May 19, 2017
King of Prussia, PA to New Hope, PA
Well, the mall at King of Prussia is quite the experience. Not to my liking at all! So artificial and consumption-oriented. And jeez, walking to it and back was such a challenge. No one walks there.
So the next morning, we had to navigate our way out along (ugh) PA-202, also known as Dekalb Pike. Because of the median and large volume of traffic, it required a right turn and then a U-turn at the next break. Fortunately, both directions have large shoulders, but after making our two turns, we soon crossed the Pennsylvania Turnpike and made a right-left turn into a very quiet residential neighborhood.
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This was going to be a short day, but I could feel it in my legs already. A short day and not very hilly. But I need to warm up, too, so I attributed some of it to that. Regardless, we were planning to stop for breakfast at Muffins in Bridgeport, only 2-1/2 miles away. It had great reviews, and it should; that's all they do there! And it was good, so look it up if you pass through. The potatoes were worth the trip!
We took our time as there was no rush today. Only 35 miles or so and very little climbing (according to projections). Arriving early was not going to accomplish anything except create wait time on the other side of the trip. So we left Muffins at 11:00 AM and crossed the Dekalb Street Bridge over the railroad. Talk about a humpback bridge. Wow. From there we crossed the Schuylkill River and made our way through Norristown.
I cannot say much about the next 10 miles or so, as it took us that long to clear the suburbs and exurbs of Philadelphia. But finally we hit some nice roads and enjoyed the countryside.
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Our only really big issue was navigating another construction zone that advised us to "Dismount and Walk Through the Work Zone," whatever the hell that means!
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First, there was nowhere to walk without being in the Work Zone. Second, our next turn would be blocked by concrete barriers. And the remaining roadway had no shoulder. Fortunately, there was no construction activity today, so we made it partway through the Work Zone, skipped across two lanes of traffic, found a partial-length sidewalk to a signalized intersection, and then hopped into traffic and our left-turn lane. Mission accomplished. With effort and fortitude!
On to New Hope! So we were now mostly on secondary roads (even designated as a bike route) but having to cross these major transverse highways that were difficult to navigate for various reasons. But it did get better the further we went, and we tolerated the occasional highway and traffic congestion. At 10 miles out, we were on easy street. Well, there was a bastard of a hill at MP 22 or so, and I was worried Happy would not make that one, but he did.
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At three miles out, our split point came, known locally as Five Points. I was well ahead of Happy. He says only two miles, but it seemed to take forever for him to catch up. I actually lay down and fell partially asleep. Miraculously, I woke shortly after his arrival and alerted him to my presence!
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He was headed straight to Deer Park Camp & Retreat Center, and I to New Hope Lodge. He had the "high" road, a somewhat steep but short climb. I had it easier with mostly a downhill coast into New Hope. We both arrived at about the same time.
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Time? Time for a beer. And free lasagne during happy hour. I had two plates!
Today's ride: 34 miles (55 km)
Total: 205 miles (330 km)
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