Let's have lunch in New Freedom, PA.

This ride will begin in Cockeysville, MD at the Torrey C. Brown Parking Lot 1 (1302 Paper Mill Road) on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail.  Upon arrival in New Freedom, we will have lunch at the New Freedom Rail Trail Cafe. After lunch we will reverse our route and return to the ride start. You will ride along the trail and view the fall foliage and other scenic views  and continue onto the Heritage Rail Trail after crossing the Mason & Dixon Line.  This is a 40 mile round trip ride with conveniently placed "Port-O-Lets" along the trail. 

History: New Freedom Borough is located in the southern portion of York County, Pennsylvania. The borough borders the Mason-Dixon line and was incorporated in 1873. Originally named “Freedom” for the Free family, there was another town already in existence with that name, so New Freedom was chosen as the official name. 

People of German, English, and Scotch-Irish descent settled the area. The rich, fertile soil provided a comfortable living for farming and agricultural opportunities. Summers Canning Company operated in the town for years, canning the freshest harvests and then shipping the final products. Summers Canning Company was sold to Hanover Foods in 1984. A mural depicting scenes from the Summers Canning Company is displayed on a building along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. 

The Northern Central Railway was a primary factor for early growth of the town. The rail service established a vital means of commerce and transportation until Hurricane Agnes in 1972 destroyed much of the rail line and bridges in York County.  Located 30 miles north of Baltimore, Maryland and 38 miles south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the town is changing from an area of commerce and minor industry to a commuter community.

Ride Leader:  Sherwood Byers, Sr.

Email:  sherwoodbyers@yahoo.com

RWGPS Route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37843897

Directions to Ride Start: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//1302+Paper+Mill+Rd,+Cockeysville,+MD+21030/@39.502415,-76.6356078,17.54z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c80d7b0bd941cd:0x942d78f4b67cc59a!2m2!1d-76.6337078!2d39.5016813

This is a Social Distancing Ride open to members only.  All riders must agree to follow the  Guidelines for Rides During the Pandemic and agree to the Informed Consent for COVID-19 and the Release and Waiver of Liability.  Advance registration is required.