2014 Rolling Thru Pennsylvania

September 25-28, 2014   

rtpa5 A common question we’ve heard over the past 2 years is “How do you top the (very popular) Rolling Thru The Finger Lakes Tours?”  It was a challenge, and we’re now delighted to have an answer.

Rolling Thru Pennsylvania!

We’ve heard rumors of fantastic southern PA roads offering a wonderful mixture of winding routes into the Allegheny Mountains, followed by meandering rural rides through farmland.  We knew of many state and national parks whose roads were highly regarded, and whose history was second to none. We knew that this state has more wooden covered bridges than Vermont, and was home to some of the nation’s finest and exclusive resorts.   We decided to take a look, and we LOVED what we found.

You’ll stay in one of the nicest hotels RTA has ever offered, in one of the most historic towns in the U.S.  You’ll eat like kings and queens at a stunning 1888 mansion, at a 5 star resort famous for is rejuvenating mineral springs (the grounds are stunning), and other wonderful restaurants and resorts.  You’ll get to experience unparalleled beauty, wonderful relaxed riding and just a touch of U.S. history.


Thursday – Unpack, Dine and Relax

Hotel Check-In and Gift Bags Delivered – We have chosen for your comfort the Wyndhamrtpa4 hotel surrounded by historic landmarks, Civil War-era charm and stunning natural landscape, and situated just outside downtown Gettysburg.

Welcome Party, followed by The Classic Wyndham Buffet. A perfect opportunity to renew friendships and make some new ones. Menu includes Crab Stuffed Tilapia Filet w/spinach and white wine sauce; Sliced Tender Roast Beef with Shallot Gravy; Fresh Baby Mixed Baby Green Salad, Hearts of Romaine with Caesar Dressing; Assorted Cakes and Pies.

After your long ride, a masseuse will be on staff for those wanting (needing) an optional professional massage.


Friday – Maryland and an 1888 Mansion (~140 miles)

Breakfast  Breakfast in the heartland of rural PA, followed by a wonderful southerly route.  Breakfast  includes a choice of juices, Diced Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Asst.  Cereals, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Sausages, Breakfast Potatoes, Assortment of Danishes, Bagel, Breakfast Breads and Croissant Blossom.

Today’s route will bring you through 2 different states, Pennsylvania and Maryland. [We know, we know, RTPA should stay in PA, however good riding and beautiful scenery doesn’t know state boundaries and we couldn’t resist dipping below the state line.]   Leaving Gettysburg, we’ll wind our way along the foothills of the Alleghenies, through lush, rural valleys on our way south through Maryland. It’s beautiful, so have your camera ready.

rtpa1crop At the furthest point south, you’ll arrive at the stunning lunch destination, a grand 1888 mansion located on twenty-five riverside acres with lovely mountain views.  The succulent menu includes choice of Grilled marinated Breast of Chicken with Blackberry Vinegar Reduction and Fresh Blackberries, or Pasta  Shells Stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Topped with Basil Rose Cream; Mesclun Greens with Julienne Apples, Sprouts, toasted Walnuts and tomatoes; and wonderful raspberry Ice Cream Crepes.

You’ll return to Gettysburg riding through two beautiful state parks, one of which is home to one of Maryland’s best motorcycling roads.   It’s a great ride, and it’s a true hidden gem. Upon returning to the hotel in mid-afternoon, enjoy an evening to yourself in charming, beautiful and fascinating Gettysburg.


Saturday – Mountains, Valleys, and Presidential Treatment (~195 miles)

Breakfast  Breakfast in the heartland of rural PA, followed by a fantastic northwestern route into the Allegheny Mountains.  Breakfast  includes a choice of juices, Diced Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Asst.  Cereals, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Sausages, Breakfast Potatoes, Assortment of Danishes, Bagel, Breakfast Breads and Croissant Blossom.

You’ll escape into the Allegheny Mountains along the very roads that caused us to choose Pennsylvania for our new 2014 tour.  This route is one of THE best routes in the entire state.  Winding, scenic, smooth and stunning; it’s why we ride.

Lunch – After looping through the mountains, get ready for an amazing lunch and the presidential treatment.  Your lunch destination has hosted 10 US Presidents, plus countless celebrities and dignitaries from around the world!  For more than 200 years, the rtpa2cropeight mineral springs located on the resort’s property served as an important gathering place, and when we toured the property we were stunned by its beauty.

We’re not sure which will be more incredible, the meal, or the grounds surrounding the resort.  Either way, this will be one memorable meal.  You’ll dine on your choice of Lemon-Thyme Brined Pork Tenderloin or Grilled Marinated Flank Steak with Tarragon-Roast Shallot Jus; Chilled Apple Soup; Tossed Salad of Bibb, Romaine, Red Leaf lettuce with Buttermilk Ranch; Green Bean Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette; Tomato Goat Tart; Baked Apple Tart and Assorted Gobs.

Afternoon – You’ll return to Gettysburg along lovely rural roads, taking you through some of the most historic and scenic parklands in America.

Dinner – For dinner, there’s no need to ride.  The exquisite venue is only a few steps from your hotel, and is the perfect location to relax and have an sumptuous Italian dinner with your new friends. Menu includes Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni in a creamy Alfredo Sauce; Fresh Garlic Bread; Insalata Caprese with Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella served with a Baby Arugula Salad top with a balsamic Vinaigrette;  finished with delicious Italian Lemon Cake.


Sunday – Farewell Breakfast

Breakfast – Enjoy the final breakfast of the tour, which includes a choice of juices, Diced Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Asst.  Cereals, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Sausages, Breakfast Potatoes, Assortment of Danishes, Bagel, Breakfast Breads and Croissant Blossom

After spending this wonderful weekend with your friends, it’s time to go home and reminisce about the highlights of the past few days.


rtpa3The guided daily rides average 150 miles (about 4 1/2 hours of seat time) up, around and the best the area has to offer.  Motorcycle guides lead and follow you, and a support vehicle follows along behind.  However, if you prefer to ride on your own, we provide you with excellent route maps.