Today began with cool temperatures.

When I woke up, I could still “feel the burn” in my calf and pectoral muscles.  The latter have been fully engaged because of persistent climbing. I recall this experience after the first few days biking across country from Oregon.  So I welcomed the burn as a sign of progress.

My favorite Marine Corps saying applies, “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”

Today was a pleasant ride, even with hills I encountered early and late in the ride.

In Warwick Township, I snapped this picture of a field of wheat:

As I rode along, a deer jumped up from the wheat and dashed across the field.

in East Vincent Township, I was intrigued by this scarecrow in a small family plot.

The creature is holding a shiny pan—probably meant to be part of the deterrent.

In Mont Clare, I yielded to a gaggle of geese:

For most of the second half of my ride, I took the paved Schuylkill River Trail, passing near Valley Forge National Historical Park.   Best trail ever!

I then transitioned to the appropriately named Horsham Power Line Trail:

I arrived at my destination shortly after 1 pm.

I went to Nino’s Pizzarama and enjoyed a fabulous meal of chicken parmigiana and pasta.

Tally for the day: 50 miles, 2,400 ft of climbing