The 4th Annual Ride ‘Em, Don’t Hide ‘Em Getaway returns to Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, Aug. 9-11, 2019, and we’re looking forward to another great weekend of food, fun and comradery as we continue to explore the great roads that define Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.
Southwestern Pennsylvania is a remarkably beautiful region of low mountains, deep valleys and lush forests. Punctuated by picture-perfect farms, it’s incredible motorcycling territory, with miles of two-lane blacktop wending through it all. Last year’s Saturday ride took us from Seven Springs north to historic Johnstown, Pennsylvania, site of an epic 1889 flood that threatened to wipe the once-dominate steel-producing city off the map. There, we took a ride on the historic Johnstown Incline. Built in 1891 to encourage the local population to build high above the river, it features counter-weighted cable cars riding on rails up an 896.5-foot, 70.9-percent grade. The threat of rain loomed large the day before our ride, but the weather broke just in time.
Legendary motorcycle journalist and regular Motorcycle Classics contributor Alan Cathcart was our special guest, riding with us to Johnstown on a 1973 Yamaha TX750 supplied by Joel Samick at RetroTours, and regaling our group with great stories from his incredible career during the banquet dinner at the end of the day. Sunday morning saw our group back on the road for a great run deep into the Laurel Highlands, our route taking us down barely traveled roads running past covered bridges and through small towns seemingly lost in time, before returning to Seven Springs to pack up and head home.
We’re working on this year’s route through the highlands, and maybe including a repeat visit to Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1937 architectural wonder, a spectacular home built over Bear Run Creek and just 20 miles from Seven Springs.
RetroTours will once again offer rental bikes from its stable of classic ’70s twins, and if you’re looking for even more adventure link up with them for a round-trip run from their headquarters in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, for the event. We’re looking forward to another special weekend filled with great people, great food and great riding.
