Shortly after leaving Lancaster, I climbed this hill. It was the only one of the day. Is it the last of the Appalachians? Some rollers later in the day which seemed rather tame after the “hills”.
The road shoulder took on a difference for a short time. Instead of the usual beer cans, tire pieces and stones, I needed to dodge, old horseshoes, hoof nails, and road apples.
I met a fellow cyclist, Gary, who knew the area. He told me about two “Rails to Trails”. Using them would add time to my day. Gary said he thought about 8 miles. It ended up being 14. Pluses of going the original route on the roads: An hour and a half less time in the saddle; able to pass places to re-fuel water and snacks. Pluses of going on the two trails: Traffic only of fellow cyclers, walkers and rollerbladers; no narrow shoulders; road garbage of a leaf or a twig now and then as opposed to gravel, asphalt pieces, scrap metal, busted tires, rocks, tree branches, car pieces, broken glass, smooth without rollers. Hmmm – I’ll take the paths and add that extra 14 miles.
Plus, the longer route took me through Valley Forge.
I forgot to call ahead so there was no room in the reconstructed quarters for the Continental Army December 1777 to spring 1778.
I saw many rowers as I weaved my way through Philly. It brought back wonderful memories of attending my daughter’s crew meets. I know you didn’t row as pairs, but this picture is for you, Julie.
Tomorrow is the big day for this leg of my adventure. I’ll cross the Delaware at the only bridge in the area allowing bicycles, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Then on to Atlantic City and the Atlantic Ocean.