Princeton, NJ

Day 7

We spent a wonderful evening and morning with Maria (David was on a business trip).  I really like their home (the house has great bones) with hardwood floors and pictures of family and friends in every room.  Maria made sure coffee was waiting for us when we finally got out of bed at 9am and we then had breakfast outside in the back yard.

     Here is Maria relaxing with Di when she probably should have been working:

It was tough to finally leave because Maria pampered us so well, but we were on the rode at 11:15.  The first part of today's trip took us through suburban neighborhoods, so we were surprised to see a deer casually walking by.

     Deer hanging out behind the A&P:

We rode for 20 miles before we stopped for lunch at an italian restaurant.  I had the special, bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli rabe.  Di had the same except substituted gluten free penne for the bow tie.  A few miles after we resumed we found the beginning of the bike path that follows the Deleware and Raritan Canal.  The bike path is over 16 miles long and we were looking forward to some fast going, so imagine our surprise when we discovered it is an unpaved path.  

     Here is Di at the beginning of the D & R Canal Bike Path:

It was rough going because the dirt path often disintegrated into a pile of rocks, but we were patient because we figured it would soon turn into a paved path.

     Here is Di navigating over bike path scree:

Well, we were wrong about that (we are often wrong about things when we go biking, especially directions).  The path remained dirt for its entirety.  It was often rocky and riddled with gullies so we often had ride up off the saddle as if we were on a horse.  That technique still wasn't enough to prevent certain body parts from becoming sore.  Even so, it was a beautiful path and we eventually came to accept the rough ride as the price we had to pay to enjoy the great scenery.

     Di enjoying the scenery on the D&R Canal Bike Path:

     Di taking a much needed break from riding the bumpy path:

     Di startling an albatross (or heron, or loon, or some big bird) into flight:

Once the bike path ended we had only three miles to the Peacock Inn in Princeton.  Di was so thirsty that we first had to stop at an organic grocery store so she could drink five bottles of Bai 5.

     Di is happy after sucking down lots of Bai:

We arrived at the Peacock around 5:45pm and are now going to explore Princeton and get some dinner.  I can't wait to get to Philly tomorrow and see Jen and Ben.  Wahoo!

Di here ...

Before I start about today let me provide you more insight into yesterday's beautiful and adventurous ride.  The first 20 miles were just perfect.  Here is Steve going across a small bridge in the park that we cut through.

Bridge safe for riding

Steve taking a quick break

As you can see we were getting close to NYC.  You can see the top of the city skyline.

We finally hit the Bit Apple.  The end of the bike path dropped us in North Bronx.   It was about 3 miles to the GWB.  The longest 3 miles of my life, let me tell you!  At one point the Garmin wanted us on the subway, but we thought different.  

Steve was excited to take the subway

Instead we stayed on Broadway, which as you can see below may not have been the best route after all; perhaps the Garmin was right wanting us to be on the subway.

Broadway in the Bronx

Finally we made it through NYC.  Here is Steve on the GWB.

Steve loving his journey across

We finally made it to Maplewood, Maria and David's house, at about 7:45p.  After the ride we had through the Bronx and South Orange we were ready for some pampering.  Staying with Maria and the girls was a real treat.  And of course with Rory and Feisty too!  We unfortunately missed David due to a business trip, which was very disappointing. Next time we will just have to stay two nights to make up for it :).  

Thank you Maria! 

Today's ride to Princeton NJ was packed with adventure just like yesterday.  Today's route on paper looked extremely easy;  about 40 miles riding all green roads and bike paths.  As Steve stated above riding a 16 mile dirt path is hard work!  

Prior to hitting the dirt path, we enjoyed another Pasta meal.  Between last night's meal Maria made us and this lunch, we were ready to burn some serious calories.  

Steve enjoying his Bowtie past lunch

At times we were walking the bikes for safety reasons.  Here Steve wanted to make a detour, but I nicely vetoed that.

Steve on the edge

Here Steve carefully navigates down the crushed stones drop.

Steve braking all the way

We made it to Princeton by 5:22p.  One of our earliest arrival times; hence the long post tonight.  Tomorrow we are headed to Philly.  It's a great feeling knowing Jen and Ben are waiting for us!