Surrounded by Trees
Every rider finds themselves blessed (or cursed) by where they live. Long ago I knew living in the middle of the vast forest lands of central Pennsylvania was a gift.
In 1681, when King Charles II gave a nearly 29-million-acre expanse of old-growth trees to William Penn, clearing a Royal debt and ridding the Crown of a troublesome Quaker religious movement by sending them across the Atlantic, I’m enjoying the benefits of that deal today.
Nearly 60 percent of Pennsylvania is still forested and provides a seemingly endless supply of dirt and gravel roads to explore. And for me, they begin just two miles from my front door. For my friend Paul and I, those roads are always beckoning.
Ride, Repeat, Ride Again
We have repeated this start many times since acquiring our Honda Trail 125s. The routes available for heavy dirt and gravel riding here are many and varied. From the easy gravel roads to the gnarly Expert sections of the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route which passes here. We’ve tried them all and are happy to repeat the explorations. There’s always something new to see and experience.
This ride would take us through familiar territory entering Rothrock State Forest just two miles from Paul’s driveway. Being so close to a maze of dirt and gravel roads and paths is a gift I embrace with gratitude often. I know many don’t have such easy access to places that recharge the soul.
Bear Meadows Natural Area
My first visit to Bear Meadows was in the late winter of 1974. A woman I was dating, a serious hiker and backpacker, brought me here to to enjoy one of the local natural areas that she visited often. It was a cold, bright day without a breath of wind. The temperature was hovering just above zero as we started across the ice covered bog. A hundred yards out I fell through the ice. Thankfully, the water was only waist deep and she helped me out and I remember how fast my pants froze. The end of our hike I thought but she had other plans coaxing me on to keep walking and assuring me I would be fine. I think back on that day and why I kept walking. My ego was in a different configuration back then.
Paul and I always stop here to look around and make photographs. There’s something intriguing about the place that is hard to pin down. It’s more than the scenery and wildlife encountered. There’s an energy to the place that makes me feel alive. I’ve encountered a few places like that but Bear Meadows is definitely the most conveniently located.
A perfect destination for the Honda Trail 125 motorcycles when riding in Pennsylvania’s magnificent forests.
The Road Less Traveled
The most attractive aspect of these forest rides is the emptiness of the landscape in terms of people and vehicles. I’ve watched so many videos of Yosemite and Yellowstone that I’m left wondering why people visit when there’s so much traffic. Or Edward Abbey bemoaning the terrible decisions to pave the roads in Natural Parks, one of the last barriers to allowing access to the lazy parts of humanity. I realize even those places grow empty during the seasons with less attractive weather but I am grateful at how little human intrusions exist even in the best weather. In fact, the busiest times here are during deer seasons when thousands of hunters visit in hopes of filling their freezers with venison.
I enjoy taking these roads less traveled.
Sacred Spaces
Riding in Pennsylvania’s magnificent forests is like going to church. The quiet energy, the solitude, the simple act of walking along a stream among the trees leaves me feeling in touch with God. The Infinite. A spiritual place that gives me peace. I ride my scooters and motorcycles for a lot of reasons. This is one of them.
In James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, Natty Bumppo (also known as Hawkeye, Deerslayer, or Pathfinder) views his connection with God as something deeply tied to the natural world. He famously treats the undisturbed forest not just as a wilderness, but as “God’s Wilderness”—a vast, living temple.
Britannica
From the first time reading “The Deerslayer” almost 50 years ago the idea God being tied to the natural world resonated with me. As a photographer, hiker, and later as someone who rides through these places. I’m blessed to live so close to these forest cathedrals. Grateful that so many made sure to preserve them. Of the original 29 million acres that comprised Pennsylvania at its founding over 16 million acres of land are still forested. A mix of private, state, and federal forest lands.
If you have the time, inclination, or opportunity to ride in Pennsylvania’s magnificent forests, I heartily give my unconditional endorsement. Perhaps we’ll cross paths one day.
Discover more from Scooter in the Sticks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Well stated, Steve. Your feelings regarding Nature reflect my own.
Excellent verse! Thank you.
Paul J
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Paul. I remain enthralled with the natural landscape here.
Amen to the World’s Sacred places Steve and as I’ve said to a number of door step Proselytizers over the years, “I’d much rather be on my motorcyle thinking about God than sitting in Church thinking about being in the Woods on my Motorcycle” I’ve often enjoyed riding through your part of the World and you are indeed blessed aplenty. Enjoy!
We used to get those door step proselytizers here but haven’t seen any in years. There used to be a Buddha statue in the garden by the front door. When someone asked about religion I would point to the statue. Someone gave it to us. It became useful in warding off solicitations of my soul. Once while painting the garage door I talked to a Jehovah’s Witness for over an hour while I painted. Now I listen to podcasts to ease the tedium of things like painting.
Central Pennsylvania is a natural wonder for riding. More development is happening but there’s still a lot of empty space.
Decades ago when I got my first motorized two wheeler (a $20 Whizzer) exploring the back roads and out of the way places was just pure heaven to me. Still is 60+ years later.
I also like the idea your friend has attaching wheels to his wooden gazebo for making minor movements around on his driveway.
Don’t forget your W650, don’t hear of you riding it much any more. Your stories about it encouraged me to get one and I just love it. Cheers to all.
Paul was thinking ahead by making sure that gazebo was mobile. He moves it around depending projects and needs.
The W650 gets plenty of riding. Just haven’t gotten round yet to writing anything. It’s still a fantastic ride. Just had it serviced — new tires, battery, oil change, tune up, and inspection. It’s like new.
I’m about 1.5 hours SouthEast of you and agree that we still have an abundance of woodlands. Even in Philadelphia where my daughter and grandchildren reside there is Fairmount Park. We have even spotted deer on the side of Lincoln Drive! Anywhere you go in PA are wooded roads and trails.
Yes, there’s still a lot of forests and woodlands to the southeast of here. I don’t ride in that direction as often as I go north. I’ll need to rectify that. I would like to explore more of the Michaux and Tuscarora State Forests.
Fairmount Park is a pretty amazing place. Not surprised you would see deer. Like you say, they are everywhere.
Thanks for the recent sampling of these great forests around the area. Central Pennsylvania is quite beautiful in a sedate way, I’m really surprised y’all haven’t been invaded by the “city folk” . I was quite entranced by the easily available solitude in these magnificent forests and of the good condition of the forest roads!
It still surprises me that there aren’t more people taking advantage of the space and solitude of the forests here. Especially riders. But I guess I am selfishly glad that it feels as if I have the place to myself.
I really need to hitch up my Trail 125 and go exploring there. It’s not like it’s that far from me, maybe two or 2.5 hours. Plenty of nice camping too I’ll bet.
Lots of places to explore here for sure. As far as camping goes, especially with a tent, the ground is really hard!