Thurs., 7 October 2021
I woke today with sore ribs. Like costochondritis sore. But I knew that wouldn't prevent me from riding. And NO back pain. Miracle. Anyone who cycles as hobby (or profession) knows this: It's not if you're gonna fall; it's when. I'm no Tour de France cyclist. But I've ridden a few longish rides. Two centuries. Fell in my first century at the 50-mile point. Knee bled, but that was the least of my troubles.
Started my earliest yet, knowing I had about 50 miles, and it was scheduled to be warmer. The ride started on the Delaware Canal Towpath (D&Lehigh Trail), just yards from the motel. These canals are not particularly beautiful bodies of water. Many of them have been treated with pesticides, according to the warning signs posted periodically. Sometimes they smell bad. It's clear when you begin reaching a town as the trash along the banks or submerged. I wonder how many shopping carts I saw in canals. The start today ran under a bridge, so here it is.
I did not mention that on yesterday's ride, I saw a dozen or so Belted Kingfishers. Heard at least that many. Today's bird is the Great Blue Heron. Dime a dozen, and you'll see a couple on the video, should you watch it.
I found a dollar bill as I was riding. About a half mile or so later, I came across a guy with a cart piled high with what must have been his belongings. He was putting a can into a bag on the cart. I stopped and asked if he'd been on the trail for a while that morning. He didn't look at me, but I asked him again. He said yes. I pulled the dollar out and told him I'd found it a ways back. It is my practice to give away or donate any money I find. I handed it to him. He thanked me more than once.
Also, I have not paid homage to the number of black walnuts I've seen since the ride started. I had worried about being frightened if one fell on my helmet. Literally, hundreds have dotted the trail. One has to dodge them as they can turn your wheel for you. Today, Hedge Apples were a surprise. If I've ever seen one, I didn't remember it. Talk about what it would be like for one of those big boys to hit your helmet! You'll see those in the video as well.
But truly, I was feeling good about the trip, having had such auspicious encounters today.
The Philadelphia metro area is large. But I saw little of the greenway-type infrastructure that New York City metro area sported. Some nice little waterfront trails. But what I'll remember most about riding through Philly are long commercial stretches, lots of cars and delivery trucks in the bike lanes, and stopping every other block for traffic lights. Stopped a couple of times to get out of the sun, take in hydration and a nutrition bar, and rest from the traffic.
I was probably less than a mile from an upcomin bike path or lane when I had my crash. Highly commercial/industrial/busy. And only about ten miles from the day's finish. By now, you've read the post regarding the crash. I've since asked ECG to add a warning red dot to the map at that intersection, given its potentially unsafe left turn for Southbound riders (highly traffic dependent). They have done so. So there's that to come out of my ride.
I don't regret riding. I fully support the ECG, and will continue to do so. I strongly encourage everyone to lobby for safe cycling infrastructure and education. Makes riding and driving safer for everyone.
Relive the day's ride below, without the broken humerus.
37.4 / 190.7 / 1284.9
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