Pottstown
By
Thursday, August 25, 2005
August 26, 2005
Today started out ordinarily enough, rise at 5:45AM, have breakfast at 6:30, and load the truck at 7. Less than a mile from the hotel, one of the riders was hit by a car - a hit and run. I came upon the scene a few minutes after the accident. I stayed awhile to help direct traffic while those more able than I helped the rider. After Police and EMT arrived, I was able to continue the days journey. I certainly made me a bit more cautious and aware for the rest of the day. Firstmost, we all hope that the rider will recover from the injuries completely and secondly that they catch the person who ran into him.
We continued our journey down the Delaware River before crossing back into Pennsylvania on another iron bridge. Before getting on the bridge, I met a local cyclist who had just returned home today from a solo tour from Oregon to New Jersey. He seemed glad to be home, happy with his accomplishment, but a little sad to be done.
I wasn't thinking about taking photographs today so don't have much to report. I was thinking about riding safely and the accident earlier in the day. That got me thinking about how much of what I enjoy about cycling - besides pushing myself to my physical limits - is mostly visual and enjoying the scenery. Today I tried to listen more, first to be listening for vehicles and then the sounds of the tires on the road, birds chirping, insect noises, and the sound of the wind running through my helmet.
I rode most of the day with Frank. He had 3 flats today - all slow leaks - and we could never find the cause in the tire or in the tube. We did manage to stop at an orchard late in the day and feasted on fresh peaches, plums, and necturines.
