Bike and Tour the Old Jail Museum – Thursday, September 14^th

The Old Jail located on West Broadway in Jim Thorpe has been a landmark for years.  This ride will leave from the main park office and travel east to the Old Jail by way of the Switchback Trail.  The slight grade of the Switchback Trail makes for a pleasant 3-mile riding experience through some of the most serene areas of the park.  Parallel the Mauch Chunk Creek through dense stands of Eastern Hemlock and White Pine as you travel the route of the once famed Switchback Gravity Railroad.  Cap the ride off with a tour of the mysterious Old Jail Museum where you’ll be introduced to the notorious group known as the Molly Maguires.  You decide for yourself whether the smeared handprint in cell #17 is real or no-deal.  A welcoming reception in downtown Jim Thorpe will follow.  Please note that parking at the Old Jail Museum is limited.  Free parking will be provided in the County parking lot behind the train station to all event attendees.  Pre-registration is required.

$4.00/attendee.  Participants must register in advance.

Bike and Tour the #9 Mine & Museum – Friday, September 15^th and Saturday, September 16^th

These folks have a truly inspiring story to tell.  When all is said and done you will truly walk away with a greater sense of appreciation for the practice of deep mining of Anthracite Coal.  The mine is about 54 degrees so do dress appropriately.  The ride to the Mighty #9 mine is approximately 4.5 miles (about 3 miles of which is located along the Switchback Trail).  Going is the easy part.  Coming back the hard part.  It does involve a 1-mile hill climb and some road cycling.  Driving is always an option.  A brief cool down and tour of the museum will precede the tour of the mine.  The mine tour will consist of a 1600-foot rail excursion.  A barbecue style lunch will also be provided at their picnic pavilion.

$5.00/attendee.  Participants must register in advance.

Big Breakfast Bike Ride – Sunday, September, 17^th

One of the best-kept secrets among many mountain bikers is the breakfast buffet located at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Summit Hill.  Some have even scheduled their Switchback Trail excursions to coincide with these grand buffets in the hilltop community.  Enjoy a quality home-style breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, home fries, ham, bacon, sausage, and the ever so popular Belgian waffle and omelet stations.  Enjoy your Belgian waffle with strawberry or blueberry toppings.  And those with a more daring appetite may want to try “Father Jims’ Mess” or “The Garbage Omelet” (Sounds interesting doesn’t it?).  Baked oatmeal is also a favorite as well.  Group rides will leave from the main park office for those that are new to the scene.

The cost of the buffet is $5.00/person.  Children 12 and under eat for free.