Departs early AM on Friday; returns before sundown on Sunday

This is a getaway weekend that every couple will treasure. You get to ride several fine old bikes at a relaxed pace through the romantic Pocono Mountain region, winding up in the historic town of Jim Thorpe: “America’s Little Switzerland”. (www.jimthorpe.org)

Two nights in a comfortable, historic B&B (www.innjt.com/) allow us to thoroughly explore the town, with its museums, shops and restaurants. There is also the scenic switchback railroad, (www.lgsry.com) a nearby state park (www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lehighgorge.aspx) with great hiking trails, (www.robertbrowne.com/falls.html) mountain biking, (www.poconobiking.com) a lake with a cute swimming beach, (www.carboncounty.co m/park/beach.htm) and the Lehigh River with white water rafting. (www.whitewaterrafting.com) If the ride up and back are not enough for you, just head in any direction to find excellent roads, fascinating history and great scenery.

You may want to arrive Thursday night, but Friday morning works as well, we begin our adventure at 10 AM. The highway would have us there in 2.5 hours, but what fun is that? Instead, we will thread our way north, between the developed areas, passing through numerous small towns and villages as we climb into the Poconos on the tiniest roads we can find, eventually crossing the Appalachian Trail. Our bikes will be equipped with large comfortable seats and luggage racks, plus soft saddle bags if needed. As usual, we may switch bikes as often as the fancy strikes. There will be frequent stops to rest and sight see, and of course for lunch. In this manner, everyone’s comfort is enhanced, and we all sample a wide variety of vintage machines.

We’ll be tired by the time we reach our reserved Bed and Breakfast in Jim Thorpe around 6 PM, but a hot shower rejuvenates us. With the bikes unloaded, we can walk or ride around town, choosing one of the many fine restaurants, where the food is matched by excellent local wines (www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com). The night belongs to you and your partner: use your imagination. Saturday belongs to you as well. Sleep late if you like, then, after a delicious breakfast, walk or ride, explore or relax: there’s a variety of activities very close by, and the area is stunningly beautiful. Romance is all around. We’ll rendezvous at the B&B around 7 PM, before a leisurely stroll to a different restaurant: more delightful culinary adventure.

Sunday, we breakfast at 8, reload, and depart before 10 for a different scenic ride home.