It was a warm day on the last weekend of summer, though the crisp mornings and falling leaves hinted that autumn was right around the corner.
Some riders rolled into Somerset as early as Thursday, but for many the rally began Friday morning with a special stop at the Flight 93 Memorial. Jay had arranged a tour for the group, and several of us took the opportunity to walk the grounds and reflect on the history there. From the memorial, riders split into smaller groups and explored different routes across southwestern Pennsylvania. By afternoon, the sun had heated things up nicely, and everyone made their way back to the hotel to regroup.
Friday evening kicked off with a catered BBQ dinner — plentiful, delicious, and exactly what a hungry bunch of riders needed. Afterward, folks gathered in the hotel meeting space to swap stories and enjoy the camaraderie until the day finally caught up with everyone.
Saturday brought the promise of more miles. The organizers had provided a selection of mapped-out ride options for those unfamiliar with the area. Our Mid State Riders crew set out on a route that Marty had put together, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The weather mirrored Friday: cool in the morning, warm and clear by afternoon. The riding quality honestly surprised me — so close to a major city like Pittsburgh, yet at times it felt like we were miles from anywhere. The roads were in good shape overall, though the local love for tar and chip was definitely noticeable.
We grabbed a quick, inexpensive lunch at Sheetz before pointing the bikes toward Country Custard Cottage in Sutersville, PA. Our timing didn’t quite line up to meet the others there, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a well-earned ice cream break. From there, it was about an hour of relaxed riding along country roads back to the hotel.
Saturday evening carried the same easygoing vibe. Riders gathered in the hotel parking lot for light fare and refreshments before Jay pulled everyone together for thanks, the 50/50 raffle, and door prize drawings. No one from our crew went home with prizes, but the real reward was the memories. Dinner followed at the Pine Grill Restaurant down the street, where the kitchen was running a bit slow but made up for it with hearty meals and satisfying desserts.
By Sunday morning, the rally began to wind down. Riders peeled off in their own directions, while we pointed our bikes back toward State College. The ride home through the cool, heavy fog of the Laurel Highlands was a fitting close to the weekend.
Overall, this was a well-organized and welcoming rally. If you’re looking for a smaller event that gives you the chance to meet both new and familiar faces while enjoying quality riding, be sure to keep this one on your radar for next year.
