Celeste Mike

My girlfriend and I are visiting a friend in Lancaster PA next weekend and we'd like to get a ride in while we're out there. I started looking up rails to trails out there and then I thought why not ask for a recommendation on the forum? I think we'd like to do a not too challenging scenic ride in the 10 to 20 mile range. We both have road bikes. Would have to be a loop or an out and back because of the car. Bonus if it's near someplace we can car camp. Another bonus if it ends near someplace that has good food (or good ice cream).

hochflynn

The Lancaster Bike Club has routes on their website. Not sure if they have something short like you are looking for. You could also contact someone from the club for suggestions

Celeste Mike

Thanks, I'll check it out.

indyfabz

The area around Red Run Campground is nice. Lots of buggies on Sunday morning heading to services.

https://redruncampground.com

If you have the time, visits Shirk's Bicycle Shop. Amazing place for being off the beaten path. And for goodies, there is the Shady Maple Market on PA 23.

Celeste Mike

Nice, thanks!

Celeste Mike

I have this neat little book that I found at a used book store (out front in one of their sidewalk boxes actually, probably for a dollar or something) called Short Bike Rides in Eastern Pennsylvania. I've done a few rides from the book and they've taken me to some fun places. So I looked in it for a ride near Lancaster (there are many) and the Blue Ball ride started and ended at Shady Maple, and passed by Shirk's Bike Shop along the route! And Shady Maple is only 12 min by car from Red Run Campground, so that's what we did! It was really a nice ride through some beautiful farm land, past horse and buggies, and many cycling locals. We stopped at the Old Bakery House on 23 for a root beer float and an apple fritter. We stopped at Shirk's, which has an incredible selection of things like I've never seen in any bike shop in Philly. I picked up a few things while there, and it was so strange to leave our bikes outside unlocked among and bunch of other unlocked bikes! Then we ended our ride with dinner at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, the buffet of all buffets. A mecca of Americana, kitch, and gluttony if I've ever seen one. The Red Run Campground was nice too. We were the only tent campers there, it was mostly RV's and trailers. Not crowded at all. Overall it was a really nice little weekend trip. Thanks again for suggestions!

Here is the route if anyone is interested: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2143463020

I didn't take many photos but here are a few along the ride and outside Shirk's.

indyfabz

What you rode though is the part of the Conestoga Valley. I know that covered bridge extremely well. Back in May I rode from my house in Philly to French Creek State Park for two nights. Saturday I did a day ride from the park to Shady Maple for dinner and breakfast groceries. Rode across the bridge going out and coming back. Been through that thing more times than I can remember.

The selection at Shirk's is amazing, especially when you consider the middle of nowhere location. I know a guy here in Philly who is from out that way originally. He will only take his bike there for service. I only went there for the first time maybe 4 years ago. It was used as a rest stop on a ride from Wyebrook Farm. The GF and I were so amazed that after the ride we drove back to stock up on odds and ends.

Glad you liked Red Run. I had ridden by the place countless times during a loop ride from Shady Maple to Mt. Gretna. Finally stayed there on a Saturday in September of 2014 before the last day of a cross-PA tour. Wasn't crowded then either. It's probably too early in the year for this, but when I stayed there some Amish kids came through the campground selling apples. And at night a couple of lit up wagons full of kids came down the road that bisects the campground.

Sounds like a great time.

IvyGodivy

I recommend riding to Intercourse PA (yes the name is real). That town if you are from the city like me is quite interesting.

indyfabz

After Bird-in-Hand you move on to Intercourse and then to Paradise.

Celeste Mike

Haha, I'm familiar with all the interesting town names, just haven't been to all of them, or ridden in many of them. I'd like to take more rides out there though. I'll look into Intercourse, thanks. I took a ride around Mount Gretna area last summer and I've gotta get back there if only to hit up The Jigger Shop again! (Incredible ice cream sundaes.)

wpkelly69@gmail

Watch out for the buggies!

indyfabz

The Philly Bike Club usually does an annual ride there from the Shady Maple Market the weekend after Memorial Day or thereabouts. I took over leading it from the original creator. Someone else now leads it. Total mileage is about 76, with lunch at the Jigger Shop. Really great ride, only not when it's hot and humid, which it has been on occasion.