This day was dedicated to covering miles and making a wide loop to avoid New York City. My trip advisers in Philadelphia suggested that I not take the direct route through NYC (I-95) because of aggressive drivers and bad roads in the area.
The skies were dark when Leah saw me off from Philadelphia, but cleared about 60 miles northwest of the city so that I was able to see my shadow again for the first time in a while. It was cold finishing my ride after dark, lost and bewildered, in Connecticut.
I did leave the freeway for part of the day to ride secondary roads through Quakertown and other small towns in eastern Pennsylvania, and along the Delaware River and Canal. It was a joy, and reminder that there are still good roads ahead on this trip.
The Delaware River separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey. The Delaware Canal runs along the Pennsylvania side of the river for about 60 miles of its length. It was used from the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s to ship coal and other goods from northern Pennsylvania to the industries around Philadelphia. These days it’s an interesting and very pleasant park.
The roads along the Delaware and on into New York and New England are lovely this time of year though the weather can change for the worse. I’ve ridden in snow in mid-October. Hopefully you won’t run into anything like that.
How far north are you heading?
I’ve been following your trip on a map….I didn’t realize you were going to continue north and east. I was expecting south and west. What is your plan?
– did not hear Connecticut in your travel plans before you left. You’re truly going to make this a coast-to-coast travel experience. Your photos travelling to Connecticut, landscapes with vegetation galore, are unlike anything seen here where I live. Enjoy! Wishing you extended good weather. Thanks. Randy Pfyl, Concord CA
Mike my longest trip was a loop from Montreal, to Ottawa, Toronto, State College, Hartford, Portland Maine and back to Montreal. Parts of your adventure cover familiar ground.