Sept 30

The ride out of town was chilly, but we were all dressed in our usual layers, so other than a cold nose, everything was fine. The route was taking us down the Delaware River Valley and out over the river into New Jersey. The colors are really starting to turn now with the cold nights hovering around frost. The valley is covered with large horse farms and beautiful forests, so every vista is a pleasure to the eye. The road itself was smooth and relatively flat. An occasional push of the pedal with some degree of force was required, but nothing to take the breath away and or make the heart race beyond its limit.

The" River Road" was an old one that bordered the river on one side and a sheer cliff on the other. An old railroad track ran parallel for miles, but it was very clear that this line had long since stopped. The brush stood high between the rusty tracks and the timbers were slowly decaying away. However, the contrast of the old tracks, the rushing river and the high stone walls made the mind travel back in time and try to visualize what it was like in its heyday. The small villages that we passed through were now just residential in nature with beautiful field stone homes. In the earlier times these probably housed the river and rail workers. Some of these homes had been restored to an almost original state, others had additions put on that unfortunately destroyed the appearance, and others were in need of desperate repair. But -- all in all the scenery was spectacular.

At one point we came to a crossroad where one could re-enter Pennsylvania by crossing an old antique bridge or continue on down the country lane. Guarding the bridge were a couple of very serious and dedicated "bridge guards". When inquiring as to exactly what they do all day, we were informed that they work for the Delaware River Bridge Commission, are paid by the toll road revenue - not tax dollars -- and their main job was to traffic the bridge. Anything over a certain weight was not allowed -- if an accident occurred on the bridge they were first alert -- any questions any tourist had it was their responsibility to answer with authority. Very important job!! In reality -- the men were great hosts, explained a tremendous amount about the river, its history, and the history of the bridge. Well worth the stop and the "toll road" investment!!

Arriving in New Hope we were once again on the Pennsylvania side of the river and headed southwest toward Philadelphia. The weather was now turning wet and the wind was picking up. Pedal, pedal, pedal, is the motto of any "rain riding" biker. Translated it means, "Get me to my hotel as fast as this bike can go!!!" Up and over one hill after another, through wealthy and not so wealthy neighborhoods the route wove. The closer we came the more traffic appeared. Philadelphia is a huge city and its suburbs no different. Cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, all race down the highway in pursuit of something. Fortunately, the shoulder was broad and the inclines not so steep so we all made good time with little to no problem. A little construction on an overpass presented a little challenge, but nothing we couldn't do.

Delaware River	Antique Bridge over Delaware
Mark Crossing the Delaware	New Jersey -- River Town
Sue at Eddie's on the River	Mark, Nancy and Jan -- Is it time for Coffee?
Peg, Jan -- Mark, Nancy --- It Is Coffee Time!!	Mark: "Nancy, I am sure that this is the way!"