Phillisburgh
By Gary Gilbert
Thursday, August 25, 2005
August 25, 2005
Today was a fairly flat day, mostly along the Delaware River. One of the northeast states I'm missing on this trip is Delaware, so I'll have to be satisfied by seeing a river of the same name. While we started the morning in New York, we quickly went over to New Jersey within the first mile. Unfortunately, as I've discovered, there aren't Welcome signs when you travel on secondary roads. At mile 43, we crossed over the interstate 80 bridge into Pennsylvania - another new cycling state for me. There was a sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists that was right next to the Interstate 80, separated by a 3 foot high concrete barrier. Knowing my fear of heights and high bridges, several other riders surrounded me and kept talking to me as we walked across the I-80 Delaware River Bridge, about six tenths of a mile. I walked as far from the edge as possible, so that when we arrived at the other side, all the spider webs that had been previously hanging from the barrier were now wrapped around my right pedal. Later on at mile 60 we crossed back over the river back into New Jersey. The river was much narrower at that point and easy to get across.
We rode through the Delaware Gap Recreation Area, a very flat area, with one big climb near the end, so that I reached the SAG support stop at mile 21 in a mere 90 minutes. I figured it would be a great day overall. We went down the Old Mine Road, that was first used around 1650 - a mere 355 years ago. Much of that early morning riding was in the fog. One rider reported temperatures in the 40s but it certainly didn't seem that cold to me - probably in the lower 60s is more like it. The Floridians and Arizonians are often cold and wearing arm warmers or jackets - I think the cooler weather is perfect for cycling.
At the SAG stop, the scenery was wonderful, most of the fog had lifted with some small amount hanging over the meadow.
I was riding with Mike, Dave, and Sandy. We came across 2 other riders, Craig and Evelyn. Evelyn had been stung by a bee and was having a terrible reaction. Fortunately Mike was carrying an epi-pen and Craig was able to give her an injection. Meanwhile, I rode back to a house we had passed about 1/4 mile earlier, woke up the residents and called for help. Our SAG vehicle was able to get there as was a Ranger - who happened to be the boss of the woman I had awoken. Small world, Jim was driving the mechanics SAG today, and just happened to go to college with the Ranger - someone he hadn't seen in 26 years. Evelyn is ok now - we were all worried. It was about 90 minutes before we got back on the road.
Someone organized a group photo op...
After the lunch stop, we discovered we were crossing the Appalachian Trail before entering a wonderful 12 mile stretch on the New Jersey park system parkway.
We did get one old question answered along the parkway when we disovered some skat in the middle of the road.
Does a bear Sh*t in the woods?
No, it does in the middle of the NJ Parkway.
No --- that wasn't a photo-op.
Most of the rest of the day was enhanced by views of the Delaware River. Despite having a flat tire, the ride was enjoyable. I replaced the tube, and used some duct tape to reinforce the tire. The tire held until I got to the hotel and I replaced the tire that evening. I couldn't decide which photos of the river I like the best so have included several.
We did travel down some roads closed to automobiles.
After a quick stop at a Hershey's Ice Cream store I made my way to the hotel. For the record, I had black cherry ice cream.
