The ride down took in many 2-lane state and US highways and the weather was perfect for riding, cool with overcast skies. The longest road on the route (70 miles) was PA 35. SR 35 from Selinsgrove to Mifflinburg, is for the most part straight and somewhat boring, however, beyond Mifflinburg, the road has more curves, elevation changes, and less traffic. Still a better alternative to US 522.
We arrived in Hancock, MD by early afternoon. There we found an excellent place to eat, Weaver's Restaurant & Bakery. From Hancock we took US 40 and I-68 to Cumberland, and I must say, that portion of I-68 was very scenic.
Our overnight stay in Cumberland turned out to be a good choice. That night the city featured 'Friday After Five', a popular outdoor event with free entertainment, dining, and shopping on the Centre City Outdoor Mall, which is for pedestrians only.
Leaving Cumberland, I found two excellent roads, MD 51 and WV 9. Both roads get '2 thumbs up'. MD 51 generally follows the Potomac and provides some nice scenery. It dumps you out at Paw Paw, WV and becomes WV 9. SR 9 is a great mountain road for this area with numerous curves, substantial elevation change, and breathtaking vistas. Below is a photo of the Panorama Overlook, a few miles west of Berkeley Springs.
In Pennsylvania, due to some detours, I ended up on a couple of other great roads, PA 641 and PA 997. Both turned out to be excellent choices to go around the detours.
All in all this trip provided 2 days of wonderful riding and a nice stay in Cumberland, MD. Maps of routes to Cumberland and return. Total mileage was 540 miles.
