Northeast - Abandoned Pa Turnpike

Has anyone ridden the abandoned Pa Turnpike (http://www.briantroutman.com/highways/abandonedpaturnpike/)? I’m thinking of doing it in a month or so. Everyone is welcome to join.

For more info on the Abandoned Pa Turnpike see:
Pike2Bike.org (http://www.piketobike.org)
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandon...vania_Turnpike
or
http://www.pahighways.com/toll/abandonedturnpike.html


EDIT:
A number of us are going on Sunday May 31. Meeting time is set at 1:00 pm.
We are meeting at the Fulton County entrance - the eastern entrance.
See the pike2bike web site (http://www.piketobike.org/directions.htm)for directions.

There are 2 main groups going so far:

1. A group from the South of the site, coming through Chambersburg, Pa; guided by FrederickH

2. A group from the North of the site, coming from an early morning ride in Harrisburg Pa, then going through Carlisle Pa, where we are meeting more people. From there we are going onto the Turnpike and getting off exit 180 at Fort Littleton. Then going a little west and south to the site. I'm guiding this one.

BRING LIGHTS!!!

If you need directions or need to meet either of these groups, contact us.
(I'll post details about the early morning Harrisburg ride soon.)

Edit:
WARNING!
I said that everyone is welcome on the Abandoned PA Turnpike ride, but I must warn everyone that this ride should only be attempted if you:
- Have recently ridden 20+ miles in one day,
- Are sure your bike is in good working condition
- Carry a spare tube, patch kit and tools
- Bring a light.
- Can carry a water bottle or two
This ride is at least 18 miles long, on a disserted road with no convenience stores, and no way to pick you up if you are unable to cycle out. In other words you must be sure that you can finish this ride under your own power.

lots of fun, take a light

How long is this road? And can somebody tell me roughly how far it is from Long Island, NY?

Sounds like a fun & interesting ride. Want some company?

I'm going to have to do this at some point, looks pretty cool!!

I've done this on numerous occasions and, yes, you should have a light with for the two tunnels (although the first time I didn't use a light) that you'll go through. Riding from east to west, the distance is around 18 miles, with an elevation gain of 850 feet. The uphill section will be on the start of the trip. Parking is no problem but finding the eastern terminus could be a bit tricky. I would be willing to meet anyone for a ride there.

How long is this road? And can somebody tell me roughly how far it is from Long Island, NY?I heard that it's 13 miles. Someone else said that it's 18 miles. Each of those would be one way so double that for an 'up and back'. Don't know how far from Long IslanD but go to Google maps and click Driving Directions then put in 'Long Island, NY' to 'Breezewood, Pa'

Round trip is 18 miles, 9 miles out and 9 miles back starting from from the eastern end.

Sounds like a fun & interesting ride. Want some company?Sure do. So far, there are about 3 people who expressed an interest.

Let's pick a date!
I think that the trees will not be fully green until mid May.

Round trip is 18 miles, 9 miles out and 9 miles back starting from from the eastern end.I stand corrected!
I'll take you up on your offer to show us the terminus, Frederick. Thanks

Great, since I'm newly retired, most of my dates are open. I live in Chambersburg, would be driving out on Rt. 30, and past McConnellsburg to the start of the ride. Let me know when it would suit you (s) for a ride. How many can we get to go on the ride???

Great, since I'm newly retired, most of my dates are open. I live in Chambersburg, would be driving out on Rt. 30, and past McConnellsburg to the start of the ride. Let me know when it would suit you (s) for a ride. How many can we get to go on the ride???I'd like a Saturday or Sunday in Late May or early June. Any one else want to go?

I live near Harrisburg. The quickest route for me, is to hop on the Turnpike at Harrisburg or Carlisle; then jump off the exit before Breezewood. I could divert the route by going down 81 to Chambersburg then follow you. Rt 30 is bicycle route J down there, right?

BTW Frederick, I have an uncle who lives in Chambersburg. We visit him regularly. I'm planning a bike tour from my home to his and back later this summer.

OK - Sign up time!!!

Who wants to go on a ride down the Abandoned Pa Turnpike and through 2 abandoned Turnpike tunnels?
You need a bike and a light.

What day is best for you?

OK - Sign up time!!!

Who wants to go on a ride down the Abandoned Pa Turnpike and through 2 abandoned Turnpike tunnels?
You need a bike and a light.

What day is best for you?


Any non-rainy day! Let me know.

I am interested. A Sunday is better for me than a Saturday, but either is doable.

How good is the road surface? How tough does the bike or tires have to be?

I am in Carlisle, btw.

jim

How good is the road surface? How tough does the bike or tires have to be?


Along the same lines: is a road bike suitable?

I am interested. A Sunday is better for me than a Saturday, but either is doable.

How good is the road surface? How tough does the bike or tires have to be?

I am in Carlisle, btw.

jim

The surface of the turnpike is mostly very broken asphalt, with the tunnel surfaces being concrete, and major potholes. A road bike would be suitable with large road tires (25 mm+) and a mountain bike would be the most appropriate. I've been looking for some cyclocross tires to put on my spare Merckx road bike for use on some rails-to-trails around here. This trip just might be the excuse that I need to do that... otherwise my mountain bike is perfect for the ride. The trip should take no more than 70-90 minutes round trip, not including the mandatory stop afterward, at the Mountain House, for some refreshments. :beer:

I'm totally interested for whenever! Just let me know.

Still a bit uneasy about taking a road bike out there, but it's all I have.
Then again, I do have some kevlar tires so hopefully they'll do the trick

Heck. Last time I drove the Pa Turnpike, it was enough to ruin a car's shocks.. I can just imagine this abandoned segment. Are you planning on taking your mountain bike.

A road bike would be suitable with large road tires (25 mm+) . . . . .The trip should take no more than 70-90 minutes round trip, not including the mandatory stop afterward, at the Mountain House, for some refreshments. :beer:Sounds good to me. My commuter bike has 700-32 tires so I think I'll ride that bike. My mountain bike is in sad shape.

The Mountain House sounds great too.

I am interested. A Sunday is better for me than a Saturday, but either is doable. . . . . . I am in Carlisle, btw.

jimWell lets shoot for a Sunday. The weekend after Memorial Day would have less traffic on the roads.

How about Sunday, May 31 ?

The quickest route for me is down 81 to Carlisle, then on the Turnpike to the exit. But we could keep going on 81 to pick Rick up in Chambersburg and have him guide us to the starting point.

I'm totally interested for whenever! Just let me know.

Still a bit uneasy about taking a road bike out there, but it's all I have.
Then again, I do have some kevlar tires so hopefully they'll do the trickWhat size tires? I think I'm sticking with my commuter and 700-32

I'm totally interested for whenever! Just let me know.

Still a bit uneasy about taking a road bike out there, but it's all I have.
Then again, I do have some kevlar tires so hopefully they'll do the trick

Your road bike should be fine with the kevlar tires (the bigger the better). You'll have to watch the road very carefully but I've seen a few road bikes on it before. The bigger the tire, the better.

Well lets shoot for a Sunday. The weekend after Memorial Day would have less traffic on the roads.

How about Sunday, May 31 ?

The quickest route for me is down 81 to Carlisle, then on the Turnpike to the exit. But we could keep going on 81 to pick Rick up in Chambersburg and have him guide us to the starting point.

May 31 sounds perfect!!! Keep us updated?

I'm going to check my calendar. I wouldn't normally drive 125 miles far for an 18-mile ride, but this sounds pretty cool. (A few of my Baltimore-area peeps would think nothing of *riding* to and from this ride, but I'm not that hard-core! :lol:) Maybe I'll combine it with a camping trip and/or a longer ride.

The steel touring bike with the size 32 tires should be tough/comfy enough, and it's my commuter, so it's already decked out with lights.

I'm going to check my calendar. I wouldn't normally drive 125 miles far for an 18-mile ride, but this sounds pretty cool. You might want to drive only part way and ride the rest. The Abandoned Turnpike is right along Pa Bicycle Route S. Look here (ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/bikes/state_mapS.pdf)for a map of S. Click number 15 for the spot that we are going to.

(A few of my Baltimore-area peeps would think nothing of *riding* to and from this ride, Severn, MD !!! My daughter moved to Crofton last year. I've been planing to take the bike down there for a ride.

I think I can do it on the 31st.

But, its difficult for me to be sure I can make it to such things for child-care reasons, so I hope that a Sunday was not chosen soley for to fit my schedule.

Such a ride was briefly discussed on the C&V forum a while ago; I will track those people down and let them know about it.

jim

I think I can do it on the 31st.
But, its difficult for me to be sure I can make it to such things for child-care reasons, so I hope that a Sunday was not chosen soley for to fit my schedule.
jim Well, Jim, there were only 2 people who gave an opinion on the day of the week besides you.
FrederickH said 'any day' and I said 'Saturday or Sunday'. After your post I thought Sunday would be fine with me too, so I chose May 31.

It's no problem if you can't make it but I hope you can.

As for the date - it's not carved in stone. So far no one has expressed a strong opinion on a specific date. If someone does want a different one, we can all vote on it.

Have fun guys. If anyone else can't do a Sunday, let me know and I'd be glad to try to set something up.

Have fun guys. If anyone else can't do a Sunday, let me know and I'd be glad to try to set something up.
Well, what day can you make it? We are not fixed on a Sunday. Lets talk it over.

Well, what day can you make it? We are not fixed on a Sunday. Lets talk it over.

For one thing, I'm just one person - and a person with a rather busy schedule, so my just saying that a Saturday would be better than a Sunday, wouldn't guarantee I'd be able to make it on whichever Saturday worked out for everyone. Realistically, any group of more than about 5 people is likely to have a tough time getting all the stars to line up. Bottom line is, don't change plans just for me.

I have things coming up on a number of the upcoming weekends already. This weekend is shot with a church youth activity, as likely is the Saturday before Memorial Day. The week of the 2nd is out for me because there's a local bike swap I want to go to in the morning, then there's the delivery drive to New Jersey, and then I have meetings afterward. The T-Town swap is the 8th, and a lot of people would want to go to that, so even my potentially being free then means nothing. I promised family in Rochester that I'd visit sometime in May, so that means either the 16th or 30th is out. That would leave me the weekend I'm not going there, and Memorial Day Monday as possibilities for me.

I have next to no time that works, so go ahead and pick your day. If there are others who can't make it on the Sunday you guys choose, maybe there would be a couple folks who would be able to go another time - that might (longshot) coincide with a time that's good for me.

A Saturday probably would be a little better for me as I'm making a drive out from NJ, but what ever works for the majority is fine.

I'm interested in Sunday, May 31, if only because I'm in Boiling Springs for the Tour de Cure on Saturday the 30th. I live 30 miles outside Philadelphia, so spending Saturday night somewhere out near Breezewood is easier than my driving across the Commonwealth.

Well lets start tallying the votes:

Saturday: sjauch , USAZorro,

Sunday: Historian, jgedwa

Any time: FrederickH, MikeR, MrBearSir

Did I miss anyone?
Are there any more votes?
We need at least one more vote to break the tie.

D'oh! Just realized I was looking at the wrong weekend on my calendar -- there's another ride that weekend that I'm already planning to do, so I am probably out after all.

If I buy my buddies Fuel EX I might be in for this.....definitely sounds like it would kill the road bike.

I can't make it, but I'd like to see the photos of the trip if anyone is interested in posting some afterward.
Thanks

D'oh! Just realized I was looking at the wrong weekend on my calendar -- there's another ride that weekend that I'm already planning to do, so I am probably out after all.Well that's a LONG way to drive for 18 miles of riding.

Not to complicate things, but I could also do most any weekday that time of year also.

Can't decide if I should ride my CrossCheck commuter bike or else my rigid MTB.

j

Well lets start tallying the votes:

Saturday: sjauch , USAZorro,

Sunday: Historian, jgedwa

Any time: FrederickH, MikeR, MrBearSir

Did I miss anyone?
Are there any more votes?
We need at least one more vote to break the tie.Well I see no more votes. I have invited a friend who is not on line. He would prefer Sunday the 31st. so let's stick with that.

Now - what time? I think something like 1:00 pm would be nice. Any other opinions?

I'm interested in Sunday, May 31, if only because I'm in Boiling Springs for the Tour de Cure on Saturday the 30th. I live 30 miles outside Philadelphia, so spending Saturday night somewhere out near Breezewood is easier than my driving across the Commonwealth. Historian,
I take it that you are only riding the Tour De Cure on Saturday. You will enjoy the Boiling Springs area.

Might I suggest something that (I think) would add to your visit to Central Pa? Boiling Springs is very close to Harrisburg. There is a really nice ride every Sunday morning sponsored by the Harrisburg Bike Club (http://www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org). It's an easy, social 10 mile tour of the city followed by a breakfast at a local restaurant. My friend and I are planning to do it before we head out to the Abandoned Turnpike.

Non club members are very welcome to all HBC rides. Harrisburg is a beautiful little city, voted 12th most livable city in the USA this year by Forbes. There are many places to stay in the Boiling Spring, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill area. I live 36 miles north of Harrisburg so that would be out of or way. We could meet up for the 'Sunday Morning Social' ride and then you could follow us out to the Abandoned Turnpike after.

If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you details.

This sounds awesome - can't make that weekend but look forward to pictures and ride report so I can make it another time!

I think I am in for the 31st at 1pm. I live in Carlisle, in case a place to meet up is needed.

j

The 31st sounds good to me. I have been wanting to ride it, but could not find anyone else to ride with me. Keep me informed of any info like time and location or if rescheduled. I have a few others who will have shown an interest in ridign also. I plan to ride my rigid Trek 800. I also with be doing the Sunday Social with the Harrisburg Bicycle Club before heading out. We should set up a time and location to meet before driving.

The 31st sounds good to me. I have been wanting to ride it, but could not find anyone else to ride with me. Keep me informed of any info like time and location or if rescheduled. I have a few others who will have shown an interest in ridign also. I plan to ride my rigid Trek 800. I also with be doing the Sunday Social with the Harrisburg Bicycle Club before heading out. We should set up a time and location to meet before driving.Well I figured to do the Sunday Social and their breakfast then head to Carlisle to meet up with others who want to go, then on to meet up with FrederickH and on the the Turnpike ride.

I assume that since you are from Camp Hill, you know about the 'Sunday Morning Social, or do you need details on where that ride starts?

I think I am in for the 31st at 1pm. I live in Carlisle, in case a place to meet up is needed.

jSounds good. You have read my other posts. Some of us are doing a ride in Harrisburg that starts at 7 am. Then going to a Bike Club breakfast. All that should be done at about 9:30.

I figured we'll be heading towards Carlisle after that. We could meet you and any others there, go on to pick up rick (FrederickH) and then head to the Turnpike.

My timing might be wrong and this may get us there before 1pm. I'm not sure.

I might be in on this too, if I can find a ride....

I might be in on this too, if I can find a ride....That would be good. Stay tuned for details.

I am updating the first post of this thread with the overall progress. Be sure to check back with post #1 every once in a while.