Day 35
Distance travelled: 92 miles
Time in saddle: 7hrs 55 mins
Overall distance travelled: 3153.7 miles
I had an early start this morning and felt fantastic. I decided to go north, on the 522, which probably doesn't mean that much to you....me neither. It was quite a nice road actually, again it probably doesn't man that much to you....unless you are a cyclist.I went pats quite a few farms that were very European, it felt like home.I went through a few towns that were 'untidy' to say the least. It seems a lot cleaner further West. The thing I have noticed is that everyone is obsessed with mowing their lawns. I've seen fat ladies..and men, young guys and girls and everyone else either sat on a mower or pushing a mower cutting the grass. It looks very nice but what do they do for work?
The signage in this country is sporadic to say the least. There are many occasions when I have to ask people which way to go, which I really like. It gives me an opportunity to chat with some interesting people. I asked a guy for directions in one of the many towns I have passed through today. I always seem to pick the interesting people. He had a really bad stutter. I didn't want to be impolite so I patiently waited for him to tell me which way to go. I found myself finishing his sentences. I swear if cameras had been there it would have made a great comedy sketch. In the end I told him the way to go....you can't make it up can you. He tried to say goodbye, but I had to catch a plane so I finished it off for him and went. I am not mocking...merely telling you how it is.
I cycled into Frackville and asked two young lads which was the way to Pottsville and did they have a nice...cheap motel. They recommended one just down the road which I am in as I write this blog. I spoke to Uncle ken and Auntie Hilda today and it was fantastic, great to hear English voices and they are fantastic people.
Tomorrow is a big day. I may get to New York....if not the day after. Bring it on.
It's called New England for the settlers were reminded of home. Enjoy the nice people you meet, Wayne!
ReplyDeleteI posted these links on Wayne's Facebook page, but I wanted to post these on his Blog in case anyone hits this diary as they plan their trip across the US.
ReplyDeleteWhen Wayne stayed with me, I looked at his bike path and discovered it's quite difficult to get over the Appalachians. Ditto for the Rocky Mountains. Problem is, once you start getting into the mountain passes the best routes have been taken over by Interstate highways, and non-motorized vehicles are not allowed. So, you have to do some research. In the east the best bet would be to follow the route of the first settlers and follow the path of the Erie Canal. Or, go the south way through the Cumberland Gap (Kentucky/Tennesee way).
Here's some other links you might want to look into . . .
http://www.adventurecycling.org/ — with maps to travel transcontinental
http://ragbrai.com/ — 10,000+ bicyclists travel east from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. It's an incredible experience to be amongst all those other cyclists. Always the last full week of July — great food (Tender Tom's Turkey, Mr. Pork Chop, Pastafari, etc.), cool activities, sweet vistas and lots of fun
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/ — Get off the roads in Missouri and follow this old railroad path
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/ — First transcontinental highway from New York to San Francisco
http://www.canalcor.org/ — veer off the Lincoln Highway to take this old canal tow path from mid-state on the Illinois River to south Chicago
http://fhcanal.home.mchsi.com/ — complete the rest of the way across Illinois from this old canal linking the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to the Quad Cities
http://www.ptny.org/canaltour/ — Bike the Erie Canal through New York state
Look me up if you hit Jacksonville, Illinois!
Steve Warmowski