Alexandria:

This is a longer ride, with some climbing, of about 60 miles.

Ride west on College Avenue. Turn right on Whitehall Road.

Turn left at Nixon Road. You’ll go past some farms, housing developments, and a cemetery. You’ll then come to an intersection with PA Route 45/26. There will be a gas station ahead of you. At the intersection you will be in the village of Pine Grove Mills.

Go straight through the intersection (actually a right followed immediately by a left, keeping the gas station on your left. This will put you on PA Route 26 south, and you’ll be climbing the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a reward for your hard effort through the Jo Hays Vista, which looks over the valley from which you’ve just ascended. This is a substantial climb.

Descend the far side of the mountain. This is a fast descent. Beware motorists who don’t realize how fast you are going. Also be alert because you will need to turn near the bottom. Watch for intersection signs.

Bear right at the "Y" just before the bottom of the mountain. It comes up quickly. Follow that highway over several rollers. It will turn into PA Route 305 west toward Alexandria. Continue to the small town of Petersburg, where you’ll find a convenience store that is a handy food/drink stop.

Past Petersburg, you’ll come to a "Y." Bear left. You will take an overpass above a railroad and go up a hill. At the top and to the left will be the Juniata Valley High School and Elemenatary School.

The road will take a few curves and rollers before reaching the town of Alexandria. You’ll go through the main street of town, at the far end of which is a Mead-Westvaco factory (which will be on your right).

Past Alexandria, you’ll come to a "T" with U.S. 22, a busy highway. Turn right. You won’t be on this highway long.

Turn right at the light for PA Route 453, toward PA Route 45. You’ll go up a grade. Near the crest will be a "Y."

Bear onto the right fork, and follow Route 45 through Spruce Creek, past Indian Caverns, and back to Nixon Road in Pine Grove Mills. You will be on Route 45 for a long, probably wind-swept, time. There will be some turns, so be alert for signs to stay on Route 45 toward State College (about 25 miles from where you got on the road). Also be alert for fast-moving cars on Route 45.

At Nixon, you’re doing the early part of the ride in reverse back to town.

Map came from Bicycle Path- go to website to zoom in