Sue Thibodeau

Maps to Bike Gettysburg No. 5 Sue Thibodeau

Learn about the Battle of Gettysburg on two wheels, and enjoy the thrill of outdoor, experiential learning.




Maps to Bike Gettysburg No. 5: The Ridges Extended Loop is for experienced and recreational cyclists who want to combine learning about the Battle of Gettysburg with a first-hand, visceral experience of the battlefield landscape. On a bike, historical touring is not only more personal, but one can gain a better appreciation for battlefield hills and swales and for distances covered.




This book provides color maps and turn-by-turn directions for a safe and educational, 12.2-mile park ride through the southern half of the Gettysburg battlefield. The route covers the main Union and Confederate battle lines on July 2-3, 1863. Designed for a lightweight ride, this book complements (but does not require) Civil War Cycling's comprehensive guidebook, Bicycling Gettysburg National Military Park.




Part of a new series of Gettysburg mini-books by Civil War Cycling, Maps to Bike Gettysburg No. 5 contains 16 detailed color maps with corresponding bicycle cue tables; 62 color photos; monument GPS points; and micro-histories for learning about the Battle of Gettysburg. Route 5 is a popular bike route that covers East Cemetery Hill, Seminary Ridge, Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Rose Woods, The Peach Orchard, and Cemetery Ridge. You will enjoy a winding, up-and-down ride (a 728' cumulative gain) through fields and woodlots, some of which are not on the park auto tour. Plan for a 3-hour ride with frequent stops to appreciate the beautiful landscape and some of the park's 1,300+ monuments.




Like all Civil War Cycling routes through Gettysburg National Military Park, Route 5 limits exposure to busy roads; provides route-specific health and safety tips; identifies one-way roads; and notes the location of bicycle racks, water, restrooms, and picnic areas.