The White Clay Bicycle Club's
Hawk Mountain Weekend was a 3 day unsupported bicycle tour that took place over Memorial Day Weekend.
Day 1 (Saturday) was 96 miles from Newark, DE over moderately hilly terrain to Lickdale, PA. The group enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at
Pizza Town in Jonestown, before the overnight at Days Inn.
Day 2 (Sunday) had 3 route options en-route to Hamburg PA. Most chose Mount Gretna for lunch at
La Sorelle Porch and Pantry, followed by an opportunity to visit
Roadside America in Shartlesville. This route did not climb over Hawk Mountain, which may explain its popularity. The second option did climb Hawk Mountain (an 800' climb in 2 miles), and the third option included Hawk Mountain but also the feared climb of Gold Mine Road. All routes concluded at the
Microtel, where the group went on to enjoy lots of beer and great food at
Pappy T's Pub & Lounge.
On
Day 3 (Monday), most returned via Berks and Lancaster Counties to Gap or Chadds Ford PA, and then home from there. Those of us riding home to Newark recorded over 100 hilly miles, which was excellent training for the upcoming
Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire in June, which will also feature a long and exhausting 100+ miles on the final day.
This was an amazing group, with participants coming from all over the Tri-State Area, and one from Arlington VA. Depending on where one lived, the final mileage varied. For me, the ride from Hamburg back to Newark ended with 103 miles.
A big tip of the helmet to Mary Clare Matsumoto, for stepping up and filling the role as Tour Leader in Wally Hertler's absence. Mary Clare did a superb job at keeping everyone together when possible, and made key decisions on group consensus. Thanks so much, Mary Clare!
Additional photos can be viewed on Shutterfly
HERE. Be sure to use the slideshow option.