Topping an old thread of mine, still looking for good routes.
Since posting this I have ridden out to Lancaster via rt.23. The ride did not feel very safe in a number of spots due to fast moving traffic and narrow shoulders. I am looking at some alternative routes and wondering if anyone has any input, especially on the trails that are out past the SRT. Google hasn't street viewed any of these trails so I not sure what the condition or if they are even open.
Here are a few routes I've made
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15133551 <- via trails
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15129608 <- 113 to 741
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14979016 <- via rt. 23 (i've done this and wouldn't recommend it)
From the end of the paved portion of the SRT in Montclare to just beyond New Holland.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15363809
Not the most direct, but it keeps you off of PA 23 most of the time. After you leave PA 23 just west of Morgantown you enter the Conestoga Valley, which is still home to a good number of Amish. It's quite pretty and takes you across a covered bridge on Weaverland Rd. Where the map ends is where I believe you can pick up PA Bike Route S, which will take you into Lancaster city proper. I need to check some other maps. Plenty of places to get food and water in Morgantown and New Holland. And you can go slightly off route from Coldstream Rd. to the Kimberton Whole Foods. There is also water in French Creek State Park.