Monday, July 20, 2015
Day 20. Middlesex to New York City. 56 miles
It was hard to imagine as we drove to my starting spot this morning that it would be the last day of this adventure. I was getting an early start as the heat from the Midwest had caught up to us. With flashlight in my pocket, I headed out. Luckily, all the streets to start were signed where they were supposed to be.
Today was pretty much a continuous city ride. A short ride on a turnpike truck route was interesting and got me ready for the challenge of finding a path to avoid the next section of New Jersey highway. I finally solved the puzzle after three trips back and forth across a bridge and Allison's navigational skills. I made it to the ferry terminal after about 40 miles. I think they were the longest 40 miles of the trip!
Trent and Allison joined me for the ride to Staten Island. Once there we jumped on our bikes and headed for the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really busy as we went across, but gave a wonderful view of the city. From there, we took off for Coney Island and the ocean.
The beach was packed with people and amusement rides were in full swing. We made our way to the water and dipped our tires. It was hard to believe the ride was over. The excitement of the beach area made it a great place to end and of course we had to enjoy a hotdog from Nathan's.
A short ride to our SAG wagon and we were off with Larry and Jackson.
I add up 1,409 miles - some challenging and some the kind bikers dream about. Either way, they were all so much easier knowing Larry was just a phone call away. I can't thank him enough for all of his help along the way. It is so nice knowing a bed will be waiting at the end of the day and all of my belongings will be taken care of.
Once again I can't tell you how nice the people in our country are. There are so many people willing to take time to help along the way. It is nice to feel safe and cared about. As my jersey said the last day - it was the Ride of My Life.
Thank you everyone. Beth - teambunt@hotmail.com
Today was pretty much a continuous city ride. A short ride on a turnpike truck route was interesting and got me ready for the challenge of finding a path to avoid the next section of New Jersey highway. I finally solved the puzzle after three trips back and forth across a bridge and Allison's navigational skills. I made it to the ferry terminal after about 40 miles. I think they were the longest 40 miles of the trip!
Trent and Allison joined me for the ride to Staten Island. Once there we jumped on our bikes and headed for the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really busy as we went across, but gave a wonderful view of the city. From there, we took off for Coney Island and the ocean.
The beach was packed with people and amusement rides were in full swing. We made our way to the water and dipped our tires. It was hard to believe the ride was over. The excitement of the beach area made it a great place to end and of course we had to enjoy a hotdog from Nathan's.
A short ride to our SAG wagon and we were off with Larry and Jackson.
I add up 1,409 miles - some challenging and some the kind bikers dream about. Either way, they were all so much easier knowing Larry was just a phone call away. I can't thank him enough for all of his help along the way. It is so nice knowing a bed will be waiting at the end of the day and all of my belongings will be taken care of.
Once again I can't tell you how nice the people in our country are. There are so many people willing to take time to help along the way. It is nice to feel safe and cared about. As my jersey said the last day - it was the Ride of My Life.
Thank you everyone. Beth - teambunt@hotmail.com
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Day 19. Philadelphia to Middlesex NJ. 64 miles
After a day of rest in Philly, it was great to be heading out on the road again, especially with 2 partners. The roads were quiet which helped everyone get used to their bike. It was stop and go through the city due to traffic lights. After that we got to experience road construction and one lane highways. Quite a variety to help get us to New Jersey.
I think I missed some of the ombiance of the cities we went through. North Philly seemed alright and I couldn't figure out why Trent was nervous in Trenton. He kept wanting me to stop taking pictures and put my phone away. My clue probably should have been the guy who wanted to know how much his bike was worth.
Our route was pretty flat which was nice. We did wait under a porch for a few minutes to let the lightning pass. It never did rain on us, but as we started biking again, we could see we were just behind the storm.
We biked into Princeton in good shape and fairly early. I decided it would be nice to slice a few miles off of tomorrow's trip, so I headed out leaving Trent and Allison to explore Princeton with Larry. More flat roads as well as another muddy trail thanks to the rain made the miles go by quickly. Before I knew it I was at the edge of Middlesex. Larry picked me up and we went back to the hotel. New York tomorrow!!
I think I missed some of the ombiance of the cities we went through. North Philly seemed alright and I couldn't figure out why Trent was nervous in Trenton. He kept wanting me to stop taking pictures and put my phone away. My clue probably should have been the guy who wanted to know how much his bike was worth.
Our route was pretty flat which was nice. We did wait under a porch for a few minutes to let the lightning pass. It never did rain on us, but as we started biking again, we could see we were just behind the storm.
We biked into Princeton in good shape and fairly early. I decided it would be nice to slice a few miles off of tomorrow's trip, so I headed out leaving Trent and Allison to explore Princeton with Larry. More flat roads as well as another muddy trail thanks to the rain made the miles go by quickly. Before I knew it I was at the edge of Middlesex. Larry picked me up and we went back to the hotel. New York tomorrow!!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Quizzical Answers
It has been awhile, a few states ago, where you were going to answer a few questions. We have two days and two states left.....Do you know what they are?
Let's begin with some answers......John Dillenger created a "look like" handgun from a bar of soap to fool the jail keepers into letting him escape from jail. So kiddies, always wash with soap after you go to the bathroom....you never ever know what may happen.
The running back who was drafted to replace Willie Gallimore was Gale Sayers from the University of Kansas.......see Marcus, they actually have had some talent on the KU football team!
The two famous road systems we have been on are: 1) Route 66. and. 2). The Lincoln Highway
I need to add a third.....The National Highway
Today they are known as the following. 1) Interstate 44. 2). U.S. 30. 3) Interstate 70
President Eisenhower is known as the father of the Inerstate System. After directing the Allied troops across Europe, and dealing with the logistics in moving men, artillery, and machinery he championed the need for a more expedient way to move trucks and traffic throughout the United States. The National Highway was actually the first road system commissioned by the government and was designed to "go over and through" the Allegheny Mountain range. It went from Washington
D.C. to St. Louis and created something called "The Cumberland Gap" which we went right through....in the car over the top of beautiful mountain ranges....Beth, following the river system below on old rail car lines that were generally flat and unable to be seen from "above". The rail system which owned the "right of way" was the Cheasapeake & Ohio ( C&O) and the Baltimore & Ohio ( B & O)...now known as The Chessie System....of which I worked for for two summers while going to college.....yes, I can drive a spike, replace a broken railroad tie, throw a switch Etc.
The beginning and ending points of each: I am not going to do all the work for you, after all I am retired, and have many pressing obligations. If you went to school in my generation, you had a geography class and should know the answers if you stayed awake. Or get out an Atlas. Millennial's are asking...what is a geography class or an Atlas? They have a Maps App on my Smartphone....The Gen x'ers say I got a map, but don't know where it is....just. Google it.....Millenials say just get it on a Twitter feed, so I don't have to push a button.
Well I got an answer for all of you.....get off your butts...use your thumbs and get the answer....or better yet, plan a driving tour so you can experience what this great country has to offer. The people, the sights, the places...make some new relationships....take your kids, and their kids if you can and make the most of your family time....it will pay you off in more rewards than you can envision.
When I was growing up, and television started advertising, a singer by the name of Diana Shore was the spokesperson for Chevrolet. All of their advertising ended with the ditty of a song....See the USA, in your Chevrolet, America is asking you to go........Google it, because many of you have NEVER heard it. We have been seeing the USA, on her bike, and in my Toyota, and it has been a GR8 experience!
Let's begin with some answers......John Dillenger created a "look like" handgun from a bar of soap to fool the jail keepers into letting him escape from jail. So kiddies, always wash with soap after you go to the bathroom....you never ever know what may happen.
The running back who was drafted to replace Willie Gallimore was Gale Sayers from the University of Kansas.......see Marcus, they actually have had some talent on the KU football team!
The two famous road systems we have been on are: 1) Route 66. and. 2). The Lincoln Highway
I need to add a third.....The National Highway
Today they are known as the following. 1) Interstate 44. 2). U.S. 30. 3) Interstate 70
President Eisenhower is known as the father of the Inerstate System. After directing the Allied troops across Europe, and dealing with the logistics in moving men, artillery, and machinery he championed the need for a more expedient way to move trucks and traffic throughout the United States. The National Highway was actually the first road system commissioned by the government and was designed to "go over and through" the Allegheny Mountain range. It went from Washington
D.C. to St. Louis and created something called "The Cumberland Gap" which we went right through....in the car over the top of beautiful mountain ranges....Beth, following the river system below on old rail car lines that were generally flat and unable to be seen from "above". The rail system which owned the "right of way" was the Cheasapeake & Ohio ( C&O) and the Baltimore & Ohio ( B & O)...now known as The Chessie System....of which I worked for for two summers while going to college.....yes, I can drive a spike, replace a broken railroad tie, throw a switch Etc.
The beginning and ending points of each: I am not going to do all the work for you, after all I am retired, and have many pressing obligations. If you went to school in my generation, you had a geography class and should know the answers if you stayed awake. Or get out an Atlas. Millennial's are asking...what is a geography class or an Atlas? They have a Maps App on my Smartphone....The Gen x'ers say I got a map, but don't know where it is....just. Google it.....Millenials say just get it on a Twitter feed, so I don't have to push a button.
Well I got an answer for all of you.....get off your butts...use your thumbs and get the answer....or better yet, plan a driving tour so you can experience what this great country has to offer. The people, the sights, the places...make some new relationships....take your kids, and their kids if you can and make the most of your family time....it will pay you off in more rewards than you can envision.
When I was growing up, and television started advertising, a singer by the name of Diana Shore was the spokesperson for Chevrolet. All of their advertising ended with the ditty of a song....See the USA, in your Chevrolet, America is asking you to go........Google it, because many of you have NEVER heard it. We have been seeing the USA, on her bike, and in my Toyota, and it has been a GR8 experience!
Larry's Loafing
We are taking a day off!! Beth has slept in until 7:30! We are in Philadelphia with Trent and Allison and I can get caught up on the blog. Got some pictures from Gettysburg to share with you....if you are a historian, or have taken a riding tour while here, these pictures represent important locations throughout the battlefield. Alex, I expect you to get all of these correct.....you were here a year ago....let me know how you do
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Day 18. Lancaster to Philadelphia. 77 miles
Another great day for biking. It started out cool ( 50's ) which felt good. The first half of the ride was pretty hilly and the roads busy with both cars and trucks. Between the traffic and beautiful scenery, the time went quickly. It seemed to be a tape repeating over and over.
After working up the mountain, I experienced a great downhill ride. After a few more rolling hills, I settled down into the river valley and traveled along the Schuylkill River Trail. It was a beautiful, paved trail leading into Philly. It was a busy trail and I met some nice and helpful people.
That part of the ride ended at the Art Museum ( think of Rocky). It didn't take much longer to get to Trent and Allison's. Had a wonderful, home cooked meal and am enjoying a most comfortable bed and family.
After working up the mountain, I experienced a great downhill ride. After a few more rolling hills, I settled down into the river valley and traveled along the Schuylkill River Trail. It was a beautiful, paved trail leading into Philly. It was a busy trail and I met some nice and helpful people.
That part of the ride ended at the Art Museum ( think of Rocky). It didn't take much longer to get to Trent and Allison's. Had a wonderful, home cooked meal and am enjoying a most comfortable bed and family.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Day 17. Fayetteville to Lancaster PA. 72 miles
As I started the day, I got a little worried when the first 5 miles took me 45 minutes. Then I saw the sign, Mountaintop Missionary, and figured I wasn't going much higher. At that point, the route took on rolling hills and cloud cover to keep the day cool. The roads were pretty busy, but I had a shoulder to help out. There was an area of fruit farms mixed in with the corn today. The day went by
quickly with a variety of sites along the way and the challenge of the hills.
Looking forward to Philly tomorrow.
quickly with a variety of sites along the way and the challenge of the hills.
Looking forward to Philly tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Day 16. Hancock to Fayetteville PA. 59 miles
The day started as MUD - Day 2, but that only lasted for about 15 miles. My bike did get to go to the car wash again at the end of the day.
I saw a lot of deer, rabbits, and wild turkeys today. It was interesting watching the turkeys protect their young.
We were back in farmland today. There were some absolutely stunning old homes. They were made of stone blocks from top to bottom. Corn once again was a primary crop. It and the other fields were flourishing. The corn here has tasseled out.
It was back to hills, but luckily you could roll through many of them without too much work. A great day for biking. We're back in PA - beautiful scenery.
I saw a lot of deer, rabbits, and wild turkeys today. It was interesting watching the turkeys protect their young.
We were back in farmland today. There were some absolutely stunning old homes. They were made of stone blocks from top to bottom. Corn once again was a primary crop. It and the other fields were flourishing. The corn here has tasseled out.
It was back to hills, but luckily you could roll through many of them without too much work. A great day for biking. We're back in PA - beautiful scenery.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Day 15. Frostburg to Hancock MD. 76 miles
I started a little early, due to a forecast of rain and thunder showers. They seemed to be ahead of me though and I traveled in perfect biking weather all the way to Cumberland, where I jumped on the C & O Towpath Trail.
The trail ran along the towpath ( canal ) used to carry goods until railroads took over because of speed. There were locks every few miles for water control with a house associated with each one. There also was a tunnel, Sammy. It was quite long with no lights and an uneven floor. It was fun, but a little scary. The trail is cinder and provides nice camping areas for hikers or bikers every few miles. I saw many deer and rabbits throughout the day. My one suggestion would be to try not to use it, especially biking, after rain.
My word for the day before long was - MUD ! The puddles were long and large. My mantra was to keep pedaling so I wouldn't slip and slide and lose control of my bike. I made it through without any major mishap, but it did make the going slow. Phone connections were bad because of the mountains, so Larry was a little surprised at my muddy finish. Another day done.
The trail ran along the towpath ( canal ) used to carry goods until railroads took over because of speed. There were locks every few miles for water control with a house associated with each one. There also was a tunnel, Sammy. It was quite long with no lights and an uneven floor. It was fun, but a little scary. The trail is cinder and provides nice camping areas for hikers or bikers every few miles. I saw many deer and rabbits throughout the day. My one suggestion would be to try not to use it, especially biking, after rain.
My word for the day before long was - MUD ! The puddles were long and large. My mantra was to keep pedaling so I wouldn't slip and slide and lose control of my bike. I made it through without any major mishap, but it did make the going slow. Phone connections were bad because of the mountains, so Larry was a little surprised at my muddy finish. Another day done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)