Today’s forecast did not inspire my confidence: 15 mph sustained; 30 mph gusts NNW. I knew that my ride would be painful, since my journey was generally northward and included some steep climbs.
The ride began a little chilly. After 10 miles of climbing, I was sweating profusely so I took off my jacket. My shirt quickly dried in the challenging wind.
I passed through some really nice Pennsylvania towns like Doylestown. Most were still decorated for Memorial Day, and the cemetery plots were adorned with small American flags. Virtually every resident’s home also proudly displayed our National Ensign. Lamp posts had banners saluting hometown military heroes. I carefully scanned each one looking for Coasties.
As I rode on, I connected to the Delaware Canal Towpath, which parallels the Delaware River. Initially, I was not inspired by the narrowness of the path:
But it soon widened and provided a very stable riding surface.
On the path, I came upon two e-cyclists Derek and Zeke from New Jersey (across the river).
They were mesmerized by the set up on my bicycle, and my journey. They asked my age and noted that there is no way they could do what I’m doing (they’re in their mid-60’s). They bragged about their e-bikes (which I readily admit I could have used on this windy and hilly day). And they reinforced my anxiety about the looming hills after I enter New Jersey. We wished each other safe riding.
The Delaware River is very scenic:
When I arrived at the bridge, I followed instructions:
And then I crossed into New Jersey:
As I passed through New Jersey towns, I finally located a Coastie on a hometown hero banner: SN Leo Casey of Stewartsville who served in WWII:
I crossed under this engineering marvel:
And I had to stop to try to figure out the significance of the lawn art in front of a palatial looking residence:
It must be interpretative art!
It was a tiring day. The wind was forecast to subside as the day went on—it never did. And the hills were an added challenge.
Tally for the day: 58 miles; 3,100 ft of climbing.