On Saturday, Mike and I met in Barryville for a road ride into Pennsylvania, back into New York and up around Eastern Sullivan County. We met at the circle, next to the Barryville/Shohola Bridge, along the Delaware River. The weather was perfect at 80 degrees, with almost no wind.

We pedaled up Rt. 97, with fantastic views of the Delaware and crossed the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct Suspension Bridge (the first suspension bridge built by John A. Roebling, the Engineer that built the Brooklyn Bridge) into Lackawaxen, PA. After passing through the small business district, we crossed the Lackawaxen River and turned right onto Masthope Plank Road.

This is where the fun and the climbing began. The hills (for the Northeast) are long, steep and scenic and virtually traffic free. We took in more than a few beautiful views of the Delaware as well as the lush green Pennsylvania landscape.

We turned right on Welcome Lake Road then right on Peggy Runway Road before riding the Hansdale and Delaware Turnpike into Narrowsburg. While there, we stopped at the Tusten Cafe for a delicious pastry and Coke (on the deck, overlooking the eddy) before heading up the hill on Bridge Street towards Rt. 97. This section of Rt. 97, through the Town of Tusten presented quite a challenge. The grades were over 10% for at least 3 climbs that were around a mile apiece.

The last few miles were completely downhill and flat with a fast run back into Barryville. I can’t wait to do this route again in the fall as the foliage in this area is as beautiful as anywhere.

What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing around in my head while riding). Today – The Moody Blues – I Know Your Out There Somewhere