So you could sense my underlying frustration?

The people in my LBS know me by name, and Saturday mentioned they hadn't seen me for a while. If I can get in good enough shape to hang onto the back for their Saturday morning rides, I will give that a try this year, but as a 300+ pound 51 year old, their pace is probably faster than I can handle. I think they start in April.

The closest reasonable rail trail is between White Haven and Jim Thorpe, and it is 30-45 minute drive depending on which side I start on. There is a 2 or 3 mile long rail trail closer, but I can't imagine taking the energy to load my bike up for a 5 or 6 mile ride. The 20+ mile Lehigh Gorge is well worth the drive several times per year.

I do have a few routes to ride, but I have had my share of red neck encounters.

I love it when there are organized rides elsewhere, and have done some nice rides in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Bucks County... I have even driven down to Valley Forge just for a 20 mile solo ride. (2 hours drive each way).

As far as the local area, Wilkes-Barre has a hard time repairing existing roads, let alone adding new infrastructure. Plymouth Township (where I live) I will be learning as I go. I just moved.

On the positive side, it looks like they are possibly expanding the MUP availability on the levees, and when that is complete, I should be able to make my 16 mile round trip commute to work with only about a mile on the streets exposed to red necks.