Comments on: Early Morning Ride II http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Jamie http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5287 Jamie Sun, 13 Aug 2006 23:26:17 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5287 SOME HISTORICAL INFOMATION ABOUT THIS TRAIL; Preview: In addition to the historic Stony Valley Railroad, this ride also passes by the ruins of the old ghost town of Rausch Gap. Between 1828 and 1910, more than 1,000 people lived here. The town slowly disbanded over the next 50 years as the natural resources that sustained the town dwindled. By the mid 1940s the strip mines had proved unproductive and the last bit of lumber was felled from the ridge. The Pennsylvania Game Commission then purchased the lands and soon after converted the abandoned rail grade into one of the nation's first rail-trails. The trail leaves from the game commission lot and heads up the Stony Creek Valley. Many side trails on the right offer places to drop a line and catch a trout or two. As the grade continues on, the woods envelop you and provide opportunities to see some wildlife. The turn-around point at Rausch Gap is a great place for exploration. A large wooden sign marks the site of the ghost town. Check out all the ruins, including the spooky cemetery of four gravestones dating back to 1854 and the old steps of the Cold Springs Hotel. Highlights: historic stops along the way, including the ghost town of Rausch Gap (complete with foundation remains), old bridge trestle foundations, and the actual railroad grade; serene beauty; great trout fishing along the Stony Creek. Tread: the entire ride follows the smooth, cinder-covered pathway of the old rail grade. One short section is on a hidden rail grade that has almost grown back into a singletrack trail. .© Copyright Rob Ginieczki Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved. SOME HISTORICAL INFOMATION ABOUT THIS TRAIL;

Preview: In addition to the historic Stony Valley Railroad, this ride also passes by the ruins of the old ghost town of Rausch Gap. Between 1828 and 1910, more than 1,000 people lived here. The town slowly disbanded over the next 50 years as the natural resources that sustained the town dwindled. By the mid 1940s the strip mines had proved unproductive and the last bit of lumber was felled from the ridge. The Pennsylvania Game Commission then purchased the lands and soon after converted the abandoned rail grade into one of the nation’s first rail-trails. The trail leaves from the game commission lot and heads up the Stony Creek Valley. Many side trails on the right offer places to drop a line and catch a trout or two. As the grade continues on, the woods envelop you and provide opportunities to see some wildlife. The turn-around point at Rausch Gap is a great place for exploration. A large wooden sign marks the site of the ghost town. Check out all the ruins, including the spooky cemetery of four gravestones dating back to 1854 and the old steps of the Cold Springs Hotel. Highlights: historic stops along the way, including the ghost town of Rausch Gap (complete with foundation remains), old bridge trestle foundations, and the actual railroad grade; serene beauty; great trout fishing along the Stony Creek. Tread: the entire ride follows the smooth, cinder-covered pathway of the old rail grade. One short section is on a hidden rail grade that has almost grown back into a singletrack trail.

.© Copyright Rob Ginieczki Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

]]> By: Jamie http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5286 Jamie Sun, 13 Aug 2006 23:22:16 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5286 Preview: In addition to the historic Stony Valley Railroad, this ride also passes by the ruins of the old ghost town of Rausch Gap. Between 1828 and 1910, more than 1,000 people lived here. The town slowly disbanded over the next 50 years as the natural resources that sustained the town dwindled. By the mid 1940s the strip mines had proved unproductive and the last bit of lumber was felled from the ridge. The Pennsylvania Game Commission then purchased the lands and soon after converted the abandoned rail grade into one of the nation's first rail-trails. The trail leaves from the game commission lot and heads up the Stony Creek Valley. Many side trails on the right offer places to drop a line and catch a trout or two. As the grade continues on, the woods envelop you and provide opportunities to see some wildlife. The turn-around point at Rausch Gap is a great place for exploration. A large wooden sign marks the site of the ghost town. Check out all the ruins, including the spooky cemetery of four gravestones dating back to 1854 and the old steps of the Cold Springs Hotel. Highlights: historic stops along the way, including the ghost town of Rausch Gap (complete with foundation remains), old bridge trestle foundations, and the actual railroad grade; serene beauty; great trout fishing along the Stony Creek. Tread: the entire ride follows the smooth, cinder-covered pathway of the old rail grade. One short section is on a hidden rail grade that has almost grown back into a singletrack trail. .© Copyright Rob Ginieczki Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved. WE HAVE TO RIDE THIS WHOLE TRAIL!!!!! Preview: In addition to the historic Stony Valley Railroad, this ride also passes by the ruins of the old ghost town of Rausch Gap. Between 1828 and 1910, more than 1,000 people lived here. The town slowly disbanded over the next 50 years as the natural resources that sustained the town dwindled. By the mid 1940s the strip mines had proved unproductive and the last bit of lumber was felled from the ridge. The Pennsylvania Game Commission then purchased the lands and soon after converted the abandoned rail grade into one of the nation’s first rail-trails. The trail leaves from the game commission lot and heads up the Stony Creek Valley. Many side trails on the right offer places to drop a line and catch a trout or two. As the grade continues on, the woods envelop you and provide opportunities to see some wildlife. The turn-around point at Rausch Gap is a great place for exploration. A large wooden sign marks the site of the ghost town. Check out all the ruins, including the spooky cemetery of four gravestones dating back to 1854 and the old steps of the Cold Springs Hotel. Highlights: historic stops along the way, including the ghost town of Rausch Gap (complete with foundation remains), old bridge trestle foundations, and the actual railroad grade; serene beauty; great trout fishing along the Stony Creek. Tread: the entire ride follows the smooth, cinder-covered pathway of the old rail grade. One short section is on a hidden rail grade that has almost grown back into a singletrack trail.

.© Copyright Rob Ginieczki Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

WE HAVE TO RIDE THIS WHOLE TRAIL!!!!!

]]> By: RL Policar http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5283 RL Policar Sun, 13 Aug 2006 21:20:33 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5283 Another thing to consider is to do the drinking after the ride. That way you all have something to look forward to. Another thing to consider is to do the drinking after the ride. That way you all have something to look forward to.

]]> By: RL Policar http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5280 RL Policar Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:03:59 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5280 One thing to consider is to have breakfast after the ride. That seems to entice people to want to go. Glad that you guys had fun! One thing to consider is to have breakfast after the ride. That seems to entice people to want to go. Glad that you guys had fun!

]]> By: Randy Policar http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5276 Randy Policar Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:17:36 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5276 Happy to hear that you liked it. We definitely have to see all of what this trail has to offer. My goal is to get the whole Unit out there. Once on the trail, I'm sure they would all be hooked just like I was when my brother RL took me through the Fullerton Loop. Happy to hear that you liked it. We definitely have to see all of what this trail has to offer.

My goal is to get the whole Unit out there. Once on the trail, I’m sure they would all be hooked just like I was when my brother RL took me through the Fullerton Loop.

]]> By: Jamie http://www.commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-5274 Jamie Sun, 13 Aug 2006 14:06:06 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2006/08/12/early-morning-ride-ii/#comment-5274 This had been my first trip to Stoney Creek Valley, Randy has been trying to get me out there for weeks now. The endless main trail was great, with the slight incline most of the way, its really keeps you peddling. The firebreaks down to the river where a good challenge for a beginner, with rocks protruding from the ground, tree limbs, and low branches to negotiate around. Keep your eyes open and your head low. The breath taking surroundings tends to want to keep you there longer, I continue to want to see whats just up around the next bend. I cannot wait until we hit that trail again. Thanks Randy This had been my first trip to Stoney Creek Valley, Randy has been trying to get me out there for weeks now. The endless main trail was great, with the slight incline most of the way, its really keeps you peddling. The firebreaks down to the river where a good challenge for a beginner, with rocks protruding from the ground, tree limbs, and low branches to negotiate around. Keep your eyes open and your head low. The breath taking surroundings tends to want to keep you there longer, I continue to want to see whats just up around the next bend. I cannot wait until we hit that trail again.

Thanks Randy

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