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
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Class
Shawnee on Delaware
2
Warm-up Ride, Delaware & Lehigh Canal Towpath, Local History
Shawnee on Delaware
3
Allamuchy Road Ride, Evening Concert
Shawnee on Delaware
4
Cherry Valley Road Ride, Free Time, Bob Swaim's HPVs
Shawnee on Delaware
5
Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail Ride, Jim Thorpe-PA
Shawnee on Delaware
6
Breakfast, Program Concludes
Shawnee on Delaware
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
I enjoy getting my heart going on my bike or on trails. Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb or ride on varied terrain with inclines. Let’s keep moving — occasional stops only, please.
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.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
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.
Bicycling Rails, Trails and Country Lanes in Rustic Pennsylvania
Program Number: 16480
The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want
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.
CYCLING PAST 50
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.