Andy & Kerry's Greenway Trip

Alright, 11 days in and we're stopped off in DC. Where to begin ...

Since my last post we've had some great times, some real challenges and a much-needed day off.

So, New Jersey/Pennsylvania part I: Our friend Charles helped us on through the end of this state and right on into the outskirts of Philly, all the while filling us in on much history and other things of interest. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Hats off.

From Philly to Elkton, MD was a piece of cake. We rocked that stretch in no time and kicked back in a little AC for the night. All in all, a pretty uneventful day.

Elkton, MD to Delta, PA: So, we'd planned to put up a cool 50-ish miles (halfway to Baltimore) and find a place to crash. After about 40 miles of some of the most punishing riding we've ever experienced, we found a quiet motel, sneaked our dog in, and crashed for about 12 hours. The best part about this day was the fun of crossing the Mason-Dixon line twice, but we would have gladly done with fewer hills and the occassional shoulder to ride on.

Delta, PA to Baltimore: Delta to New Freedom, PA, was much worse even than the day before. Foggy conditions, near vertical climbs and shoulderless, curvy, and super busy state highways marked what may have been the most poorly planned section of the greenway yet. Not to cast aspersions out of turn, but I think the Pennsylvania committe needs to rethink nearly all of the routes through the state. The ride through Philly wasn't as bad, but pretty much all of the PA greenway up to New Freedom was along super busy highways with zero scenery. I know this state is beautiful, but you'd never know it on the designated route. From New Freedom to Baltimore (i.e. just a touch in PA), the ride was unbelievably lovely. We rode the Union County Heritage Trail/Northern Central Railroad Trail. Some of the finest, fastest riding we'd done so far. We also encountered some real kindness at a bike shop in New Freedom (The Whistle Stop Bike Shop). Stop there and buy stuff, these guys are great. They didn't even mind when Patch puked on their floor. They also gave us a sweet deal on some gear and donated some goodies to help us along the way.

Baltimore included a rest day, then two days later we're in DC. Nothing exciting during this time. We have, however, started to form some bigger picture ideas about the trip. For one, a small dog in a bike trailer is possibly the greatest goodwill ambassador one could ask for. The reaction we get from pedestrians and bikers is priceless, but it's among the motorists that I've noticed the major difference. I'll see some meathead in a pickup or Type-A jerk in a beamer zooming up on my tail, ready to lay on the horn, scream something, or toss a bottle. But when they see Patch's little head peeking up, their faces soften and they politely give us a wide berth. It's amazing the kindness people can muster for a small dog. I wonder why simply seeing other humans in a vulnerable position doesn't bring out a similar response. People are funny creatures.

Well, I'd better hit the sack, so I can live to ride another day. Until next time ...