Valley Forge in October ride 2018

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

Along DE 82. Beautiful fall colors.

     Yesterday the Weather Channel forecasted that it would be a great fall day with temperatures in the mid 60s. Sounds like a nice day to go for a ride. Since I hadn't ridden the GL500 Silverwing in a while it seemed like the perfect day to do so. The engine configuration is modeled after Moto Guzzi's, with a v-twin cross ways in the frame, but, unlike the Moto Guzzi's, it is water cooled. For people who don't know about this bike it is a 500cc touring bike. It isn't a sport bike or race bike, but it has a fair amount of power, shaft driven, electronic ignition, and gets great gas mileage. A very pleasant ride.

On DE 82. Notice the railroad trestle in the background. Not regular train service, just short excursions.

     I don't like coming and going on the same route so I usually do some form of a loop. This time I went north out of Delaware on DE 82, which becomes PA 82. Great ride. In Delaware the road winds along the Brandywine creek. Once in Pennsylvania it goes through Kennett Square, and then up into horse country. Very scenic.

Creek Road in near Chadd's Ford PA. Notice the "curve" sign in the background. 

     On this day it was not to be. PA 82 is closed due to construction on a small bridge, so I had to choose another route. I rode north on US 1 to the intersection with Creek Road in Chadd's Ford, near Hank's Place, a great place for breakfast. Left on Creek Road, which winds along Brandywine Creek, up to PA 926. Right on PA 926, past US 202 to PA 352. North on PA 352 across PA 3, up to Paoli Pike. Then right on Paoli Pike to Paoli. Onto US 30, a quick left onto North Valley Road near the railroad station, and then back roads to Valley Forge.

The National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge. I like the US flag waving "through" the arch. 

     I sat at a picnic table and enjoyed the day. People running in the park, walking their dogs, or just traveling around this historic location.

Covered bridge near Valley Forge.

     On the way out of the park I passed this covered bridge. Many years ago, when I lived in the area, I was riding with a couple of guys through the park. One fellow had a 360 Yamaha trials bike with knobbie tires. For you who don't know these are designed for riding in the dirt, not on the road. As we approached the turn on the other side of the bridge, at a "brisk" pace, we had to turn and then climb up a small hill. As my friend leaned his bike over his tires lost traction and he fell over. He wasn't hurt, except for his pride, but he bike needed a few parts replaced. Note: take it easy with dirt tires on the street!

On of the many creeks and streams along the roads in Pennsylvania. 

     The route out of the park on PA 23 took me west through Phoenixville. After Phoenixville the road becomes a country road, speed limit 50, scenic views and some twists and turns. Part of the route is called Ridge Road so you are looking down into and over a valley. Wonderful!

The Brass Eagle Restaurant near Gap PA on US 30. Nice people and good food. 

     I rode PA 23 across PA 100, then across PA 82 and on to Morgantown. There I hit PA 10 south through Honey Brook and down to US 30. West on US 30 for about 4 miles and then to the Brass Eagle Restaurant for lunch. After lunch an easy ride west to Gap Pa, down PA 41 through Cochranville to PA 796 south. PA 796 ends at PA 896, which brings me down into Delaware and home. BEAUTIFUL fall day, great ride. HMMM, what should I do tomorrow?