Cycling suggestions

My partner and I are planning 2 or 3 days in Gettysburg mid October. We are keen cyclers and I understand there are a couple of shops that will rent bikes. Are there good routes in the countryside around Gettysberg to cycle for day trips or is it too built up (or hilly!)? We typically enjoy 25-50 mile rides in the English countryside outside of London (where we live). Thanks for suggestions.

Cycling suggestions

The Battlefield itself is perfect for cycling. The terrain is not too hilly, more like rolling terrain with plenty of level riding too. As far as the roads go. If you are used to cycling 25-50 mile rides you could cycle the entire battlefield and some of the roads that leave from the Battlefield. If you need a place to stay and like B and B%26#39;s, I have stayed at the Doubleday Inn (oustide of G-burg) and it is located on the north side of the Battlefield. It is a lovely inn and they offer storage for bicycles and there is a rental shop about 1.5 or so miles from the Inn in town. It would be a lovely place to start your ride and return to where you are staying. Check out their website www.doubledayinn.com. The owners Christine and Todd are very nice and I%26#39;m sure would be of assistance to you. There are plenty of other motels and B and B%26#39;s in Gettysburg to start your ride from but Doubleday Inn is the only one I know of that offers bicycle storage. The Battlefield park roads are open from 6am - 10pm. according to the national park website. If you can arrange it, try to arrive in Gettysburg for the weekdays as October weekends can get pretty busy in town and on the Battlefield. If you do stay during the weekned for cycling, start your ride early in the morning or in the evening when the Battlefield roads have less traffic.

It is an exhilarating experience to cycle the Battlefield. The only ride we did on a bike outside of the Battlefield was to Sachs Bridge off of Millerstown Rd. When you get your Battlefield map, look for West Confederate Ave. by an Observation Tower. Millerstown Rd. leaves the national park boundary, follow it for a short ride until you pass over the first small road bridge with side railing. There will be a dirt road to your left after the bridge. Go down the dirt road for a short ride and you will come to Sach%26#39;s Bridge, an old red wooden covered bridge that was there during the Battle. It is very scenic, you can walk across it and it makes a great photo-op. To see a picture go to www.nycivilwar.us/sachs.html. If there are other great rides outside of the Battlefield maybe some locals or bike shop can give you more information on that.

Cycling suggestions

I believe the battlefield is approximately 26 square miles. There are plenty of roads for biking; some hilly, some not. There are also battlefield guides who will do personal tours on bikes if you ask at the visitor%26#39;s center.