Susquehanna Challenge Ride Description

LENGTH: 68 miles. Difficulty: A.

STARTING POINT: Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Gordinier Hall, North George and James Streets, Millersville, PA.

DESCRIPTION: Take the challenge of the hills and woods of this ride and don't despair! Rest at Susquehannock State Park, or take a side trip to Indian Steps Museum. Be prepared to push yourself to your limit. You will pass several little grocery stores along the way, but pack enough so that you can "eat before you are hungry and drink before you are thirsty", which is the experienced cyclist's advice for successfully riding long and hard.

POINTS OF INTEREST:
A. Millersville University, Ganser Gallery (717) 872-3298. No Admission Charge. Continuing exhibits of nationally known artists' paintings, sculpture, crafts and memorabilia, usually with cultural and social significance. Open: October 15 through May 15, Sunday through Friday. Location: George and Frederick Streets, Millersville, PA 17551

B. Indian Steps Museum (717) 862-3948 Located along the west shore of the Susquehanna River, this museum is a tribute to the American Indian. A hiking trail and bird sanctuary are nearby.

C. Watch and Clock Collectors Museum (717) 684-8261. The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Museum displays time keeping devices from various time periods. There are also displays of watch and clock making tools. Guided tours are available and visitors can watch a clockmaker at work. Open: Year round. Monday through Saturday. Location: 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512.

D. Susquehanna Glass Factory (717) 872-3298. No Admission Charge. A glass cutter demonstrates the techniques of etching designs on glass with the help of a steady hand and eye and a spinning carborundum wheel kept cool by a steady stream of water. Products for sale. Open: Year round. Demonstrations Monday through Saturday. Location: 731 Avenue H, Columbia, PA 17512.

E. Wright's Ferry Mansion (717) 684-4325 Admission Charge. Built in 1738, the home of Susanna Wright, daughter of John Wright who named Lancaster County, the house is a superb example of Pennsylvania architecture in the English style. The furnishings are one of the most complete and representative collection of Pennsylvania furniture from the 1700 - 1750 period. Open: May through October, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Location: 38 South Second Street, Columbia, PA 17512.