1999 Covered Bridge Report

On Saturday, August 28, 1999, the PACBT took place under sunny skies and favorable temperatures.  The night before, Sharon & I packed up Bald Eagle and headed for the Best Western via Hellertown, PA.  to have dinner at the Crossroads Hotel.  From the Crossroads, we took 412 south then 212 to the Best Western.  Since tours start with a full tank of gas, we headed across 309 to the Mobile station, only to meet the 'New England' group of 5.  After the gas stop, we checked in & went to the Quakertown Family Restaurant for dessert (us) & dinner (Bill & Debra).  Time to get some sleep at the BW before the ride.

Saturday dawned bright & sunny.  20 people and 13 bikes assembled at the Quakertown Family Restaurant for breakfast in a construction zone!  Seems that ceiling repairs were in progress.  After a breakfast which I can only describe as more than I eat for breakfast in a week, we assembled outside for introductions and a talk through of the route.  We split into two groups and proceeded to the first bridge (pictured in previous page).  Here we had to go through & turn around; there was no place to stop for pictures.  Continuing to bridge #2, we did not disturb the horse event with our air horns (eh, Swaggie?), but continued through rural PA to the next bridge.  Here two, no place to stop; just a slow ride through.

Our third bridge was in Ron Allen's home of Perkasie.  I saw a parking area after I had passed it!  And Swaggie really needed a nap!  Oh well; through the bridge, country, past a llama farm with no llamas in sight and we came to a very scenic bridge, complete with country house, stream & waterfall.  Wish I had a helmet cam.  A few minutes later, we were at the midway point & rest stop.

Ever notice that after everyone has parked, there is no end to conversation?  That was part of the fun; meeting and sharing stories.  Except for Swaggie, who attempted to take a nap in the shade.  Hey, what a location for a group photo!  Then there was the outdoor facilities.  Ron Allen had us assemble in front of the comfort stop to have a picture with the caption:  'Where Every Man and Woman has Gone Before!'

After a period of rest and reminiscing, we headed for bridge #5.  The plan was to make a loop and come back over the same bridge, but the PA county construction had placed a detour in our way.  In a move which is best described as dicey, we made a turn using a 'Y' shaped intersection on a second road.  I went too wide and almost had an encounter of the head on kind!  Next time, we send one bike to find a better alternative!

OK, back on track with no more detours, we headed for two bridges in close proximity.  The route lead us through a small airport, after which bridge #7 was ridden.  On the next turn, we lost the second group momentarily, but with CH 1 open to us, group #2 got back on track.

Now for the finale.  The access to the last bridge (2nd photo prior page) is down a steep road, which turns to one lane, gravel and grass in the middle.  We all made it through, stopping in line afterwards to assemble for pictures.  Sorry, VA; no other good place to stop!  After all the pictures were taken, I learned that this road was not really one way as assumed!

On to lunch!  We stopped at the Frenchtown bridge for those who needed gas, then headed to lunch.  Distress call:  Dead battery!  Sharon & I headed back after giving direction to lunch.  Problem solved via jumper cables, we continued to the Great American Grill, where they give you a paper tablecloth & crayons for drawing while waiting for your food.  Many completed works have been framed and hung on the walls.  45 rpm records hang from the ceiling.   A throwback to the 50's with great food!

Thanks to Ron Allen, everyone received a commemorative pin which reads 'I survived the WOTI-PACBT 99'.  Wear them in good health!

The hard part about having a good time is that it has to end.  Just as I'm thinking that this is it, what a great day, etc., the VA Assassin Group pulled out water pistols to get even with me for avoiding the rain during the VACBT!   You're all sick, & I love it!  What a group!

In the order that the PACBT 'Crayon Sign In  List' was done, here are the participants:  Dave (Bucky) Buchanan (Assassin Leader), John Brady, Steven Weinerman, Bill & Judy Jermyn (BJ & NB), Jim & Jan Lehr (Swaggie & JJ), Bill & Debra Houghton, Keith & Beth Johnston, Michael & Naomi Corliss, Stew Jackson, Paul Burke, Paul McCarthy, Ron & Lori Allen, and John & Sharon Garner.  You're a great group, and you proved it on this day!