On Saturday, Mike and I met in Barryville for a road trip to Pennsylvania, back to New York and to Eastern Sullivan County. We met at the circle next to the Barryville/Shohola Bridge along the Delaware River. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees, with almost no wind.
We cycled down Rt. 97, with fantastic views of the Delaware River, and crossed the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct Suspension Bridge (the first suspension bridge built by John A. Roebling, the engineer who built the Brooklyn Bridge) to Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. After passing through the small business district, we crossed the Lackawaxen River and turned right onto Mashope Plank Road.
This is where the fun and climbing began. The hills (for the northeast) are long, steep and scenic and virtually traffic-free. We took in many beautiful views of the Delaware River as well as the lush green landscape of Pennsylvania.
We turned right on Welcome Lake Road, then right on Peggy Runway Road before taking the Hansdale and Delaware Turnpike to Narrowsburg. While there, we stopped at the Tusten Cafe for a delicious pastry and Coke (on the bridge, overlooking the whirlpool) before heading back up the hill on Bridge Street towards Rt. 97. This section of Rt. 97 , through the town of Tusten, was presented. quite a challenge. Ratings were above 10% for at least 3 climbs spaced about a mile apart.
The last few miles were completely downhill and flat with a quick return to Barryville. I can’t wait to do this route again in the fall because the foliage in this area is as beautiful as anywhere else.
What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing in my head while riding). Today – The Moody Blues – I Know You’re Out There Somewhere
