A Scooter Ride on a Hot Summer Day.

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

Classic covered bridge in the Pennsylvania country side near Manheim PA.

 
   A hot summer day. What better bike to ride than a scooter? My Honda Silverwing scooter has become  one of my favorite bikes. Around 60 mpg, quick, fast, lots of storage room under the seat, and no engine heat since the engine is under below the storage compartment; just overall a great, convenient ride. I decided to ride up to Manheim Pennsylvania to go to the Manheim Diner. My route is all back roads, winding through rich, verdant farmland. Twisty, up and down roads with generally little traffic. My route takes me through the towns of White Horse, Intercourse, Leola, and Lititz.

Zook's Mill Bridge also known as the Log Cabin Bridge.

     Just 3 miles before Manheim on PA 772 I run into construction and a detour. As the route wound around the bridge that was being repaired I passed a particular small road and, as I glanced to the right, I see a covered bridge. Of course I had to turn around to check it out.  The Zook's Mill Bridge, constructed in 1849,  costing $690-$700 ( depending on who you asked! ) was built to connect a mill that was built on each side of the bridge.

Manheim Diner. Note the Silverwing parked under the sign.

     I continue on to the Manheim City Star Diner for lunch. After lunch I continue west on PA 772 through Manheim, through Mount Joy, until I hit PA 441. South on PA 441 to the town of Columbia, through Columbia, continuing south on 441 right along the banks of the Susquehanna.

Sleepy river on River Road near Safe Harbor on the Eastern side of the Susquehanna River.

     PA 441 is my kind of road. Speed limit is 50, but I usually run at 60. The road twists and turns, goes up and down, passing the large Turkey Hill factory where many dairy products are produced, through small towns. I come to a small tributary to the Susquehanna and stop to take a break. On the opposite shore a guy is fishing on this lazy summer day.

Site of a blast furnace, foundry and rolling mill near Safe Harbor  Pennsylvania.

     After crossing a bridge I see an historical marker so I stop to read it. In 1846 the Safe Harbor blast furnace, foundry and rolling mill was built on this site. "Great quantities of iron and rails were produced for the Pennsylvania R.R...." During the Civil War it produced cannons for the Union Army.

     Living and riding in this area is fun because of all the historical events that took place here. Many people pass these markers by without giving them a second glance; but if you take your time to look and read you can discover many interesting facts about sleepy, backwater places that today are almost forgotten. Stop and read. You might like it.

A classic diner, with a diverse menu, in Manheim Pennsylvania.