Water Gap Weekend Scamp 'n' Rascal Cycling Adventures
Water Gap Weekend - 2, 3 or 4 Days
Everyone knows weekends are made for cycling. So are the roads around the Delaware Water Gap. In fact, there are so many great roads that we couldn't fit them all into a single two day event… so we stretched the weekend for you. Come ride with us for two, three or maybe even four days. Whatever works for you!
In May you can play a little hooky from work and join us early on Thursday for one of our cue sheet rides. They’re a sweet appetizer before the traditional weekend riding feast, and they only happen in May.
When July and August get here, tell your boss you’re taking a Mental Health Day and join us Thursday evening. You'll find us in the bar, relaxed, happy and looking forward to our Friday morning adventure.
If your boss is a tyrant (or maybe you’re the boss!) and weekdays are just not possible, then we’ll be looking for you Friday evening. We’d love to say we saved the very best roads for Saturday and Sunday, but it wouldn’t be true. That’s the cool thing about riding here. Every day is the best day.
Our home for this festive weekend is the exclusive Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. This elegant retreat, originally known as the Buckwood Inn, was built between 1910 and 1911 as a seasonal playground for the rich and famous. Over the years a wealth of celebrities have come to Shawnee to relax. Jackie Gleason learned to play golf here under the tutelage of the resident PGA golf pro, Sam Snead. Arnold Palmer met his wife here. Fred Waring, the ‘40s band leader and father of the Waring blender, owned Shawnee for thirty years, producing his famous radio program in what is now known as the Shawnee Playhouse. And those tidbits are just the iceberg’s tip. The walls of Shawnee have a wealth of stories to tell. Who knows? Maybe you’ll sleep in Lucille Ball’s bedroom. Or Art Carney’s or Dwight Eisenhower’s. Of course you probably won’t know if you do. Recent renovations have give Shawnee a very comfortable, modern face lift while honoring the charm and elegance of the past.
There’s something else you should know about Shawnee. Perched on the banks of the Delaware River, surrounded by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and close to the Appalachian Trail, Shawnee has a wealth of activities for everyone. From golf and tennis, river sports, hiking and fishing to just lying around the pool, the staff and facilities here make everyone feel welcomed and involved. Even non-riding partners will have a great time here.
Thursday
Get here early bright and early, and ready to ride. Today we have two wonderful cue sheet rides that travel through Cherry Valley. Maybe you’ll decide to stop at the Sorrenti Winery. Did you know it's haunted? Really! You're on your own for dinner, but look for us in the bar once the sun goes down.
Rolling to hilly terrain Optional Cue Sheet Ride - Approximately 40 - 50 miles
Friday What goes up, must go down. Downstream, that is. Our two route options today both cruise south on the PA side of the Delaware, crossing the river at Belvidere, NJ. If you chose, you can return to Shawnee Inn from here, riding in NJ through some beautiful countryside. Or, continue south along the river, then climb to a ridge top with spectacular views of the valley before returning to Belvidere to rejoin the route back. And just for you hill-nuts out there, there's an optional opportunity to climb one of “Bicycling Magazine's” 100 toughest hills in America - Fiddler's Elbow.
Rolling to hilly terrain with some climbs. Optional climb of Fiddler's Elbow Breakfast, Dinner Multiple routes from approximately 35 to 60 miles
Saturday
Today we will travel by car a half hour north to the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, our starting point for a wonderful loop. The route takes you along the ridges that form the easten edge of the Pocono Plateau. Along the way you'll have a chance to see the very beautiful cascades at Child's Park. Visit the historic charm of Milford, PA and tour a working water powered mill, one of many that once gave the town its name. You can also stop by Grey Towers National Historic Site, home of Gifford Pincot, a former governor of PA and father of the environmental movement. From Milford you'll cross the Delaware then either turn south to return to the start, or head north to climb to the highest point in New Jersey at High Point State Park.
Breakfast, Dinner Two routes - 45 miles and 70 miles
Sunday Every one we introduce to Old Mine Road declares it cycling perfection; one of the best roads they've ever ridden. Hopefully you'll feel the same way. If you're short for time, head up Old Mine Road to the historical village of Millbrook, then turn around for the 12 mile flight back downstream.
If you want a few more miles before you head home you'll love the 50 mile route that takes you to Blairstown. After a long, gradual climb of the ridge, you can try to break the sound barrier descending into Millbrook before that sweet final sail back to the Inn.
For those of you who just can't climb enough, we can offer you another one of Bicycling Magazine's 100 toughest climbs in America - the climb from Millbrook to the top of the ridge. (optional, of course). Race you to the top!! If you did the longer route you will get to come down this screamer again!
The short route is mostly rolling with no big climbs. The longer route has one long climb. Breakfast Two routes - 35 miles and 50 miles