A Story Told on the Back of a BMW F650 GS
Any excuse to ride the BMW F 650 GS…
On Friday, July 22, from 4pm until 7pm, Kissell Motorsports is hosting a pig roast at their State College dealership. Rumor has it they’ll also be offering ice cream from the Penn State Creamery. They’re holding the event during the BMW International Rally and invite riders who might like to get away from the crowds for a while, take a nice ride, and have some good grub. Free.
That’s where I come in. A few weeks ago Craig Kissell and I were talking about different ways to get from Bloomsburg to State College and one of us suggested the idea of sharing a route for riders that would take them through some beautiful countryside, get them to State College in a reasonable amount of time, and not be so difficult as to require close attention, a GPS, and a big dose of luck.
The ride.
I’m going to work backwards and start with the ride back to Bloomsburg. Since it will be late in the day a direct, still scenic route seems in order – US 322 (Expressway) east to PA 45 east (Centre Hall/Boalsburg exit). Take PA 45 through Lewisburg, on to Danville, and from there just 15 miles back to Bloomsburg. It’s simple, 79 miles, but also a beautiful ride. I made the ride early on a Saturday morning on a nice BMW motorcycle. Just to get into the rally state of mind.
Just east of Centre Hall the road enters a stretch of rolling hills and passes through farmland and small towns. The traffic is almost non-existent early on weekends but during the week can be steady and brisk. Passing by Spring Mills, through Millheim (you make want to check out the Elk Creek Café), past Aaronsburg and on towards Woodward the road offers a range of views.
I have a disproportionate number of images that are bisected by strong vertical lines – telephone poles, trees, posts and lines of a sundry origin. And one more.
As you leave Aaronsburg the occurrence of Amish vehicles increases and you should keep an eye out. Most Amish buggy drivers are familiar with the road and vehicles but from time to time a young driver or young horse shy away from motor vehicles. I always give them a wide berth to save everyone grief.
This trip I’m riding a 2011 BMW F650 GS. It’s one of my favorites, on my list of possible motorcycles I would like to own, and probably the most utilitarian machine in the lineup for the kind of riding I do or will conceivably do in the near to distant future. Finding my Vespa more than adequate in the power department for 99 percent of riding I do the BMW has plenty of power for any situation I will ever find myself in.
Someday.
The road cuts through Bald Eagle State Forest and past some nice options for gravel and dirt if you have the time. With a belly full of roast pork this may not be the time.
Leaving the forest the road cuts across an expansive agricultural valley, through Hartleton (SPEED TRAP—GO SLOW), Mifflinburg and on to Lewisburg.
Lewisburg is situated along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and is a quiet college town, home to Bucknell University. If you are out and about during the week the Lewisburg Hotel is a great place for lunch or dinner. Can’t remember if they serve breakfast
After crossing the river the road stretches on to Bloomsburg just 24 miles away. Find PA 54 into Danville and then US 11 to Bloomsburg. You can’t miss the fairgrounds where the BMW Rally is being held.
All in all not a bad ride with a belly full of pork– 79 miles from State College to Bloomsburg.
Now, the more interesting ride to State College. Just outside the gates of the Bloomsburg Fair Grounds, going west about a half-mile take PA 42 north to Buckhorn. Buckhorn is one of those commercial hubs that spring into existence at exits along Interstate 80. I sat here to take a long drink of water before beginning what would be a 100-mile ride to Kissell Motorsports. Craig chose the route. The one I suggested about take about 5 hours and cover nearly 200 miles. But it would take a rider through some of the best riding territory in the state.
The 100-mile path is a great ride though.
At Buckhorn you’ll find PA 44 going north. That’s your road for the next 45 miles as it winds through woods and farmlands, towns and villages. It’s not unlike the landscape on the ride to Bloomsburg, at least until you begin climbing into the mountains.
Rain threatened all day with a few times requiring me to wipe the water from my visor. I left unprepared and was glad I didn’t get drenched. Riding past Jerseytown and Watsontown and on towards the Susquehanna River finds some long rolling stretches of highway. Watch out for horse apples and Amish buggies, both in abundance.
By the time I crossed the river the sun was out and I was muttering about the heat and wishing I had worn my summer riding jacket.
The fragrance of fresh cut hay, manure and the melodies of cows greet you as you pass through Allenwood towards Elimsport. Allenwood is home to the Federal Penitentiary that was home to some of the Watergate Burglars. Elimsport has a decidely Amish feel to it.
Riding the BMW F 650 GS leads you to believe you could ride anywhere. It’s a seductive machine.
Remember, you’re still on PA 44. For those of you who use GPS you can bleep past all the road identifications.
As you enter the Tiadagton State Forest the road climbs clickly up the mountain. The skies also darkened just as fast and I watched the temperature drop nearly 10 degrees.
At the summit of White Deer Ridge the view is lovely and I try to image the winding roads ahead. The BMW F650 GS eats this kind of pavement up. By this time I’m already testing arguments to purchase one in my head, weighing possible responses from my wife, and cursing the fact that we just purchased two cars.
Those of you who stop a lot might be more familiar with the frequency of offers of help. I can’t remember how many times I’ve been making a picture and someone stops to see if I need help. It’s nice and this day was no different. A rider pulled up and asked the routine question and added that he lived just down the road, had a fully equipped garage, and was welcome to use it if needed. He was riding a Honda so he probably didn’t realize a BMW never needs attention along the road.
Just past Oval, Pennsylvania you turn onto PA 880 bound towards Rebersburg. More winding, narrow roads through more forest and farmland. And more Amish buggies. Lots to see and look out for.
At Rebersburg turn right onto PA 192 and race towards Centre Hall on a smooth road through the middle of farmlands and the gateway to the Kissell Motorsports Pig Roast. A fine, long ride for the BMW F 650 GS.
At the light in Centre Hall turn left, go two miles to the next light and turn right onto PA 45 West and ride like the wind to the US 322 Expressway. Jump on the four lane, go about eight miles to the Valley Vista Drive exit and you will be able to smell the pork roasting.
Turn left at the intersection and about a half mile ahead you’ll see Kissell Motorsports on the left. Look for the motorcycles. Smell for the pork.
I’ve made rides like this many times on motorcycles and my trusty Vespa. No reason you can’t do the same, enjoy some good food and company away from the rally for a few hours, and get back in time to enjoy the beergarden.
Drop Craig or Nate a note if you think you’ll be attending or give them a call. That way they’ll have enough ice cream. I was going to suggest Death by Chocolate but that’s just me.
Craig Kissell: craig@kissellmotorsports.com
Nate Mattern: nate@kissellmotorsports.com
Toll Free: 866-547-7355
Good luck, eat well and safe riding.
Your lovely ride report on a potential motorcycle I would like to acquire doesn’t help me make my decision easier. Bonnie or Beemer? That’s still the question. Meanwhile, I do it like you do and meander through the hills and valleys on my dear Vespa GT200.
SonjaM: Beemer or Bonnie – a tough choice. For me the F650 GS is a perfect utilitarian machine. Can’t overlook the value of ABS and heated grips for year round riding as well as it’s capability on the many forest roads here.
The Bonnie on the otherhand IS rhe quintessential motorcycle. It is the picture I see in my head when I think motorcycle (followed closely by a Harley Sportster). It’s been awhile since I’ve ridden the Triumph but I think if I were forced today to choose there would be a BMW in the garage.
Good luck with your choice!
Good pictorial guide Steve….I like your comment re beemer riders never needing assistance on the road…
It’s one way to help spread the kool-aid around. Reality has proven different in my case but for the most part, you’re quite correct.
Now you’ve got me thinking about the F650GS….
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Steve, my G650GS is for sale. Less money than a new one. It’s the same bike you were riding, with more off pavement ability. See July 1st CraigsList. You’re welcome to come ride it or just kick the tires, even if you’re not interested.
I may just try that route to/from the rally.
Steve, your routes are both spot on. I agree with Craig’s alternative, and knew that’s where he would send the riders, since it goes through his old home territory.
For a little variety they might leave 880 where it turns left at Tylersville and instead keep going straight to take the gap road along Fishing Creek to near Lamar, and left to follow 64 to Zion, then 550 back to I99 south.
The miles would be about the same as via Rebersburg, but throwing in some Nittany Valley instead of Brush Valley.
Should be a good time, either way.
You’ve got some great photos on your blog, but your lead photo in this post really is spectacular. Keep up the great work.
Steve: I would love to attend the Kissell Pig Roast but it’s 4,500 kms each way (Google Maps), can you snap a photo for me.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Charlie6: (Dom) The new machines are much more reliable than the bikes I experienced as a kid. Mechanical marvels all.
I really like the F650 GS; they way it looks, rides, features, everything. And I suppose my first generation German heritage plays a role too.
I think you would like the motorcycle–not unlike your airhead in terms of weight but better brakes, handling and power.
Martha should get you one.
An aside– I saw your signature head in the current issue of BMW Owners News. A story about airhead maintenance event I Denver area.
“This public service announcement was brought to you by Grins and Giggles, a not for profit, but certainly very much for fun, travel advisory association.”
I am confident I could follow this route as long as my laptop, open to this post, does not fall off the gas tank. If it does, perhaps I’ll be lucky and a passing BMW rider will rebuild it along with doing a service on my bike while I wait.
Dear Scooter In The Sticks (Steve):
I no longer get teary-eyed when you write favorable comments about BMW motorcycles. Apparently, you are waiting for the folks in Bavaria to produce a model caled “The Steve.” But I will feel slighted if I do not get to ride with you the first weekend you take possession of that machine.
You will find me the ideal riding partner. I won’t give a shit if you stop 300 times. I won’t care if you decid to hike 1200 meters up the neighboring rise to get the best photograph. And should you decide to push your bike to triple digits, I won’t argue that decision either.
I am surprised that the GS F650 is the machine so closest to your heart, however. For me, I want a used K1200GT (2004 vintage). That bike is super sexy to look at, and quite capable of holding 110mph all day — without getting hot.
I am delighted that you will be attending my presentation, and I hope that we can all (the other guys — Nikos, Richard M., Rick Slark, Chris Luhman) get together for lunch. In fact, I will be heartbroken if that does not happen.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Eveything OK with you Steve?
Havent seen a recent update 🙂
poppawheelie: Thanks for the offer but I had best just stick with the stuff I’m doing right now. Between the Vespa and the motorcycles I review for Kissell Motorsports I am over saturated. Right now, I have four reviews to write and several others on the drawing board….
I want to make sure I don’t lose track of the fun.
The rally route is nice. So many nice routes. Some swing south and are pretty cool.
Rodney: I’ve ridden your alternative and it’s a good ride too. Someday I need to compile a list of bad rides around here. A short list I suspect…
Todd R. Tystad: Thanks for your kind words about the post and pictures. I’ll try and continue to provide something worth looking at!
bobskoot: I’m sure there will be lots shared about the rally. And I’ll try and remember to shoot a few pictures while I’m there.
irondad: You don’t think too much fun is a problem do you? If I had my way the rally wouldn’t be until December. More fun riding then. And fewer riders.
I think I am going to have trouble adapting to the actual event. So many people…
Dear Mr. Riepe: “The Steve” is an interesting concept but I don’t think it would sell well. Some dreams are best kept dreams.
I hesitate at the notion of you being an excellent riding partner. Not because of any shortcoming on your part, but because I don’t want to trample any serious relationship between you and Mr. Bregstein.
And then the whole confusing identification issues….”Jack Riepe, Steve Williams’s riding sidekick… Or vice versa.
Rogier: All good here. Just really busy and being a bad blogger.
Looks like you hit some great roads on that Bimmer, now you need to get some real tires on that thing and hit the dirt!
Love the blog by the way, I’m a motoblogger myself. Drop me a line at andrew.collins@roadroving.com if you’d be interested in a link exchange.
Hi Steve,
I very much enjoy reading your bike test reports,but I am always pleased that you keep and enjoy the Scooter
I’ve traded my red 250 in for a new GTS 300 touring model with small screen and front and rear racks in a bronze colour, I’m 67 now and like the easy to get on, weather protection as well as the increased performance.
All the best from Scotland.
Bill Finlayson
OK, we’re off to the rally today, Thursday, using your 192/ 880/ 44 route in reverse. We’ll look for you there, if you’re going.
Haven’t seen any Vespas at the rally…