Annual Trek to Mount Gretna - Updated Route by Charlie B. Co-Leaders Welcome

##### Sat July 5, 2025 - Annual Trek to Mount Gretna CO-LEADERS(S) WELCOME to add alternative speed groups. UPDATED ROUTE by Charlie B.

Level B-: 13.5-14.5mph, 77/53 miles. Meet at Shady Maple Farm Market on PA-23 in Goodville, Lancaster Co. (PA Turnpike West to Morgantown/Exit 298. Take PA-10 South for 1 mile to PA-23 West. Right at PA-23. Straight on 23 West for 8 miles, then turn left into Shady Maple parking lot. The ride leaves at 8:00 am. Beautiful ride through Lancaster and Lebanon Counties for an al fresco lunch at the historic Jigger Shop in the town of Mount Gretna, based on the classic route led by Eduardo Ruchelli and Dave Ziccardi. Moderately to dramatically rolling terrain with a few flat and sustained climbing sections on the way out. After the short climb out of Mount Gretna, the way back will be noticeably easier and will include a brief water stop. Anyone wanting to ride a slower pace and/or do fewer miles can opt for a self-guided (after mile 21.3), less hilly 53 mile route which skips Mt. Gretna. Prompt start at 8:00, in order to beat the afternoon heat. If it's your first time doing this ride, please contact leader by evening by Friday evening, with questions re. driving directions or parking. Bad weather, including extreme heat, will cancel. A go/no-go message will be added to this listing by 6:30 a.m. if the weather is questionable. HEAT ADVISORY: Although this route is LOVELY, we will have limited amounts of shade. Please bring (and consume) plenty of fluids and electrolyte snacks, and please remember the sunblock. Total climbing is 4004 ft.
REST STOPS: On the outbound and return, we will stop at convenience stores/gas stations. The mid-way LUNCH STOP, Jigger Shop, is open for outside patio seating. This classic route is very scenic, but very challenging, with vigorous climbs. The difficulty rating is at least a "B" for terrain.
The 77-mi route is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43093735
The 53-mi option is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43124417 Parking at the Start/Finish at Shady Maple: Please park at the rear of the parking lot, along the white fence, behind the greenhouse. Cue sheets will be available. The on-line route map is https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43150968. Preregistration is required, please preregister by Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 8:00 am.
Leader: Linda McGrane, mcgrane_linda_a@yahoo.com, 267-251-7862