Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire Revisited, Part 2

Chuck, firming up his bid for the Lantern Rouge

Day 7: As much as I loved the scenery, it was a relief to watch VT fade behind as we entered Massachusetts. You become immediately aware that this state takes bicycle and pedestrian safety more seriously. During our entire time in VT, not once did we see a share the road sign, sharrow, or bike lane of any kind. And the driver behavior toward us reflected a huge lack of education and enforcement. VT deserves to be placed at the bottom of the BFS rankings, and I plan to make LAB, VT Tourism, and VDOT aware of that. Starting right out in North Adams, the downtown had bicycle pavement detection markings at major intersections. They had some bike lanes. And once again, they had warning signs with fines for failure to yield in a crosswalk. We felt more welcome here, despite the generally poor condition of the infrastructure. The same went for Adams, where Chris, Ed, Ira and I took the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail en-route to Pittsfield. Sabine opted late for the 3,446' climb of Mt Greylock in advance of forecast showers on Day 8. My day ended short of the Q-sheet, as I rolled into the Crown Plaza Hotel with 70 miles.

Day 8: This was the Tour's only optional rest day - in Pittsfield. Forecast showers appeared to be holding off, and would provide the opportunity for some who were planning to climb Mount Greylock starting at 7:30 a.m. With nagging pain in my right Achilles yesterday, I instead opted for a walk around the city, and a visit to the Berkshire Museum. Like so many others, Pittsfield's local economy appears in economic decline. The Wal Mart sits outside an architecturally stunning, once thriving downtown, where independent businesses struggle to survive. Most obvious, of course, were the tattoo parlors, bail bonds, insurance agents, manicurists, etc. that come to make up Main Street USA these days. Adams and North Adams weren't much different. After stretching the legs a bit, I jumped on the bike for a short 11 mile ride to Hancock's Shaker Village. What a great way to spend a rest day.

The peloton enjoys lush woods and beautiful scenery along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail

Day 9: Thoroughly enjoyed today's ride of 87 miles. There was heavy rain overnight, and things started off damp, drizzly, with patchy fog until mid-day. As feared, we faced lots of debris, storm damage, even a detour for down power lines. Much of today followed lovely Route 22, one of my all-time favorite roads. This would be a day to reminisce, as I've biked this route on several occasions. In 1985, I led my very first Tour from North Jersey to Vermont, and used Route 22 for most of the 3 day journey. This time, however, we had a wonderful option in the Harlem Valley Rail Trail (video above). As much of a non-factor traffic was at this point, it was a beautiful 11 mile deviation, having entered at Copake Falls. Lunch was in Millerton, NY, where Rt 44 splits from 22. Despite several tough climbs late in the day, the miles went by fast, with a tailwind, well paved roads and good shoulders. Most arrived in downtown Poughkeepsie at around 3:30.

Shadow boxing is over. Sabine Cranmer bids for control of the peloton

Day 10: One of the most scenic days on Tour, we started out immediately crossing the Walkway Over the Hudson. I don't have past numbers, but I believe this Tour will set a record for most rail trails used. Shortly after crossing, and getting tons of photos, Sabine and I departed for a mini-tour of Highland NY, knowing we wouldn't be seeing much of the group after that. Though the day's profile was mostly uphill to Port Jervis, the miles were fewer and this was a day to relax and enjoy. With that came lunch at the Karma Road Organic Cafe in New Paltz. From there, Sabine got the itch to take back time on the group ahead, and once in sight of the Shawangunk Ridge, I biked mostly alone after stopping one too many times for the breathtaking views. The roads were superb, with lower speed limits and light traffic overall. They were also familiar; in 1994, I chaired my first century event from the now abandoned Red Apple Rest (Rt 17, Southfields, NY) called "A-round Orange" using many of these roads. So there was plenty here to remember, to reflect on, to cherish. I really didn't want to rush this part of the tour. The hills increased in the end, with about a 400' net gain in elevation on the day. It would have been much more, had we not descended fast and furious at the very end. With the added sightseeing, I ended the day with 60 miles.

Day 11: First of all, last night's Days Inn Was a dump. We knew we were in trouble from the start, when two in the group were assigned rooms that were already occupied. There was garbage in the hallways. The AC in my room obviously didn't work, as everything was moist and washed clothes didn't drip dry. When we woke and went down for breakfast, the first thing I grabbed was an English Muffin, one side solid green with mold. I was so eager to put this place behind us, that I forgot to fill my water bottles. With only about a bottle's worth of yesterday's water, I rode almost 40 miles through Delaware Water Gap NP to Kittatinny Visitors Center before finding a fountain. I regretted not shooting more photos, but I already have tons of this region from past tours. The highlight of the day was a bear sighting on Old Mine Road, and I just grabbed my camera in time to snap a picture from a distance. From there, we headed into Worthington State Forest and eventually into the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA where 4 of us had lunch. Then, we crossed back into NJ and continued south through Warren County NJ, where I again left the group for a visit to Roxburg Station and Fiddlers Elbow Road. "The Elbow" offers the steepest paved incline in NJ and is the scene of total devastation for many during the Hillier Than Thou Century. I made the right turn off of Ridge Road onto Fiddlers, but ended it about a quarter mile later, before the pavement (27% grade) reached for the sky. After the furious descent back down to Roxburg, the day continued as it was - scenic and lightly traveled roads along the Delaware River, before crossing back over again to Easton PA. Distance: 83 miles.
 

Day 12: The final day is usually a formality, as roads grow increasingly familiar, and those who remain start splitting off for home. The reality sets in that the tour is over, and by this time, the number of participants is at its lowest. Picture taking all but ceases. A handful did the full circuit, riding from their home to their transport (Amtrak for most) to Saint Albans, then biking all the way back home - a remarkable feat. For those doing the math, those who rode back to Newark had just over 120 miles. Most who departed the Tour early did so at the end of the Penultimate day into Easton, PA, and achieved what they set out to accomplish. All agree that this was a superb event, meticulously planned by Wally Hertler and led by one of WCBC's all-time great ride leaders, Mary Clare Matsumoto. Let's hope for many more in the years ahead!

Part 1 HERE. View my full Tour photo album on Shutterfly. Revisit the 2013 Tour of Erie.

Wallly Hertler has organized the most amazing club rides and tours every year since 1976. For a complete history of the White Clay Bicycle Club, including Wally, click HERE.

Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire Revisited, Part 1

The self-contained Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire (also NY, MA, NJ, and PA) began on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Wilmington, DE Amtrak station. Some of the 19 participants rented a car, but most boarded the Vermonter for the 11-hour train (and bus, due to track outages) ride to St Albans, Vermont. A rented truck, driven by volunteers Dwight and John, delivered our bikes to the Cadillac Motel where the Tour would officially begin the next morning on June 18. Below is a recap of Days 1-6.

Day 1: Saint Albans to Island Pond, VT. Art's puncture right out of the parking lot and Chris' rack and pannier implosion would set the tone for a tour plagued by mechanical problems. In the early afternoon, Ed, Sabine and I left the group and headed from Richford VT to the US-Canadian border hoping for a few photos. Totally unexpected, we were detained by Customs in both countries for almost an hour. Canada in particular wasn't amused by Ed's attempt to relieve himself in the adjacent woods. From there, the climb of Jay Peak on Route 105 was 7+ miles long and very challenging, riding into a thick fog as we approached the summit. The long, fast, cold, descent was very shaky given horrible pavement conditions. The 3 of us enjoyed lunch in Newport Center before stopping at the Louis Garneau outlet store. The above delays put the 3 of us in drenching rain and even worse road conditions for the last 13 miles to Island Pond. The potholes, frost heaves, and buckling surface meant that even the slightest mistake could cause a major crash. Total for the day was 90 miles.

Day 2: To Franconia, NH. A visit to the "Common Sense Cafe" for breakfast ensured a chaotic start to the day. Staff was very friendly, but time had no meaning here. The result was inaction and confusion with our orders. When they did start to arrive, most were incorrect or confused with someone else's. Some of us gladly accepted the wrong order just to eat and get started on today's 68 miles. Later, we enjoyed lunch in Lancaster, NH, at GoGo's. The weather today was perfect, not a cloud in the sky. Among the highlights was some of the Tour's most stunning mountain scenery, and roads that were in somewhat better condition overall. But for some, the damage was done; Mary, who broke a spoke, was fortunate to find a bike shop in Littleton.

Day 3: West Ossipee via the Kancamagus Highway. Today brought us spectacular views of the White Mountains along a paved bike path, and a ride over the famous Kancamagus Highway to West Ossipee, NH. Despite perfect weather and fantastic scenery, this was not an easy day.  Upon entering Lincoln, I quickly realized we would be swamped with motorcycles for many miles to come. Bike Week NH had all but taken over northern NH. Deafening noise from hundreds of straight-pipe Harley Davidsons passing us in both directions - for at least 30 miles - was nerve rattling and oppressive. Thank god I brought my ear plugs. Again, most roads had potholes, cracks and frost heaves, and it was hard to control the bike at times. Too many of the 67 miles between Franconia and W. Ossipee were (again) spent finding a safe line. It was a relief, however, that most drivers were polite, and - unlike Vermont - gave us plenty of safe space despite the horrible conditions. Among the casualties today was Mary. With the Kanc just ahead, her rear derailleur basically wrapped itself around the cassette, stranding her at the side of the road. In a twist of good fortune, both her and David ended up taking a cab to complete the day's mileage.

Day 4: Past Plymouth to Lebanon, NH. A splendid 81 miles today through the lakes region, with numerous steep climbs. Again, it was a beautiful weather day characterized by potholes, tire-eating cracks, and buckling pavement. My new Titanium back seems tolerant, but my Peugeot is taking a pounding and I hope it survives this one last tour. The assault of dangerously loud motorcycles continued at least until Plymouth. They continued to swarm us from both directions and in the towns we passed through. Finally, we reached Lebanon, a wonderful little city with generous bike lanes, sharrows, and BMUFL (bicycles may use full lane) signs throughout the downtown. It was a relief to get to the motel followed by craft beers and dinner at the 7 Barrel Brewery.

Day 5: The Assault on Brandon, VT. With 2 major climbs to look forward to, pavement conditions seemed to be improving. However, a demolished river bridge just north of Woodstock forced us to detour through a farmer's field just east of Mt Hunger. It was a harrowing ordeal, barefoot, stepping through boulders, pushing my bike through rushing water only to find out there was no easy way to climb out of the river bed. I finally found what appeared a low bank point but the bike slipped several times and I hurt my back a trying to keep everything upright. Once on the road, I now had a chirping sound coming from my bottom bracket, having been submerged a few times. I enlisted Roger to hold my bike on a shallow angle, as I poured chain oil into the shaft area, but nothing helped. Regardless, we continued on and started the final climb of Brandon Gap. At 2,170', it is one of the toughest passes through the Green Mountains of Vermont. Many in the group stopped at the summit for photos and film clips. The only thing left now was the long fast descent to the Brandon Inn, one of the classiest lodges on the Tour. Again, pavement conditions had everyone on the brakes and being very cautious. Total for the day was 67 miles.

Day 6: Bennington, VT. Increasingly safer roads and shoulders were on the increase. On a personal note, I was definitely paying the price for yesterday's river adventure, with steady dull pain throughout my low back, groin and glutes. The morning's Vicodin and Prednisone cocktail likely saved my day. I expected to feel better the next day, but wouldn't hesitate to dip into the emergency bag again if necessary. This area of VT was a welcome improvement from the North. There is no comparing the Route 30 corridor (that we were on most of the day) with Route 105, which had me cursing the state up and down. Route 30 was mostly well paved, less busy, and included the most stunning scenery in VT so far. It also brought us past Lakes Hortonia, Bomoseen, and St Catherine. I spent many childhood years (mainly early '80s) camping out, boating and fishing with my Dad from Bomoseen SP, so looking out over the lake at Crystal Beach, and crossing Route 4 at Castleton Corners brought back priceless memories. From there, we rode through Poultney before having lunch in Pawlet, then rode through Dorset and Manchester for a view of the Equinox on Route 7A. My bottom bracket was quieter today, and I was less worried now about catastrophic failure. But my chain was stretched considerably, and I hoped to pull back my rear wheel for retentioning this evening. Total for the day was 78 Miles.

Check out Part 2, Days 7-12!

Wally Hertler has organized the most amazing club rides and tours every year since 1976. Mary Clare Matsumoto graciously accepted leadership of this Tour in his absence. For a complete history of the White Clay Bicycle Club, including Wally, click HERE.

Related: 2013 Tour of Erie, Revisited.

Amtrak finally comes around to bikes on long distance trains

Featured in Streetsblog -- The nation’s intercity passenger rail service just got a lot bike-friendlier.

Amtrak announced last week that it is installing new baggage cars - equipped for bike storage - in all trains on its long-distance routes by year’s end. The change will allow Amtrak riders to “roll on” their bikes, rather than disassembling them and transporting them in boxes. The new baggage car equipment is being tested in Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, and the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak officials said in a blog post.

Amtrak officials hinted the more convenient bike transport was in response to demand from consumers. Campaigns aimed at securing assembled bike storage aboard Amtrak routes have been waged in New York and other states. Only a handful of Amtrak routes currently allow a limited number of fully assembled bikes. [Full story ...]

Poster's note:  Wally Hertler's Annual June Tour (with WCBC) regularly uses Amtrak when going one-way. But with bicycles not allowed on trains, other arrangements have to be made. Usually, this involves loading them on a one-way rented box truck driven by willing volunteers. Maybe things are about to become a whole lot easier?

Participants in Wally's 2007 Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire exit Amtrak's Vermonter at its terminus in St Albans.

In 2010, Wally captures some much needed sleep aboard the Vermonter, en-route to Saint Albans. That year, the Tour headed west and south through the Adirondacks and Catskills before entering NJ and PA and ending in Delaware.

Using checked baggage in 2011, Tour participants unbox and re-assemble their bikes after the long train ride to Greenville, SC. This was an epic Tour that followed the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

A box truck waits at the Wilmington, DE train station as participants load up their bikes and some belongings (2007 Tour) before boarding the train.

Hawk Mountain Weekend, Revisited

The White Clay Bicycle Club's Hawk Mountain Weekend was a 3 day unsupported bicycle tour that took place over Memorial Day Weekend. Day 1 (Saturday) was 96 miles from Newark, DE over moderately hilly terrain to Lickdale, PA. The group enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Pizza Town in Jonestown, before the overnight at Days Inn.

Day 2 (Sunday) had 3 route options en-route to Hamburg PA. Most chose Mount Gretna for lunch at La Sorelle Porch and Pantry, followed by an opportunity to visit Roadside America in Shartlesville. This route did not climb over Hawk Mountain, which may explain its popularity. The second option did climb Hawk Mountain (an 800' climb in 2 miles), and the third option included Hawk Mountain but also the feared climb of Gold Mine Road. All routes concluded at the Microtel, where the group went on to enjoy lots of beer and great food at Pappy T's Pub & Lounge.

On Day 3 (Monday), most returned via Berks and Lancaster Counties to Gap or Chadds Ford PA, and then home from there. Those of us riding home to Newark recorded over 100 hilly miles, which was excellent training for the upcoming Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire in June, which will also feature a long and exhausting 100+ miles on the final day.

This was an amazing group, with participants coming from all over the Tri-State Area, and one from Arlington VA. Depending on where one lived, the final mileage varied. For me, the ride from Hamburg back to Newark ended with 103 miles.

A big tip of the helmet to Mary Clare Matsumoto, for stepping up and filling the role as Tour Leader in Wally Hertler's absence. Mary Clare did a superb job at keeping everyone together when possible, and made key decisions on group consensus. Thanks so much, Mary Clare!

Additional photos can be viewed on Shutterfly HERE. Be sure to use the slideshow option.

Cabot Community Tour Family Ride on June 17

The 2014 Cabot Community Tour is a five-week “Celebration of Communities and Good,” highlighting the extraordinary connections among cooperatives, volunteers, and the service organizations supporting these communities. The Tour honors three of their 1,200 farm-family owners’ most cherished principles: Cooperatives, Community and Volunteerism.

Joining forces again for the near-1,000 mile journey will be Cathy and Myron Skott, who pedaled every mile of the 2012 Tour. In a repeat peformance, the Skotts will bring their passion and energy to this exciting adventure. Joining them as they ride their way north will be cycling groups from the communities and organizations that make up the heart and soul of the Tour.

On Tuesday June 17th at 9:00 a.m., the East Coast Greenway Alliance is organizing a family-friendly ride from the Blue Ball Barn to Bellevue State Park that will join with the Skotts, then return to the start on their own. The entire ride takes place along the Northern Delaware Greenway, so no one gets lost. Come join up and wish them well!

View Larger Map

Governor Jack Markell's 7th Annual Tour of Delaware Announced

HERE is the link for the route in Google Maps for this year’s Annual Bike Tour with Governor Markell on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th.

Please note that the Tour will kick off at 9:00am in Middletown and is anticipated to end at 3:00pm in Dover.

If you are planning on participating, you must confirm with an email to Mr Corey Marshall-Steele, Governor Jack's Administrator. You will also need to include an emergency contact phone number, as well as your own contact information: 

Corey.Marshall-Steele@state.de.us

Among other things, the confirmation is necessary to ensure they have enough transportation back to the start of the route. So don't hesitate; RSVP today!

This ride has become an annual tradition in Delaware, as you meet, greet, and ride with one of the most, if not the most bike-friendly governors in the nation.

Governor Jack, 2nd from right, at the Delaware City rest stop during the 1st edition of the ride in 2007

For 2013, Three Bike Tours and a Surgery...

By Angela Connolly, Certified Medical Assistant -

There is nothing more frustrating for anyone to endure than chronic pain. When you lead an active lifestyle, and are a transportation/recreational cyclist, it seems even more unbearable to endure. Sometimes it takes a brave decision and a leap of faith to become fully functional again, and that is what Frank Warnock, this Blog's Admin, was inspired to do, by his desire to become as proficient a cyclist as he had been before his chronic low back and leg pain began to slowly take away the high level of cycling that he had enjoyed all of his life.

Disc rupture at the L4/L5 and
L5/S1 levels. Blackening of the
discs indicates dehydration.

Frank had suffered from chronic low back pain due to problems at the L4/L5/S1 levels. This is a common site for disc herniation, and in Frank's case, both levels had ruptured, with L5/S1 off alignment and in a "bone on bone" state. Although there are several possibilities, including cumulative trauma, his Doctors were unable to determine the exact origin of the problem. Two prior Discectomies and multiple steroid injections did not bring permanent relief, so a decision had to be made. Had he taken a conservative approach to the pain and done nothing, he would have risked becoming incapacitated someday. The vertebrae could have eventually fused over time, but in an inappropriate position, causing deformity and debilitation, and increased pain. An avid cyclist who looks forward to a lifetime of cycling, well into his advanced years, Frank found this possibility unacceptable, and he began to realize that a permanent solution had to be found.

Because Frank wasn't in constant pain, however, it was tempting to put off the decision. He would be reminded of the problem only when he hurt his back (which was so easy to do), most recently while on an almost thousand mile round trip tour to Lake Erie, PA. On this occasion, the simple action of lifting the front wheel of his bike over a curb set off the terrible pain. With each new injury, he would have to cope with moderate to severe pain for several days. It didn't take much to cause pain, only a simple movement, like lifting something, which, when he was unprepared for, would set off yet another attack of pain.

Frank, en-route to Lake Erie - via the Allegheny
Mountains - in mid June.

Before making the decision to undergo surgery, Frank had set three goals for himself to achieve for the year. Knowing that he faced a lengthy recovery, he wanted to enjoy touring with his friends from the White Clay Bicycle Club. The Hershey Weekend Tour and the Hawk Mountain Weekend were the tours that provided the preparation for the 12 day long Tour of Erie in June, combining for a total of 1,440 miles. Filled with hills and challenges, completing these Tours successfully gave Frank the encouragement to seek a surgical solution to his pain, so that he could continue to have many years of touring in his future.

Dr. Louis Quartararo

The journey to surgery began with the decision to seek out the best, state-of-the-art procedure that modern medicine has to offer. Traditional Spinal Fusions are routinely done through invasive, "open" procedures, which are very difficult for patients to recover from. Through an online search, we learned about the NJ Spine Institute, and Dr. Louis Quartararo, who specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery. "Dr. Q", as everyone calls him, is confident, reassuring, and very kind, and his office staff is exceptionally professional and helpful. Also caring for Frank was Jenny Reyes, Dr.Q's Physician Assistant. With this award winning and experienced team in place, Frank felt confident and certain that he had made the right decision to go undergo a PLIF procedure, which means Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Done Endoscopically, this highly sophisticated procedure is only performed by a few Surgeons around the country, as it takes additional training and expertise for a surgeon to master. Unfortunately, this advanced level of care is not available in Delaware, but it was well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive to Paramus NJ, one town over from Fair Lawn and the lovely planned community of Radburn, where he grew up.

Above: Xray from the front, post-
op. Note the Spinal Fusion Stimulator
wired in the upper left of the image.

Frank's surgery was performed on July 25th at the International Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Wyckoff, NJ. After the nearly four hour long procedure, he stayed overnight at the facility, and was discharged the next day, to recover at home. Dr. Q said that the surgery went very well, and now, at five weeks post op, the recovery period is well underway. In many ways, the surgery itself is only the first step. It will take several months of healing, physical therapy, and a good diet rich in protein and calcium, to insure a fully successful fusion. And there have been some bumps in the road, like severe nerve pain requiring a visit back to NJ, to the Pain Management Dr. Gregory Lawler, who works with Dr. Q to help control patients' post op pain. Dr. Lawler immediately understood the origin of Frank's post op pain and prescribed appropriate medication to help. With the pain under control, we are seeing real progress in his recovery. And although Frank can't wait to get back on his bike, he realizes that by resuming cycling, and other physical activities slowly, he is making an investment in his future health, and that once he is fully healed, he will be back on the bike stronger than ever. He is looking forward in the coming weeks to working with his Physical Therapist, Matt Hanling, to reach that goal. Matt has outlined his treatment plan and goals for Frank, and we are confident that with Matt's expert help and encouragement, the therapy will progress smoothly.

Frank would like to encourage anyone who suffers from chronic pain, and exhausted all conservative options, to investigate all of the surgical possibilities available for treatment. Also consider going outside Delaware if that’s what it takes to find the latest and greatest techniques available. Modern medicine and science have so much to offer, and the success rates are extremely encouraging! You can visit the NJ Spine Institute and learn about all of these treatment options.

Right: View from the side, post-op. Note the re-alignment and gains in vertebral spacing. Nearly 1" in lost height was gained back as a result.

Angela Connolly is a Certified Medical Assistant, most recently in practice with St. Francis Healthcare in Wilmington, DE. With prior experience in Gynecology/Urology, her experience caring for Frank has given her new insight and appreciation into the issues surrounding patients undergoing treatments for Orthopedic/Spinal conditions. As Frank's primary caregiver and companion in the surgical/recovery experience, she is happy to report that her patient has been positive, cheerful, and a pleasure to care for!

Pike 2 Bike: Exploring the Abandoned PA Turnpike

WCBC's Tour of Central PA, led by Wally Hertler, paid a visit to the Abandoned Turnpike in 2004.

The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is a common name for the 13-mile section that was bypassed in 1968 when a modern stretch opened to ease traffic congestion in the tunnels. In this case, the Sideling Hill Tunnel and Rays Hill Tunnel were bypassed, as was one of the Turnpike's travel plazas. The bypass is located just east of the heavily congested Breezewood interchange for Interstate 70 (I-70) eastbound at what is now I-76 exit 161.

Visit the Abandoned PA Turnpike homepage for a wealth of information, including a history of the tunnels.

2013 Tour of Erie, Revisited

Wally Hertler leads his 38th sojourn for the White Clay Bicycle Club, this time to Lake Erie

This unsupported bicycle tour across Pennsylvania to Erie began in Gap on Saturday, June 8, and ended in Chadds Ford on Wednesday, June 19th. Overnights were in Jonestown, Lewisburg, Milesburg, Ridgway, Titusville, Erie, Warren, Wellsville (NY), Wellsboro, Williamsport, and Cressona. Points of interest included the Millersburg Ferry across the Susquehanna River, Presque Isle State Park in Erie, and the Grand Canyon of PA.

The author uploaded the GPS track data to Google Earth at the conclusion of the Tour of Erie

Reminiscent of June 1989, when the tour visited Saratoga Springs NY for LAB's Greater Eastern Area Rally (GEAR), there was some very challenging weather. For at least 4 days, riders experienced significant rainfall, including the final 40 miles into Erie PA on Day 6. Fortunately, skies cleared by mid-afternoon, and some in the group chose to ride the additional 35 miles round trip to Presque Island.

Despite several days of rain, this tour was destined for greatness. There were no serious breakdowns or injuries, and no one abandoned the tour from stress or exhaustion. I look forward to next year's Tour of Vermont and New Hampshire, a 1-way sojourn from St. Albans Vermont back to Delaware, using Amtrak for the trip north.

Roger and Mary Clare Matsumoto enjoy pristine roads and stunning scenery as the Tour takes them northbound through Amish Country

The group arrives at Allegheny National Forest

Art Berger contemplates a prophetic warning

Lake Erie, at last

Hallelujah!

A view of the Grand Canyon, and yours truly ...

One of many beautiful scenes along the Pine Creek Rail Trail

A bike share station in Williamsport, PA ... despite an absence of on-road bicycle facilities

View the Tour slideshow on Shutterfly. Details about future tours, when planned, will be posted HERE. A huge tip of the helmet to Wally Hertler, tour architect and planning guru, for making this all happen - every year since 1976. Read a Wilmington News Journal article on Wally from 2004.