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Pennsylvania

Bicycling Rails, Trails and Country Lanes in Rustic Pennsylvania

Program No. 16480RJ
Bike your way through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, riding scenic trails, visiting historic towns, enjoying evening concerts and learning the story of the region.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

No shuttle Roundtrip airport transfer
Accommodation Details

Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Accommodation Details

Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,399
Nov 5 - Nov 10, 2023
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,399

DATES & PRICES

No shuttle Roundtrip airport transfer
Accommodation Details

Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Accommodation Details

Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,819
Nov 5 - Nov 10, 2023
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,819

At a Glance

Pedal through the wild gems of Pennsylvania and New Jersey on this picturesque bicycling adventure. Bicycle a variety of trails with expert guides who illuminate the area’s natural and cultural highlights. During the week, hear presentations on local history and wildlife that give you the context needed to make the most out of your experience.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Bicycling 12-25 miles daily over paved rural roads and rails-to-trails routes. Gentle grades and short uphill segments on all routes. Riding pace is approximately 8 miles per hour to 12 miles per hour, with numerous stops to view local points of interest.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Ride beside converted railroad lines in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Gorge State Park and New Jersey’s Paulinskill Valley Trail.
  • Experience the historic town of Jim Thorpe, often called the “Switzerland of America” for its beautiful scenery and architecture.
  • See some of the world's most unique Human Powered Vehicles during a hands-on experience with Bob Swaim.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and a live performance or event. Airport transfer at added cost.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Midge McClosky
Midge McClosky is the Cultural Program Director for the Shawnee Institute, Executive Director of the Shawnee Playhouse, and the Artistic Director of the Worthington Players. Before moving to Shawnee, Midge worked as a professional actress, singer, and dancer performing musical theatre in 49 of the 50 states. Her extensive credits cross over into film, television, commercials, voice-overs, and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than 20 years, have two active boys, ages 13 and 14.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Midge McClosky
Midge McClosky View biography
Midge McClosky is the Cultural Program Director for the Shawnee Institute, Executive Director of the Shawnee Playhouse, and the Artistic Director of the Worthington Players. Before moving to Shawnee, Midge worked as a professional actress, singer, and dancer performing musical theatre in 49 of the 50 states. Her extensive credits cross over into film, television, commercials, voice-overs, and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than 20 years, have two active boys, ages 13 and 14.
Profile Image of Andrea Loguidice
Andrea Loguidice View biography
Andrea Loguidice spent her formative years in Monroe County, later relocating to Long Island where she pursued her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from Hofstra University. She served as an environmental attorney for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and was owner/operator of a wedding catering and event planning company in the Hudson Valley. Andrea is passionate about societal issues related to environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and mental health treatment. She enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her camera and two black labs.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
CYCLING PAST 50
by Joe Friel
Conventional wisdom says that middle-aged cyclists should slow down and expect to achieve less as they grow older. But in Cycling Past 50, author Joe Friel shows cyclists that with proper training and the right attitude, the years after 50 can be their best ever. Written for cyclists of all types-road riders, mountain bikers, track racers-this book provides an in-depth look at the full range of considerations for cycling successfully into and through middle age. Joe Friel, a writer and contributing editor to several top cycling publications and a dedicated rider himself, will inspire cyclists toward better performance and more biking enjoyment as he presents: - basic principles of training; - advanced workouts to improve endurance, climbing ability, and sprinting; - training advice for 100-mile events and multi-day tours; - planning tips and a workout program for getting into racing form; - injury prevention tips and exercises; and - body fueling advice. In addition to explaining the physical adjustments seasoned cyclists can make to keep their biking effective and satisfying, Friel discusses the mental aspects of cycling successfully into middle age. He explains the importance of developing a positive attitude, maintaining a high level of motivation, and taking pride in their accomplishments. He also reminds cyclists that, above all, biking should be a fun activity that should be shared with fellow riders, family, and friends. If this book is unavailable, something similar would be helpful.
The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want
by Edmund R. Burke
Ride Strong, Ride Long ... Whether Your Goal Is 30 Miles or 3,000 From Edmund R. Burke, PhD., and Ed Pavelka - two of the country's top cycling experts - comes the most comprehensive guide ever to achieving the strength, skills, and strategies you need for long-distance riding. Whether you're training for day rides, centuries, or cross-country trips, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling helps you choose the right equipment, train step-by-step, and map out your riding strategy so that you can go the distance. Discover how to: * Make the most of every hour on your bike * Build your mileage base efficiently * Customize your training to suit your personality and physical capabilities * Build extra training time into your hectic schedule * Avoid injuries and the dangers of overtraining * Achieve the mental edge you need to ride farther and faster * Train for both road and off-road touring * Choose cycling gear that goes and goes * Eat for the long haul-- nutrition before, during, and after your rides To help you achieve your riding goals, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling gives you complete, step-by-step training programs for riding a half-century, century, double century, and beyond. You'll also find strategies and techniques for special situations, such as riding in bed weather and riding at night. Published by the world's leading authority on bicycling, this informative guide is a must-have for all cycling enthusiasts. If this book in unavailable, something similar would be helpful.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.