is no grade greater than 3% as it is an abandoned railroad right of way. The northern terminus is at the north end of the Grand Canyon of PA. The southern terminus is in Jersey Shore.

This is a recreational ride, not a race. There is a ton of stuff to see on the way. I don't care whether we ride north-south or the other way around. I would just like to do the whole trail in one shot.”

“How many days were you thinking? That will get boring if you don't get off the bike plenty of times.”

“That's up for grabs. If we do a day trip its only roughly 6-7 hours of riding at a reasonable pace. Faster means less time on the bike. But Tioga county has a designated campsites in Tiagdahton about 9 miles from the northern terminus and non designated primitive campsites in the southern end of the Canyon. Lycoming county has 2 designated campsites, Black Walnut Bottom roughly midway and Bonnell Flats about 10 miles or so from the southern terminus. All camping requires permits as it is in the Pine Creek valley. Black Walnut Bottom is the more popular campground in Lycoming County. It is near a nesting site for Bald Eagles and they can be spotted quite frequently. The primitive campsites are as expected. The designated sites have vault toilets, tables and firerings.

If this becomes a family trip that's fine with me. If you want to car camp it then BWB would be the best choice as it is readily accessible by car, with a fairly short walk to the sites. Thirty miles a day would be doable for just about anyone. Even kids should be able to handle that.
last edited: 7/02/07 8:05:30 PM”

“In 1991, I rode my bike down Pine creek from Ansonia to Tiadaghton. That was before they improved the surface and it was just gravel at the time. It was hard to ride on and I had panniers on my bike with enough camping gear to stay out for 4 days. I turned up the road at Tiadaghton because the riding conditions on the gravel were too hard and no fun. That climb out of the canyon was wicked with a loaded bike and takes you to some dairy farms above the rim. Since they've improved the road and turned it into a bike path that ride would be a lot of fun now.
last edited: 7/02/07 8:49:56 PM”

“The ride out of Tiadaghton is a killer. I have been down every bit of the trail in sections. There are a few rough spots but nothing like the gravel would have been. It is easier with fat tire bikes (hybrids or Mt bikes) but a road bike with heavy use tires (1.25 x 27") should not have a problem. I would not advise a road bike with 23 x 700 mm slicks unless you want to spend all your time repairing flats.

The north end of the trail is pretty much straight through. The southern end does have a fair number of cross roads and gates. Annoying, but you get to practice your bike rodeo skills.”

“I was on a mountain bike and the gravel was still hard to ride on. Central PA. is ideal bike touring terrain. I used to park my van at a state park load up my bike with panniers and take off for a weekend and did that for about 10 summer seasons. I liked it better than backpacking in the summer.”

“no date has been selected for this. You are welcome to join the effort if you wish.”

“Thanks, I'll keep an eye on this thread.”

“This is looking like an August trip. Anybody got a date that works best for them?”

“I have ridden this trail end to end for as long as I have lived in Tioga County. By far the best ride in Pa. The surface is ideal for distance riding. South of Blackwell there are enough stores and inns along the route to replenish fluids and chow. North of Blackwell you are on your own until you reach Ansonia. The Gulf station has subs and ice cream and there is a inn next door. August is hot and dry in the canyon. Plan on plenty of time for rest stops and to stay hydrated.”

“The canyon area is likely to be hot and dry. But at the same time the Pine Creek is right there if you have your filter, steripen or whatever you use. I wouldn't trust the water without processing it that's for sure. Cedar Run has an Ice cream place that is both reasonable and good.”

“Hey Rev I'm interested in this trip, but will have to get back to you on a date.”

“Please see the trip thread "PA Pine Creek Pedal" for trip details.”