To Valley Forge 09/04/18

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

When I pulled up there were two guys in a pickup truck. One had fond memories of a cb400f  a friend owned.

     I decided to go out on my cb400f for the day. My destination was Valley Forge National Park...but as always, its "...(about) the destination..." My route was going to be largely back roads, one of which passes through Landenberg Pennsylvania. This is quite a small town, down along a river, just about 10 minutes from  my house. I decided to take a picture of the Landenberg Store, originally opened in 1872,  which had been closed for a while. Reopened it is once again a center for locals to get coffee, sandwiches, and sit around the picnic table out front. 

The 400 Super Sport by the covered bridge near the Ashland Nature Center.

     My route took me past the Ashland Nature Center, and across the covered bridge there. A wonderfully scenic route, following the river the bridge crossed, that wound up Route 82 towards Kennet Square. Lots of curves, the road so shrouded by trees that often it seems like you are riding through a green tunnel. 

I just pulled in someones driveway so I could take a picture of the fields.

     When people think of this area they often think of Philadelphia, or West Chester. The route I took wound northward through agricultural areas, often with flocks of Geese in the fields. Just to the east of where I am, maybe 5 or 7 miles is US 202. Lots of traffic, impatient drivers, the hustle and bustle of life today. Yet here I am, just about the only vehicle on the road, enjoying the ride and the scenery.

At the entrance to Valley Forge National Park. 

     I stop in Paoli at the Wawa to get an apple for a treat, and then navigate out of town and work my way to Valley Forge National Park. I lived in this area over 40 years ago, managing a restaurant in Paoli. I often took small trips into the park. What a beautiful place. 

The 400 Super Sport in front of the New Jersey monument.

     Many monuments here dedicated to the trying winter General Washington's army spent here. This one is to the New Jersey Brigade of the Continental Army. Scattered around there replicas of the rough, simple cabins that the army sheltered in. There is a great visitors center that has many artifacts, and a short film about the winter of 1777-1778.

The beautiful National Memorial Arch across the field at Valley Forge National Park.

     I stop at a picnic table to read for a while. I notice the National Memorial Arch, built to commemorate the "...arrival of General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge."   Beautiful. You can see the American Flag through the arch. It seems very fitting. 

The cb400f in its element: twisty, tree covered roads out in the country.

     I don't know how many people are familiar with the Honda cb400f but it is a great little bike. Only manufactured in 1975, 1976, and 1977 it is a gem. Four cylinder, 6 speed transmission, short wheel base, it is a lot of fun to drive. any one who remembers the old MGBs or Triumph Spitfire cars should be able to understand the attraction of this bike. Small motor, you have to RIDE the bike, use the transmission to stay in the engine's power band, constantly shifting up and down as you go through the curves. There is a joy in using every one of those 400 ccs, a skill in being in the right gear, of shifting at the right time. It is a rider's bike. LOTS  of fun. 

In the background is the Landenberg Hotel, which is next to the Landenberg Store. A church completes the "downtown" of Landenberg.