Indian Caverns Ride and Tour (August 18, 2007)
By Gary Schill

     Well, the third times a charm they say, and this year was my third attempt to get this ride and tour to the famous Indian Caverns done. I even scheduled a rain date in case the first date was rained out again, but beautiful weather dawned on the day of the ride (August 12) so we were set for a good time. As usual, the Keystone Wings were invited along for the ride and tour, and, together we had a great time. We started out from the Clarion Mall here in Clarion and rode most of the way out on Rte. 322, we wanted to avoid any interstate travel as much as we could to have an enjoyable, relaxed, and scenic ride for the day. We stopped at the Sheetz at the intersection of Rte. 119, I believe (my memory is starting to fade), to pick up any riders out further in the East, but no one had shown, so off we headed for the caverns.

     It seemed as though we had made great time riding to the caverns, I guess we were all enjoying the scenery and ride. Soon, we were pulling into the parking lot of Indian Caverns. The first thing some of us did was to get our pictures taken by that big old Indian tent near the entrance to the caverns. I remember getting a picture taken of me when I was just a wee wittle kid, you know, just a few years ago. Anyway, couldnt resist getting an updated picture of muwaa now. A few others did the same thing. After touring the caverns way out west in South Dakota during the AVA Rally, I must admit, that the caverns back here basically put most of them to shame. A lot of the caverns at the rally site were dry caverns, and, although they had their own brand of attractiveness and features, they didnt compare, in my opinion, to the wet caverns back home here. In the wet caverns, the water over time forms many beautiful formations that were lit with colored lights that just look great. It was a great ride, a great tour, and enjoyed with many friends. For a pictorial of this ride and tour (courtesy of Lori Norris), please Click Here (new window, just exit to return here).

Highland Ride and Tour (Flight 93 Memorial, Davis Tower- August 25)

     This is one ride that if you missed it, you really missed it, KVW Member Howard Bitzer led 7 bikes and  10 riders on a grand tour of the Highland region of the Eastern part of Pennsylvania. Along for the ride again was our riding partners of the Keystone Wings of the GWTA Chapter B here in Western PA. The Clarion group met at the Clarion Mall and from there rode down to Sandy Kayes Restaurant near Shelocta, PA  for the official start of the ride. We first headed for the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, where of course everyone knows is where one of the jet aircraft was taken down by the passengers and crew to prevent further death or destruction on the ground during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. While at the memorial, which is still in the fund raising stage to build a more permanent memorial for the brave souls of Flight 93, there could be seen a wide array of memorial artifacts such as shirts, fire helmets, motorcycle club shirts and vests, and many other items left by visitors. It was noted that several motorcycle chapters and groups from all over left many items and in some cases granite stones with various sayings or listing on them in tribute to the flight. It was a very moving experience. As funds reach certain levels, the permanent memorial will be constructed on the site.

Next on the agenda was the Mt. Davis Tower located at the top of Negro mountain, the highest point in PA, the tower was located in a remote area of the mountain, and we only seen one or two other vehicles while there. The site was outstanding from top the tower as several of us made our way to the top. Although a little old, the tower seemed quite stable and no one had a worry while climbing.

 Some person here just had to act like a fool, or maybe more like a monkey at the Davis Tower.

By this time, we were all getting a little hungry, so Howard took all of us to a little Mom and Pop snack shop where most of us had a delicious sub and desert. From there we headed to the Winery at Donegal for a little vineyard tasting or entertainment. Those that had bought anything were treated to a live band out on the veranda. After the Winery experience, we all headed for our home bases satisfied with a great riding day, a modern day historical stop, beautiful scenery and all in the presence of our riding friends.

Thanks Howard for a real nice day and ride!