X-LinkedRider

Hey everyone. I have just moved about an hour North into the Poconos, and was wondering what some possible good rides would be. I own a hybrid and a road bike, and am ready and willing for any ride up to about 40-50 miles. Are there bike paths in Tobyhana St park? Are there any groups in the area that ride often? I know a few other cyclists in the area but I am not sure if they ride in groups or not. Any info possible would be very helpful. Thank you.

-X

Little Darwin

I am a little way from you in Wilkes-Barre, my favorite ride is the Lehigh Gorge rail trail.

I usually start at the Jim Thorpe side, so I get a slight assistance with the very minor grade on my return trip.

From there the ride is nice, and gets real nice about 6 miles in... the surface is crushed stone, so probably best for your hybrid.

It is about 47 miles or so to ride the whole trail in both directions. Facilities are minimal . toilets at Jim Thorpe and in the middle there is another restroom with a water fountain and soda machine. At the north end is a grocery store (and some other stuff) to refill for the return trip.

Other than an occasional ranger truck, the only cars to be seen for the whole route other than the ends is at the middle (a parking lot for that trail entry point) and one road to cross about 2 miles from the White Haven end. From that road to White Haven the surface is no longer crushed stone, so not quite as nice, but ridable...

RHoude

My girlfriend and I rode the Lehigh Rail Trail 2 years ago, entering the trail from the North. Definitely a hybrid or MTB trail. Really loved it. It wasn't long that we were off the trail seeking and checking out the remnants of the locks and dams along the way. I am a canal and locks fan and that that ride has generated some pretty good memories.

Cheers,
Ron

chrisuletz

I have to take my hybrid up there and ride the Lehigh Gorge Trail... I hiked in the area and it's very nice.
If you want to ride your road bike, the roads in the area are also nice, although the hills are pretty bad. I rode a few times on 537, 903, through Lake Harmony, on 115 towards Wilkes Barre, on 940 and Locust Ridge Rd, there are many nice rides you can do.

X-LinkedRider

Yes, I live not too far from rt 115 in through Blakeslee. I ski at Boulder and Frost regularly. There definitely are a lot of hills in the area, but that only makes you stronger. I will begin my training for cross country on all of those roads mentioned. If anyone wants to join, let me know and hopefully we can get together for a ride.

Lehigh Gorge is a great ride. I also hike there at Glenenoco pretty frequently. I can't really decide which I like better. I have plenty of pictures up on my site.

chrisuletz

X-Link, I have a vacation house in Albrightsville, by 903. It's still skiing season, but as soon as spring comes, I'll bring my bike there a few times for a few long hilly rides (I'm training for a half ironman at Beltsville State Park). Maybe we'll hook up for a ride once (probably by end of March... April..)

derath

A very nice vacation house at that.

And the road riding in the area is excellent. The hills aren't that bad. but then again I live in a hilly area already.

-D

X-LinkedRider

Yes, that sounds great. That will be about the time I will be training for my cross country trip. I plan on leaving very end of April or begining of May, whichever suits my needs better. PM me when you plan on bringing the bikes up. I'll ride with you anytime. Is Albrightsville east of Jim Thorpe? I could meet you right on the corner of 903 and 115. (Blakeslee)

Keep me posted. I am always looking for somebody or 2 to ride with.