RIDE WITH SHORT NOTICE AND LONG MEMORIES

Reprinted from PA Chapter “A” Newsletter

Written by Ken Geib

            The Pugh’s extended an invitation to any member to meet them at Brickerville and go for an unscheduled ride on Saturday June 27^th.  Three of us were able to join them, Blaine, Gerry and I.  Although we were all praying for rainstorms, we decided to accept this incredibly gorgeous day with clear skies and excellent riding temperatures.

            We are off – with Denny in the lead and Betty clutching her map, neatly packaged in a plastic wrapper, so she could navigate over the best roads that Betty chooses so well.  North on 501 toward Pine Grove with a stop on top of the South Mountain at the Appalachian Trail (coordinates: N40.30.754, W076.20.671).  We are escorted for a short walk to the east; Denny said it would be about 50 yards, which in AGWA language means about a quarter mile, down a path dotted with small rocks, into a clearing in the trees that spills out onto a major rock ledge on the side of the mountain.  What an incredible view it was, filled with forests and farmland spread out over Berks and Lebanon Counties, embraced by clear skies with an occasional white cloud.

            While admiring the view a man exited the path carrying a garden rake and a plastic bag.  Our curiosity compelled us to ask what he was doing.  His reply was that he is a volunteer who picks up the trash on a two mile section of the Appalachian Trail every day, twice a day.  That is dedication to a cause and we thanked him for his services.

            Lunch was at the 901 Pub, food was good, soup was all broth but tasty, I would rate it a five.

            We finished the ride circling south to Schafferstown and back to our respective homes.

            It was a relaxing slow paced ride on rural roads blessed with great weather and enhanced by friends – thanks to Denny and Betty.