Lehigh Valley, PA, tour info
 

Each year, I plan and complete a five or six day, solo road tour in different parts of the country. A friend who grew up in Allentown, PA, recommended the Lehigh Valley for my 2013 trip. Based on a preliminary Google search, it looks like it has a lot to offer for such a trip. I'm interested in planning 45 to 65 mile routes that take in covered bridges and other photogenic views but would like to hear about some other sites, beautiful valley views, etc. My riding preference is street or paved trail and staying in hotels (no camping).

Does anyone live in the area or know a rider who lives in the area and might be able to help me sort out the better routes to take?

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

John

The Lehigh Valley proper is not that big for something like a 300+ tour, and I am not sure if there are any covered bridges left in that area. Lancaster County is where you find many of them. There are some in Chester and Bucks Counties as well.

Two suggestions:

1. Try reaching out to the Lehigh Valley Wheelmen, a club up that way.
2. Try reaching out to the White Clay Bike Club. While based in DE, there is a least one guy (his name is Wally) who has led credit card tours through PA. His routes are probably longer than you are looking for. He usually does long days with lots of climbing. Something like 70 miles with 6,000 feet of climbing would be an easy day for him. Not bad for a guy who I think is in his 70s.

Thanks, indyfabz. I appreciate the info and the suggestions. I had previously reached out to the Lehigh Valley Wheelmen club but they never responded so I posted here. Those are some pretty impressive rides for a guy in his 70s (Wally). I'll take a look at Lancaster County and some of the surrounding areas to see what kind of rides and scenic things might be in the area.

I would look at some of the routes on the PA randonneurs website. Lots of routes through the Lehigh Valley

If you have any questions, PM me. I am not really local to there, but I do know those routes pretty well.

look up poconobiking.com from what i see lots of trails and bridges. i was there a few months ago but didnt have a bike with me.. try and look up jim thorpe also thats the name of the town now

And weighs only 85 pounds. lol

But serious, touch base with White Clay. The president, her name is Carol and they are a great group. You could also do a tour of all Delaware which is so nice. You could tour multi states in the same trip too.

Some great suggestions. I will explore those. Thanks.