2 day Pennsylvania Ride

[theprocess]

I haven't had time to check this thread the last couple days but it seems there's still some confusion about the road conditions.

So to be clear there's nothing that you will encounter that should discourage you from making the trip down there. The roads are generally in great shape, except where previous posts including my own have indicated. The roads are beyond compare with anything I've ridden in Ontario and well worth the trip, especially because its not that much further than say Muskoka/Parry Sound. My comment about some roads being "nothing special" referred to the difficulty of the twisties, but don't get me wrong the roads are plenty twist and scenic with trees, rocks, lakes/rivers, etc.

144/44 sections were recently freshly oil and tarred (aka chip and tar) if you're familiar with these conditions then you will know that they are perfectly rideable but not ideal as there may be some loose stuff built up along the sides and centre of the roads.

Kettle Creek has a few short very fresh oil and tarred sections one of which is on an uphill turn/switchback and has deep gravel as it may not have had time to get packed down yet. This is the only "dangerous" area that I encountered on my trip.

Hyner View Rd is very narrow and windy so blasting up or down this road is not a great idea. The sharp turns had a couple of small patches of gravel in the centre but easily spotted if you're looking ahead and not attacking the road like its Pikes Peak.

Hope this helps clear things up. Go ride and enjoy!

While down there I stayed in St Marys at the Best Western. St Marys has a bit more by way of amenities than I saw at the other towns like Coudersport and Renovo. There's a 24 hour Walmart, other shops, gas stations and the typical fast food chain all near the hotel. On the first day, after slabbing it down, I did a loop around the east side of St Marys. Second day did an indirect ride from St Marys to Coudersport and then back home from there (after having a hot turkey sandwich at Fezz's )

 

[theprocess]

sorry, double post again. bb problems.

 

[BeastieGirl]

I haven't had time to check this thread the last couple days but it seems there's still some confusion about the road conditions. So to clarify there's nothing that you will encounter that should discourage you from making the trip down there. The roads are generally in great shape, except where previous posts including my own have indicated. The roads are beyond compare with anything I've ridden in Ontario and well worth the trip, especially because its not that much further than say Muskoka/Parry Sound. My comment about some roads being "nothing special" referred to the difficulty of the twisties, but don't get me wrong the roads are plenty twist and scenic with trees, rocks, lakes/rivers, etc. 144/44 sections were recently freshly oil and tarred (aka chip and tar) if you're familiar with these conditions then you will know that they are perfectly rideable but not ideal as there may be some loose stuff built up along the sides and centre of the roads. Kettle Creek has a few short very fresh oil and tarred sections one of which is on an uphill turn/switchback and has deep gravel as it may not have had time to get packed down yet. This is the only "dangerous" area that I encountered on my trip. Hyner Mtn Rd is very narrow and windy so blasting up or down this road is not a great idea. The sharp turns had a couple of small patches of gravel in the centre but easily spotted if you're looking ahead and not attacking the road like its Pikes Peak. Hope this helps clear things up. Go ride and enjoy! While down there I stayed in St Marys at the Best Western. St Marys has a bit more by way of amenities than I saw at the other towns like Coudersport and Renovo. There's a 24 hour Walmart, other shops, gas stations and the typical fast food chain all near the hotel. On the first day, after slabbing it down, I did a loop around the east side of St Marys. Second day did an indirect ride from St Marys to Coudersport and then back home from there (after having a hot turkey sandwich at Fezz's )

Re road conditions - what he said

Is it worth the trip is a little more subjective. I think its fun and its close and I even like the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and the roads leading up to it from Hwy 6, though they've gotten bad reviews elsewhere.

Honestly, if somebody is hoping to find a Dragon or Cherohala Parkway or NC 28 hidden in the hills of north/central Pennsylvania, well - no. Or if there is, I haven't come across them yet. I've come a lot closer in WV and Maryland, but then you're adding an extra 3 to 4 hours to get there.

IMHO - its the most fun riding I've found within a 4 hour radius of Hamilton, making it my favourite mini-trip.

 

[MacDoc]

Exactly. The nice thing is the length of the twisties - it's certainly not as intense as something like The Gillies in Australia but it's fun and there are lots of permutations and combinations of sweeper roads and twisties and nice meandering narrow but paved roads with very very little traffic.

and it's close.

44/144 and few others can get pretty intense in parts depending on your speed but are very enjoyable as a tourist. The signage is pretty good to note the upcoming fun.
Seeing the sign for 15 miles of winding road on Kettle Creek brings a grin and that's one of the short ones. Wycoff is a just a hoot.

I just wish we had ONE of those roads anywhere near the GTA. We don't

 

[slowbird]

Thanks again for all the extra info everyone.

Quick question: Is Hyner Run Rd dirt? I only ask cause it looks that way on google street view.

Also, ZX600...on your route you posted you leave 44 and turn onto Dyer/Robinson rd? How was that road? Street View shows it to be quite narrow and desolate looking.

 

[MacDoc]

HApproaching from PA Route 120, turn onto Hyner Mountain Road (PA 1014) and travel two miles. Turn right onto Hyner View Road. This narrow, paved road, with its many twists and turns, rises steadily for five miles and leads directly to the overlook.

I've not been on it....info here
http://www.baldeaglegeotec.com/geonotes/HynerViewStatePark/HynerOverlookVista.htm

 

[slowbird]

I've not been on it....info here
http://www.baldeaglegeotec.com/geonotes/HynerViewStatePark/HynerOverlookVista.htm

Good link.
Thanks!

 

[MacDoc]

Not sure where this is but there are many in PA like this. We've had some good fun exploring the less famous

Cherry Creek was fun and they are continually paving new ones. There was one just off 44/144 junction that was very fresh and an interesting ride.

 

[boooya]

I've not been on it....info here
http://www.baldeaglegeotec.com/geonotes/HynerViewStatePark/HynerOverlookVista.htm

Yep this is a decent road. It is a bit narrow and gotta watch for downed branches and other road debris tho.

 

[theprocess]

Thanks again for all the extra info everyone.

Quick question: Is Hyner Run Rd dirt? I only ask cause it looks that way on google street view.

Also, ZX600...on your route you posted you leave 44 and turn onto Dyer/Robinson rd? How was that road? Street View shows it to be quite narrow and desolate looking.

I fixed the name in my prior post to Hyner Rd/Hyner Mtn Rd (vs Hyner Run Rd). Hyner View Rd is the narrow, windy road that goes up to the lookout. Yes, both are paved for sure.

Here's are my routes. Not necessarily the exact routes I had planned but a composition of the roads I ended up riding and created these modified routes for my next trip down. Feel free to use them or modify to suit your needs.

Day 1 - http://goo.gl/maps/bGxGL

Day 2 - http://goo.gl/maps/FoqvV

On day 1 I had planned to hit Steam Mill Rd but couldn't find a paved access road from the top or bottom. At the top I must have blown past Costello and from the bottom Britton Hill was dirt/gravel. Any help?

Hey Macdoc, have you been on Steam Mill Rd? Any idea where I went wrong? Thx

 

[ZX600]

Thanks again for all the extra info everyone.

Quick question: Is Hyner Run Rd dirt? I only ask cause it looks that way on google street view.

Also, ZX600...on your route you posted you leave 44 and turn onto Dyer/Robinson rd? How was that road? Street View shows it to be quite narrow and desolate looking.

hyner run was not dirt, was paved and one of the most beautiful roads i have taken, went up the mountain with spectacular views, very twisty but I didn't take it fast, iwas there for the views and not for the speed

Actually i didn't end up taking Dyer robinson, i made a correction on the map since i didnt want to come back the same way, i end up hitting Hyner from the top, and I am glad i did since it was awesome

see correction here https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Toronto,+ON&daddr=513+East+2nd+Street,+Coudersport,+PA+16915+to:41.46833,-77.56787+to:Hyner+Run+Road,+Lock+Haven,+PA,+United+States+toA-144+S+to:41.16794,-78.13445+to:Cowley+Hill+Road,+Austin,+PA,+United+States+to:Sr3002+toA-120+E%2FRenovo+Rd+to:Kettle+Creek+Rd%2FState+Route+4001+toA-144+N%2FGermania+Rd+to:513+East+2nd+Street,+Coudersport,+PA+16915,+United+States+to:41.7707658,-77.3658498+to:I-86+E+to:I-690+E+to:Kingston,+ON+to:Toronto,+ON&hl=en&sll=41.376293,-77.762604&sspn=0.357065,0.837021&geocode=FWoYmgIdcLVE-ymlO8bXkMvUiTF3xLQqUFU1Mg%3BFXNxfQId-8pZ-ykJ1iduuvzNiTEB7Q6Wtm_P-Q%3BFarBeAIdgmhg-ykDL-N35GnOiTF8EWaw9i5Iwg%3BFa7gdwId8-lf-ynRO6_o0mfOiTF-IKmPZKcXsA%3BFQ6gcgIdrANa-w%3BFUQsdAIdTsNX-ylb8gt_FTDMiTHvKV_hYhMoHg%3BFcGEewIdsNJX-yntXC6BQujNiTEmwoEe4I8Zqw%3BFeFZewIdAutW-w%3BFSEZdgIdMFtZ-w%3BFcg1eAIdvkBb-w%3BFZ5RfAIdBk9f-w%3BFXNxfQId-8pZ-ykJ1iduuvzNiTEB7Q6Wtm_P-Q%3BFQ1ffQIdp31j-ynxfXN2Ui_OiTEivcdCh9WvNA%3BFbRSgwIdajJo-w%3BFXT4kAIdMtp1-w%3BFQTqogIdvupw-ympjkB0BqvSTDHq2dYVd0mldg%3BFWoYmgIdcLVE-ymlO8bXkMvUiTF3xLQqUFU1Mg&t=h&mra=dvme&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=2,5,12&z=11

 

[theprocess]

hyner run was not dirt, was paved and one of the most beautiful roads i have taken, went up the mountain with spectacular views, very twisty but I didn't take it fast, iwas there for the views and not for the speed

Actually i didn't end up taking Dyer robinson, i made a correction on the map since i didnt want to come back the same way, i end up hitting Hyner from the top, and I am glad i did since it was awesome

see correction here https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=T...1Mg&t=h&mra=dvme&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=2,5,12&z=11

The bottom of Hyner Run (left over the bridge to the park entrance) is dirt, I dont know about the rest because I turned around and continued east on Hyner/Hyner Mtn to 44. Nice twisty/treelined bit of road! Hyner View Rd is the one that takes you up the mountain. Too many Hyners!

ZX600, did you go along Hyner Run (as indicated in your map) or continue straight on Hyner/Hyner Mtn?

 

[ZX600]

The bottom of Hyner Run (left over the bridge to the park entrance) is dirt, I dont know about the rest because I turned around and continued east on Hyner/Hyner Mtn to 44. Nice twisty/treelined bit of road! Hyner View Rd is the one that takes you up the mountain. Too many Hyners!

ZX600, did you go along Hyner Run (as indicated in your map) or continue straight on Hyner/Hyner Mtn?

Sorry yes, I continued straight into hyner/Hyner mountain and you are right, Hyner run is dirt, I was getting the two mixed

 

[MacDoc]

Hey Macdoc, have you been on Steam Mill Rd?

Have not been on it that I'm aware of....I've found spotty google maps in the area - had a hell of a time finding the south end of Wycoff so easy enough to get it wrong.

What did you think of Cherry Springs??

 

[theprocess]

Have not been on it that I'm aware of....I've found spotty google maps in the area - had a hell of a time finding the south end of Wycoff so easy enough to get it wrong.

What did you think of Cherry Springs??

Agreed google maps isnt the greatest but I found my garmin was spot on, except for the dirt roads it kept telling me to detour on. At the south end of Wykoff theres a nature watch area right across the street from the cross section, watch for that and you can't miss it.

Cherry Springs? According to google maps that's part of 44 between 6 at Coudersport and the 144/44 junction. Nice road with windy sweepers and twisties combined, follows along a small valley bottom for a while also. But right now this is the part of the 44 that was recently oil and tarred, when I was there there were construction signs indicating unmarked roads but the lines were down so all it needs is to be packed down and clear off some of the loose stuff. I can't remember if the oil and tar ran the entire 6 to 144/44 junction but it was a good length and the upper part had more loose stuff than near the junction. Looking forward to hitting it again once it gets settled. In the same area, the 44 going east-south after the junction is a gem...smooth pavement, elevation changes and tight twisties, at least one turn has "SLOW" painted on the road.

 

[MacDoc]

at least one turn has "SLOW" painted on the road.

If that's the one I recall going southbound it's downhill and quite a sharp left tho not off camber. Recall hauling the brakes pretty hard and being surprised at the warning on the pavement.

One annoying thing in PA is the over the top frequency of Do Not Pass then Pass with Care - signs which at night with bright headlights is guaranteed to mess your night vision.

Hoping for a mid-October run down and catch the colours.

 

[slowbird]

Just got back from PA.

I left early Tuesday morning. Even with layers, and Heated grips on full; I froze my *** off all the way down, till I stopped in Ellicottville, NY to warm myself at the fire infront of the Coffee Culture. By 10am most of the morning fog and chill had passed and I continued down 219 (which is under heavy construction at the moment. expect delays) to 46 then to 6 to Coudersport. I made it there 1 one tank of gas, didn't even have the gas light come on. (under 400kms from Brampton)

I filled up at the Sheetz in Coudersport, and by noon I booked into Pauls motel.
Pauls motel is great for the money (about $50) but you get what you pay for. Gravel parking lot with just enough concrete infront of the rooms to park your bike. No shampoo.(I brought my own thankfully.) I wonder how someone over 6' tall would manage in the rooms as my 5'9" frame was almost too long for the bed and the shower had low ceilings. All in all I had little to complain about. I'd stay again due to the low cost and location.

By 1pm I was back on the road. 144/44 is under construction. Being repaved. I was stuck behind a road painting truck, and was also delayed at a few contraflows.
Hopefully in a week or so the road work will be completed. But there is alot of construction in the area. I was dodging dump-trucks all day.

I took 44 south to Hyner run rd...then took Hyner View rd up to the lookout. It's a fun little road. I advise anyone who goes on it to be careful. I encountered a big heap of bear poo in the middle of the road, and a deer was waiting for me around one bend. Luckily he ran far away from me. Hyner View lookout was beautiful. ( and one of the few places I got cell reception )

I then followed 144 south out of Renovo where I was stuck behind another road painting truck. This one was going about 10mph for about 20minutes. (I thought my bike was gonna overheat for sure and there was nowhere to pull off) After it buggered off I really enjoyed the road. Quite beautiful.

I then took 879 to Wycoff run. Another beautiful road.

Road debris was at a minimum and always in places where I saw it coming.

I also highly enjoyed the Maple Tree restaurant in Coudersport which had very good and inexpensive food (and breakfast).

Unfortunately I woke up the next morning with quite severe neck pains and had to cut my trip short and head back home.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread as well as to the OP. It was extremely helpful. :-D

P.S. ...and an FYI. I saw a few signs saying a few roads were going to be "oiled" next week. I have no clue what that means but it doesn't sound good for bikes.

 

[BeastieGirl]

Just got back from PA.

I left early Tuesday morning. Even with layers, and Heated grips on full; I froze my *** off all the way down, till I stopped in Ellicottville, NY to warm myself at the fire infront of the Coffee Culture. By 10am most of the morning fog and chill had passed and I continued down 219 (which is under heavy construction at the moment. expect delays) to 46 then to 6 to Coudersport. I made it there 1 one tank of gas, didn't even have the gas light come on. (under 400kms from Brampton)

I filled up at the Sheetz in Coudersport, and by noon I booked into Pauls motel.
Pauls motel is great for the money (about $50) but you get what you pay for. Gravel parking lot with just enough concrete infront of the rooms to park your bike. No shampoo.(I brought my own thankfully.) I wonder how someone over 6' tall would manage in the rooms as my 5'9" frame was almost too long for the bed and the shower had low ceilings. All in all I had little to complain about. I'd stay again due to the low cost and location.

By 1pm I was back on the road. 144/44 is under construction. Being repaved. I was stuck behind a road painting truck, and was also delayed at a few contraflows.
Hopefully in a week or so the road work will be completed. But there is alot of construction in the area. I was dodging dump-trucks all day.

I took 44 south to Hyner run rd...then took Hyner View rd up to the lookout. It's a fun little road. I advise anyone who goes on it to be careful. I encountered a big heap of bear poo in the middle of the road, and a deer was waiting for me around one bend. Luckily he ran far away from me. Hyner View lookout was beautiful. ( and one of the few places I got cell reception )

I then followed 144 south out of Renovo where I was stuck behind another road painting truck. This one was going about 10mph for about 20minutes. (I thought my bike was gonna overheat for sure and there was nowhere to pull off) After it buggered off I really enjoyed the road. Quite beautiful.

I then took 879 to Wycoff run. Another beautiful road.

Road debris was at a minimum and always in places where I saw it coming.

I also highly enjoyed the Maple Tree restaurant in Coudersport which had very good and inexpensive food (and breakfast).

Unfortunately I woke up the next morning with quite severe neck pains and had to cut my trip short and head back home.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread as well as to the OP. It was extremely helpful. :-D

P.S. ...and an FYI. I saw a few signs saying a few roads were going to be "oiled" next week. I have no clue what that means but it doesn't sound good for bikes.

Thanks for the update - I'm heading that way on Saturday -might avoid 44/144, especially if its being "oiled".

 

[slowbird]

Here's a vid of Hyner View rd: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es4_B8is3-4&feature=share&list=UUcufQkJwRx_a8U6YPon7KhQ

Thanks for the update - I'm heading that way on Saturday -might avoid 44/144, especially if its being "oiled".

144/44 had no "oiling" signs. I'd highly recommend taking these roads....and Wycoft run....and the Hyners.

I think 879 had the "oiling" signs

 

[HarleyHare]

Just got back from PA.

I left early Tuesday morning. Even with layers, and Heated grips on full; I froze my *** off all the way down, till I stopped in Ellicottville, NY to warm myself at the fire infront of the Coffee Culture. By 10am most of the morning fog and chill had passed and I continued down 219 (which is under heavy construction at the moment. expect delays) to 46 then to 6 to Coudersport. I made it there 1 one tank of gas, didn't even have the gas light come on. (under 400kms from Brampton)

..................
By 1pm I was back on the road. 144/44 is under construction. Being repaved. I was stuck behind a road painting truck, and was also delayed at a few contraflows.
Hopefully in a week or so the road work will be completed. But there is alot of construction in the area. I was dodging dump-trucks all day.

......................
I then followed 144 south out of Renovo where I was stuck behind another road painting truck. This one was going about 10mph for about 20minutes. (I thought my bike was gonna overheat for sure and there was nowhere to pull off) After it buggered off I really enjoyed the road. Quite beautiful.

Also got back today from a 4 day ride through Pennsylvania. Weather was fantastic, and roads near empty as everybody is back to school or at work. Drivers give a wide girth and are courteous (ie. GTA is a whole other planet). Roads are generally very good to excellent and a lot of new paving going on. Considering the sparse population in "The Wilds" of PA their roads are fantastic and compared to less sparse population in areas north of Toronto where secondary roads are a real concern riding aggressively. Was only delayed by one paint truck and blasted by before the spray could hit the bike. Not sure that is allowed but everyone else was doing it, when in Rome do as the Romans do.

Tried camping in Allegany and Hyner Parks and won't be trying that anytime soon as my feet froze (forgot my thermal socks) and the condensation in the tent made for damp conditions. Checked into Paul's Motel and recommendations are under-stated as compared to camping, this was the Trump Plaza!

And as usual its not always the journey but the people you meet. Almost out of gas about 25 km south of Couldersport on Hwy 44 and suddenly see a tiny home-made sign pointing down a country road to where I see a lone pump and a shack with an old motorcycle that is greasy, dirty and looks to be abandoned. I figure its something the gas station owner bought for $100 to put on display. I fill up and a guy approaches me and we start talking bikes. Apparently the bike in question is his and he rides all over North America with it. I asked is he wasn't afraid of breaking down considering parts are none existent. It was a 1938 Indian that looked like it has one foot/tire in the junk yard, but he maintains it and runs perfect except for last year when a cam blew in Newfoundland. He rented a U-haul trailer to transport it back. I then suggested he keep the Indian for crusing no further than 100 miles from home and keep a second bike say 10 years old for longer trips. He said I tried that 25 years ago and said he's never do it again, 'life's too short for me to be doin' that again'. I never asked him how long he's had the bike but he looked to be about 60.