Past rides

A post from a fan on the web

Tuesday December 28, 04

Good morning Bill:

This e-mail falls under the category "boy, did I get a strange e-mail today."

I'm a 60 year-old retired banker in Arizona, who recently got the "GPS
bug," thanks to a birthday present from my wife, and just discovered
alt.satellite.gps. Read many of the past posts, including several of
yours. Out of curiosity, visited your website, and was intrigued by
your varied interests and accomplishments (I'm thinking you'd make a
good subject for Reader Digest's "My Most Unforgettable Character").

I get the feeling that if life had taken you down a slightly different
path, you'd be designing and building satellites, rather than merely
benefiting from them.

Anyway, my e-mail has no particular point, but to say thanks for some
interesting gps-related reading, and the inspiration to take my new
hobby to the next level.

Happy Holidays,

Map and profile .

Wednesday, March 23, 05 I had a very interesting ride. I rode the bicycle to Elkins Park train station, rode the train to Warminster. From there I bicycle to New Hope. I walk across the Delaware, on the bridge, bicycle to Princeton NJ. Rode The Delaware & Raritan Canal tow path, Detoured for food through the Princeton main Campus. A beautiful campus.

After the food stop, I return to the bicycle trail on the Towpath, continuing to Trenton. The tow path had very little mud but sandy in spots. My 25 mm wide tires was almost too small for the trail. The Route one overpass for the trail reminds me of the Pinellas trail in Florida. Previously to get across Route one, we had to ride the shoulder foe a 1/4 miles and cross at the light. I exist the trail at the end of the path to Mulberry St. in Trenton. Left on Mulberry to Clayton and followed it to the train station. The River Rail line is there also, I considered taking that to Paymara. I use that Regional Rail back to Philadelphia . I got off at the Tacony station and bicycle home for a total of 63 mile of pedaling. Map and profile is here. My Centuries rides

Wednesday March 16, 2005 Cheltenham to Reading, 123 miles. I left home at 6:30 am with no lights. I Found the reason for the error on the last attempt to Reading on Forty foot Rd, I place a waypoint north of the turn, that cause a right turn, them U-turn. I continue on Collegeville road but didn't turn to get on Rt. 113 but continue on Collegeville to Township Line Rd. The becomes Creek road and enter Rt. 113 At the bridge. Using the bike path to Bethies, no cake, I had breakfast. Continuing on following the cue to Pottstown. Very hilly, up and down. After Pottstown The cue put me on Rt. 662. I use this before on a ride to Oley. Good shoulder most of the time but I will pick a back road for another time. % miles to Rt. 562 and the "L" route. I now had 57 miles and reading was 13 miles to go. I decided that I would return via the "L" and "S" routes and fore go Reading, since Mt Penn was the next town. I followed the "L" route South. When it reach Rt. 724, I saw a sign that Phoenixville was 14 miles, I consider using that route. I know that Rt. 724 is busy near Pottstown co I elected to follow the "L" route to French Creek. From Rt. 724 and the Schuylkill River, there is a steady climb reaching 825 feet, down and back up. Reaching Rt. 23, Ridge Road I was relived to a somewhat level ride. After Phoenixville, I reach Black rock road and the bike path. I stopped for food at Mickey-dee in Norristown. Using the LED lights on the path, I change the batteries and plugged in the 4.3 battery pack for the Quest. Using only the beep on the internal battery, the Quest internal battery still showed 1/4 full. After connecting the battery pack, I left it connect and use the back light the rest of the ride. I arrived home at 10 pm, 14.5 hours and 123 miles. I calculate a Altitude gain of 8083 feet for the ride.

Friday March 4, 2005. still adapting the Quest to voice guidance on the bicycle. I plotted a route from Cheltenham to Southampton PA 30 degree at 12 noon. The route plotted on City Select, used roads that I never considered before. From Cheltenham through Rockledge, Willow Grove, Bryn Athyn, and Mason Mill Park Byberry Rd. for .5 mile was the only major road used. Gone are Terwood, Second Street Pk. and Davisville Rd. To get to Southampton. The voice directions were pleasant, more so using Trackback. when only turn and not Street are shown on the screen I found that the current draw surge of the Quest exceeded the 350 ma of the Maxim Low Drop Regulator that I built. I installed a 4.8 battery pack in Parallel and this seem to take the surge and recharge both the battery pack and the Quest internal battery from my 12 volt light battery. See Quest on Bicycle

February 19, 2000. I plotted a route to Reading PA from Cheltenham. I followed voice commands and beeps until I got to Old Forty Foot road. I left Old Forty foot Rd. at Bridge Rd, the wrong one. The Bridge Rd on the cue is Rt. 113. The GPS begin to recalculate as I continue to turn on roads that I have used before. Finally when the gps put me on Rt. 113, Bridge Rd., I decided to brave the traffic for the 2 miles to Rt. 29. I turn on to the Perkomen trail and stopped at Bethies for breakfast. The place was just short of a waiting line. I mention to my waitress that I can understand the reason they close earlier than one o'clock on some Saturday's. She said that Sunday's are bigger crowd. I picked up Trappe road near Bethies and continued on the cue with voice command at each turn, After about 5 hours of full use, that is following a route with each turn beeping and giving voice command to my ear bud, I received a low battery warning. I plug in my homemade regulator and in about 10 minutes it power was too low to keep the gps on. I replace that battery back with a fresh 12 volt pack and the regulator would not give an output voltage. I had forgot to bring the four cell direct recharger. With 38 miles in I decided to not ride further. My route was to Reading a total of 64 miles. One thought was to ride 50 mile and turn around for another century in February. I turned around and plan to use "Trackback". A few miles with trackback and I got the low battery warning again. I set the Quest for minimums commands output, just "Next Street" would change. I found that with the map page zoom out to not show small streets, I could see the trackback line. This got me back to the Perkomen trail. from there I reverse the cue sheet and to familiar roads. Since I remove a few lines of the cue sheet, some name change of the same road made it hard to track back from the cue, previously. The cue is ok for one way with those line removed. I made it home with the battery gage still showing about 1/8 on the icon a total of 79.5 miles for the day

http://www.billcotton.com/gps.htm

Email me for more details of my quest of the Quest. billcotton@billcotton.com

February 12, 2000

The ride was all of that and some. Many road that I used, not many bicycles has use, judging by the dog responses. I out pedal the first encounter. I made my halt more accessible since I plan to trackback on the same route. That dog didn't come out on my return but a few miles later as I made a right turn, this huge dog came toward me. I was humane this time and sprayed down behind my pedal. The dog didn't chase anymore just turn back. I yell STAY and GO HOME to several small dogs.

The Quest follow the route flawless. At Rt 130, named Crescent Blvd on my map, the route was to use that for about a mile. I found a parallel road that got me to Blair Blvd and no other red line road was used. I did find that I was routed to Broadway, but after Kain Ave and the pot holed were not as deep.

On the return I use "Track Back" This display turn numbers, the map page show the route line and a compass page has a needle that points the direction for turns. About 60 miles into the ride, 8 hours of gps use, the low battery warning appeared. This GPS has a built-in battery. I plug in my 12 volt adapter for about 30 minutes and the battery meter came up to half full. This adapter has a speaker that consume power and The 2 amp battery last only an hour using the voice command. The gps lasted until home and the LED light had enough left to get me home also. I did have two of the 2 amp packs on the ride.

A total of 112 miles for my February century

January 7, 2005. first century of 2005. I have adapter my bicycle light bar and battery holder to power the gps so I can leave the backlight on while riding at night. I rode for about 5 hours in the dark on this ride. I left home in Cheltenham at 6 am and found that the backlight on the gps would not stay on. It was almost day light and I was close to home. I considered going to Allentown. I looked at the loaded routes in the gps and Allentown wasn't there, a back route to Red Hill was on the gps. I was planning to ride on Saturday but the weather forecast caused me to go Friday. I decided to wing it, I gone to Allentown via Red Hill a few times and the "goto" on the gps will keep me in the correct direction. The latest gps has auto routing, (Broken backlight, may be a good reason to upgrade.) I stopped at food in Greenlane at Rts. 63 and 29. Pancakes, Italian sausage, quarter potatoes home fries and two eggs, served on three plates. I forced it down and headed up Rt. 29 to Red Hill. I decided to make the first right on Lumber Rd. This put me on Gerryville pike, my back route to Red Hill. Looking at the larger map at home I see that had I made the left from Lumber and crossed the tracks, the route would've been a little shorter. (I wonder if Auto routing would've sent me on that road.) Through Red Hill and Pennsburg, I used the alleys on the eastside , when possible to avoid Rt. 29. I remembered Palm road soon after going under the rail line, and to stay to the west of Indian Creek. That road becomes Yerkel and Tees with a main road that connects with Power Valley road, which is closed. I made my left on Carl Hill Road, the owner of a larger part of the 5800 feet of climbing and the 8.6 average speed of the ride. After up and down Carl hill I had about 50 miles in and considered turning around, about this time I was on Vera Cruz road and a sign read 1 miles to Vera Cruz. I decided to go there and turn around and use Vera Cruz road South to connect with my Ride to Bethlehem. at Rts. 309 and 141. i got to Vera Cruz and a sign read two miles to Emmaus and fast food. I had coffee and pie and a rest stop and headed south. Allentown road had a bridge out. I decided to see if I could cross. Completely out as it is being replaced. A road went Umberit Road went west to Rosenberger Rd. and Trumbauersville road from the old SCU ride in that area. I was back on Allentown road and dark found me in Hatfield. I was without back light and could not see the street signs of the gps. I miss a turn from Quarry Rd. and had to ride on Rt. 63 for a few blocks to Kriebel. Rd. From there the rides was on roads that I know like the back of my hand. 110 miles total. the profile is here.

Friday December 17, 04, I left home at 7 am today heading for Salem NJ. The wind was brutal out of the west. I stop for breakfast at McDonald in Deptford and bumped in to another BCP member. From there I went to Woodbury and picked Rt 45. In Woodstown, Rt 45 runs with US 40. Heavy traffic. Today I used CR. 638 and CR 620 to bypass that section. 620 had no traffic, so I stayed on it until it met Rt 45, almost in Salem.

After Lunch at the Salem diner, I felt like exploring, and not to ride west and north on Rt. 49 so I rode south and east on Rt. 49. After about 10 miles I set the gps for various towns. Most were in a westerly direction, so I set the direction for Haddonfield, 25 miles and north east. I passed through Elmer, Sewell closer to Glassboro that I realize, all on roads that had very little traffic and wide shoulders, then I cross Sr. 55 and picked up Rt. 41. Traffic there was crawling, however, I was able to pass on the shoulder, (Justice for the time I got a ticket at age 20 in my car for doing the same thing). I passed a white limo before I turn off for the MacDonald, at the junction of Rt 41 and Clement Bridge Rd, the same one I where had breakfast, I went through the parking lot to get there. I had a drink and sandwich and when I got back on 41 the limo was just making the turn.

I turn on my front light about 4:30 pm and the Christmas lights were being turn on about that time also. Eye candy for the next three hours. I had voted Barrington and Haddonfield, both on RT 41 as the best that I would see. lots of Charley Brown trees with light on the bare limbs. One 30 foot tree lit from top to bottom. then, Cuthbert Blvd; Every lamp pole on the media strip is lit as a candy cane. Then northeast Philly take the cake with so many lights in a small area, A restaurant on Deveraux and Frankford win my vote as the best of the night. Could be a few more night rides before the year ends.

114.3 miles and 10 mph average. This makes 15 centuries for 2004, 3450 total miles. I am surprise that it was only ten miles more than last time when I return on Rt. 130 for most of the way from Salem.

www.billcotton.com
N40° 3.744' W75° 6.180'

Saturday November 6, 2004, I considered a century with some elevation. With the days getting shorter, the winter centuries need to be flat to get a higher average speed. I plotted a route to Red Hill. I could see that I would be riding some of the same road as the old poker ride. However, the map avoided Miller the killer hill. It used Allentown Rd, Cowpath Rd, a few neighbor street before returning to Allentown Rd, just before Rt. 563. A left there and a right on Whites Mill Rd. Before i stayed on White Mill Rd. to Swamp Creek and then Finland. This route had me to leave White Mill at Hill Rd. The road turn to gravel after about a mile, about a mile of gravel and I was on Swamp Creek Rd. lest than a block, the route turned right on Price Rd. it ended at Camp road and more gravel. I picked up a paved Price road and that carried me to upper Ridge and no more gravel and a few turns to Red Hill.

However, the day was more interesting that different turns. On the turn into Hill road, a fully pave road, a rock gave me a side puncture. Not a big thing, I had two spare tubes and a patch kit. I replace the tube and met the gravel. No tire trouble. However, on Upper Road, I hit a sharp edge pot hole. Still not a problem. I decided to patch that tube and save the second spare tube for a flat in the dark. Snake bite. I open the patch and found that only patch was in the kit. Two new kits at home, but no good to me there. I patch the tube and rode on. about a mile and that tube was soft, bad patch job, didn't think it would happen to me. I put the second spare in and notice that the front tire was a little soft. I pumped it up and rode about two miles and it was soft again. I look at the cue sheet and saw that I was less that two miles from Red Hill. I asked a local and was told that there is no bicycle shop in Red Hill. I headed to Harleyville to that bicycle shop. Now it was pumping every two blocks. On the down hills on Rt. 63, I would have to stop part way down. Before I got to the bicycle shop, I saw a Wal-Mart. I went in and got a patch kit, redid the snake bite, using every patching skill that I have learned. The tire held well all the way home and 104 miles today, November 13 with no air added.

November 13,2004 I thought that I ride the November century today, before we get the snow and colder weather. It was in the forties as I pedal off at 6 am today. I made a route that used Rt. 41 from Haddonfield to Deford and Rt. 544 and Rt 534 to get to Woodbury and Rt 45 from there to Salem. I arrived at the Salem diner at 11 am for lunch. I follow Rt. 49 into the north wind, It had pushed me to Salem and I hoped that it would reverse, didn't happen. From Rt. 49 i plotted to use Rt. 130 until it becomes limited Access and join I 295. I now know that this happen in Bridgeport. I turned right at the drawbridge keeper house and this road is Rt. 44. Rt. 44 ends at Crown Point. I made a right turn anf that road ended in National Park. I headed inland and picked up Rt. 45. It became Broadway. As i past the transportation Center a River Line was leaving. I consider waiting for the next one but I thought that I that I may come up short on my century. The north walkway is open on the BF and it was about 5 pm then, closing is 7 pm this time of the year. The sun had set as I rode fifth street to Cheltenham. It was a little dicey, I was lighted front and rear but I gave in to the car at every corner and at the double parked cars. When the bike lanes begun after Hunting park, I would let the cars go or go between the two parked cars. My LED light that I made holes good, morning and evening uses. I get more that 8 hours on a 12 volts pack I made from AA NiMH. However, a newer type LED named Lexeon http://www.luxeonstar.com/ I plan to build a system using this light. The compang sell a constant current device that let the light last longer, they also sell lens and reflectors. It will cost about 50 dollars to make a 5 watt light. I am getting the result with the LED that I made but by my birthday ride next year I plan to have upgrade the light and the gps.

Monday October 25, 04, another preview of the Fort Motts ride. The first ride after installing a new bottom bracket cassette. All went well. I had to use my lathe to machine an adapter so I could use my square crank removal tool. The picture of the spine removal tool showed two parts for the tool. I also install a new mount for my GPS/light. it broke and I found a piece of wire to hold it in place to get home. the next one will be machined from a solid block instead of a pvc tee coupling and a hose clamp..

The route from Cheltenham to Cooper River and Cuthbert Blvd. is about the same for me now. However on the Pennsylvania side, I use Devereaux, Comly State Road, Deveraux to get to the Tacony Bridge. State road is only for a block and a side walk is available if needed. I notice that no one walk their bicycle now, so I have join the crowd. Returning I find that Levick, Keystone and McGee is better.

I used my route to Lindenwold to Haddonfield and Kings Highway to Auburn, detouring to browning Rd to avoid CR. 551 run with Rt. 130. At Auburn I used CR. 646, CR. 540, SR. 45 to Salem. The fall colors are at peak in the area, red, yellow brown and light green everywhere. Rt. 45 enter Salem through the historic section. Many of the homes have their year marking, most are early 1800. I consider lunch at the Salem Oak dinner but my goal was the Pier 13 in Pennsville. The dinner was a disappointment so I will leave it out as a stop. The return was via CR. 551. Crossing I 295 is better on a weekday, still not pretty. The next preview , my November century, I will use Rt. 130 in that area. From Woodbury, I used SR 45 to its end on Broadway in Brooklawn, (unaware that I on Rt. 130 for a while) and Browning Road to CR 551 Spur, Kings highway. I ended the ride with 106 miles and a few sore muscles from picking up the pace a bit, 11.5 average today. Since July I have bested last year monthly miles. My Bike log Now to best the years total. Below are more details of Ft. Motts and the ferry to Delaware city. The ride can have a few options. It be of varying lengths. The shortest will be about 40 miles from the regional High School at CR. 551 and Rt. 322. the longest being 100 miles from Cheltenham. Another option is to use SEPTA to Newark, bicycle to Delaware City, ride the ferry one way and bicycle to center city. This option require a commitment so that a car will be added by SEPTA on the Newark train, no extra cost, but a firm commitment.

Saturday October 16, 04. I led a BCP club ride to Otts Nursery for the annual mum display. I left Cheltenham at 7:30 am. The temperature was about 48 degree so I wore socks liners with the one pair of wool sock with my sandals, arms and leg warmer and a rain shell to produce warmth. the schedule called to pick up riders at the Art Museum, 8:30 am, Spring Mills 10:00 and Betzwood at 11am. I stopped at a Dunkin Donut for a break and arrived at the Art Museum about 10 minutes ahead of time. We waited until 8:30 and blazed up the bike path to arrive at Spring mill 45 minutes early. A spin up Barren Hill Road to Ridge and back burned up the time and we met the Spring Mill group and moved on to Betzwood, where we pick up the riders there. After Otts, (picture below) we lunched at Andre Pizza and Family Restaurant. There is no sign on the trail but the opening is at the sharp turn North of Rt. 113 underpass, Before Bertha.

Picture of BCP ride My Mum pole at home

Saturday October 9th, Pea Path Island is 53 miles from Cheltenham. I have "box the Compass" (a phase use for a Boy Scout test of knowing 16 directional points) with my centuries rides, 11 so far this year. See my ride log above. I plan to preview this with a century ride This Saturday. The cue is here, Pea Patch Island century cue

The ride; Saturday October 9th, I left home with lights at 6:25 am. I followed the cue to Rt. 551, Kings Highway, and Rt. 47, at that point the route ended because of the waypoints uses to avoid Camden city. As it turned out I went through the western section of Camden Fairview, I think. Not congested, just not a pretty route under I 76 and I 295. It use Collins Ave. I return via Rt. 551 Spur. I will use this for my next preview. As the route ended, I activated the reverse route and it showed 22 miles to the next turn. I soon realized that I would be using Rt. 551 all the way to Pennsville. much of Rt. 551's traffic now use I 295 and the Turn pike that parallels 551 from Gloucester City to Pennsville. Riding down main street of these town that has been passed by those who are in a hurry. Collingdale had closed main street as I passed about 8 am for a fair of some type, and Swedesboro was closing down about four blocks of sidewalk vendors when I return about 2:30 pm. The Victorian building lining Main street only added to the charm.

Just before Auburn I notice and incline I looked at the gps and it showed 145 feet and I notice a microwave tower to my left to confirm my reading. A long gradually incline followed, more than a mile. and the elevation dropped to 25 feet. I continue on Rt. 551 to a tricky crossing of I 295. I used Rt.130 and Rt. 49 begetting back on the cue. The return was a little easier to make the Rt. 551 connection at I 295, still not pretty. A few miled down Rt. 49 and I pickup the cue at Benson Rd that took me to N. River Drive. A great view of the river and where the cue turned, a park started. I continued along the river bank on a paved bike path to a Restaurant parking lot, through it and several more block of river front riding. A road that passed a land fill was closed and I had to make a turn before Lehigh Ave. One on Ft Motts road it was just a few miles more.

The Ferry is close for the season. I plan to preview a few time before April and will plan a ride for May with pickup along the way. One place will be Rt. 322 at the site that BCP has met in the pass. Another could be the Salem Dinner but that ride would miss the River Road ride. Another option is to reserve a Septa train car to Willington, ride to Port Pen De and ride the Ferry across to Pea Patch and Ft Motts and ride the 53 miles home from there. Email me your suggestions. i would want a RSVP for SEPTA. The last time I made a request only two of us did the ride. The Conductor made comments to us and maybe to his superiors.

Pea Patch Island

I was told that earlier times, pre 1950, Philadelphia River boats use Pea Patch Island as a destination for all day outing and picnics.

Pea Patch Island; Pea Patch Island, located in the upper reach of the Delaware Estuary, emerged from the Delaware River in the late 1700’s as a mud bank, which reportedly grounded a ship full of peas, giving the island its name. In 1814, after the mud bank had grown and formed into an island, a military fort, Fort Delaware, was built to guard river access to New Castle, Wilmington, and Philadelphia. In the 1860’s the fort was used as a prison for Confederate soldiers. In the early 1900’s, the Army Corps of Engineers placed dredged material from the nearby shipping channel on the north end of the island, doubling the island’s size. More; http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/dnrec2000/Divisions/Soil/dcmp/ppi.htm and http://www.visitthefort.com/

http://www.del.net/org/fort/ April to September, a ferry connect the three forts, Fort Motts State Park near Deepwater NJ, Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Ft. Dupont near Delaware City DE.

Today September 27th 2004 I bicycle to Coatesville for a doctor's appointment. Last week Steve Trobovic meet me at the St David station and rode with me for the lab work prior to the visit. Usually this pair of ride that I do several times per year. Seldom have I done the same route twice. Usually I bike to the Overbrook station to avoid the peak direction direction. I then ride to Thorndale and bicycle the 4 miles to the VA. That is the way it went last Monday for a 60 mile ride. Today, I read the train schedule incorrect and a local train that ends in Malvern came. Rather than wait a hour, I used that train and pedal the 30 miles to the VA. Weight and blood pressure shows the result of a 30 miles ride, six pounds lighter and pressure at the median range. The Return, follow the L route from Downingtown to Boots road. The King road. I didn't like Gulph road from Conestoga, so I use Devon State road and Pugh Rd. Later from Balligomingo Rd. I notice a bikepath on the west side on the river. I use a ramp that goes to the street below the Fayette Street bridge and got on the path. It went south about a quarter of a mile. However, this is a way to avoid the traffic at Rt 23 and the bridge, if walking steps is preferred to traffic. Up one set of stairs and down another set to Washington St. I rode Washington street to Spring Mill station, a option to consider when the path is crowded. I arrived home with 79 miles on the odometer. Saturday I rode with the Morris to Conshohocken to Schwenksville. Since I rode from home, I logged 82 miles. This makes September my busiest month since June of 2003, see bike log . You will see on the log I now count the number of long rides, ie centuries, over 75, 50, 25 and 200 miles rides.
Today September 16, 2004. I am preparing to upgrade my gps, the darn thing was sent back under partial warranty last year, so it not likely to go bad soon. I, however, am itching for the newest model that uses usb data input and is not comparable with the Delorme maps that I use to make bicycle routes. Since I heard about the bike bridge over the Expressway at King of Prussia. I decided to to trying route making with MapSource again. In lieu of being able to draw in the Bikepath, I routed on parallel roads to the bike path but used the bike path for the ride and collected tracks to use as track back the next time I do the ride. The Chester Valley trail only goes for a few blocks to Warner Road now. I turn right on Warner and left on Swedesboro road and a right on Ole Eagle, left on Walker, right on Glenhardie and Richard to Rt. 23. and back to the Schuylkill trail. The unpaved trail can be ridden to west of Exton and one day, to Downingtown and the Struble Trail http://www.chesco.org/ccparks/index.html

Today September 11, 2004, I decided to ride the perimeter of Montgomery county. I was waiting to hear from the lister of Perimeter.com to have the event recorded. Since they have not recorded the two other perimeters that I have completed, Philadelphia, city and Delaware, state. Decided to "Just do it". 114 miles total today.

Once I got to County Line road from home, I plotted to use parallel road. I will post the cue later, 213 lines, four gps routes. a map with profile and the route outline is here Philly Ride north

This route took me on many roads that SCU uses for their long and short rides. I choose Bristol over Street road, One is as bad as the other, I think. I finally got on Pickletown above the bridge out. Later I was reversing the Nockamixon route for a while after crossing Rt. 202. The route brought me to Rt. 309 for a left on to Orvallia rd. I found by going into Wal-Mart lot I could avoid the left turn. (Ever notice the motor homes in the lot, I heard that Wal-mart encouraged parking motor homes while they are traveling.)

After Souderton, I was back on County line road just before it meet Rt. 563. I made a left on Brant to avoid the hill and on Allentown road I had to use the bicycle to fence a large German Shepard dog, yelling go home didn't work. In Souderton and Telford are many of the same roads use on my Bethlehem ride also Allentown Rd. A short distance on 563 and a right turn to White Mill road. This brought me into Finland another way to get to the Poker ride route. Swamp Creek Road, Finland Rd St Paul Church and then Pennsburg. I made my second stop at a McDonald for lunch on 663. The first was at a Gas quick stop at Bristol and Rt. 611 for a bun and coffee.

I resume the route which was Rt. 29 to Palms, 2 miles north. However, since I had 53 miles at this point, I decide to go west and let the gps find the route. I connected at Townshipwoods road and Miller Rd. This is not Miller the Killer we know of. This road parallels Rt. 100, west of Green lane and is pretty flat. I plan to check it out for leaving Green Lane soon. I was soon in Pottstown and reversing the Schuylkill Century, First Old Schuylkill road and back to Black Rock Rd. There is one spot on Black Rock where I could the whole Valley in front of me.

At the end of Black Rock, I join the Perkoimen trail and the Schuylkill trail. I left the trail at Barren Hill road and the gps turn 100 on this road. I also turned on my lights. The LED is great on dark roads but on coming cars with bright light requires a little time for my eyes to adjust. (I notice that replacement traffic light are LED in many places)

I arrived hone about 8 pm, 12+ hours on the road 114 miles an moving average of 10.3.

This is the reason I don't do clubs centuries. I have always taken 10 to 12 hours to do a century and some sweep is asking me if I will get in the sag so they can call it finish.

Today September 4, 04's century is the first time I have completed the ride to Allentown with this cue, following the Perkiomen Creek to Palm.
At Palm, My cue heads for Vera Cruz and Emmaus, following the Hosensack Creek and Indian Creek to the top from the South and The Leibert Creek on the North side of the ridge down to Emmaus, where it join the Little Lehigh. These flood plain roads meant gradually climbs for the entire ride. A reason that the North East extension of the Turnpike Crosses the South Mountain ridge in Vera Cruz. Rt. 29 from Green Lane to Red Hill was about the steepest climb of the day.
Indian Creek flowing through Power Valley, one on the roads used by SCU Quad county ride, is itself worth a ride anytime.
I met quite a few riders on today ride. I left home at 5:30 am with just my LED light, no Halogen today. Early morning, most of the riders I met was macho type, broad shoulder and hammering. Later, they were more regular type, some with club jersey I meet more that six group, going the other way.
I posted a map of the end point of today's ride, Little Lehigh Park.
http://www.billcotton.com/philly_north_rides.htm
It has packed gravel and paved roads on both side of the Creek. A local told me that the Leigh River tow path can be reach from those path. A good reason for another ride to check this out.
I have to make a few correction to the cue sheet, I should do that next
week.
Today's ride was 114 miles, Previously, I turned around at 50 miles. Near the finish, a shopping area on Lehigh Street, in Emmaus, is reached from back street. I had lunch at a Wendy there.

To the south east of Rt. 29 in Red Hill, Pennsbury and East Greenville are parallel roads that allows use of side road through those towns. Or a route from Green Lane To Palms carries you to the Northwest of those towns. Meeting Rt. 29 at Water Street at the Railroad bridge. Hilly!

Cheltenham, Boothwyn, Valley Forge, Oaks, Otts, Cheltenham

Saturday August 21, 2004 Third Century in August. Leave Cheltenham 7 am for Boothwyn, From there I head for Valley Forge and Oaks, for the Picnic. Leave Oaks via the Perkoemen Trail for Otts and on to Cheltenham, 103 miles. Cue sheet above. The cue sheet is 270 lines. A lot for a paper cue. I use the gps route and print the cue is very type for backup only.

Third Century for August shorten because of rain. Cheltenham to Boothwyn had one detour as Chester Park Dr. don't cross the Ridley creek. I detour right on to Waterville Road and Brookhaven road to Rt. 352 to rejoin the route. Incinerator Road in Upland had a gate that I was able to go around. I arrived at Jonas' new home in Creek side Village about 11:30 am. Leaving about noon and many hills I was way behind my time estimates. I arrive in Newtown about 1:30 and darkling skies. I stop for lunch at a Wawa as the skies open up. Still dry I decided to ride SEPTA home. All of the buses I pass on West Chester Pike had bike racks. When the rain stopped I walk back to West Chester Pike to wait for a bus under a gas station cover as the rain started again. I could see the traffic where the bus would come from, However, a large truck waiting to make a right-on-red, blocked my vies for a moment and the bus flew by. i decided to chase the bus on my bicycle in the medium rain. I almost caught it at the first light, the bus took a red at the second light and by then he was out of Newtown and the next stop was quit a ways. The rain felt like a warm shower and i was warmer that when waiting under cover dry with a rain jacket on. From Newtown where the bus stop listed two buses to State road in Upper Darby where there are six buses on the sign, no buses passed me. I would've had a long wait. I arrive home before 5 PM with 70 miles for the day. I consider ten loops around my train loop but it started to rain a little so I called it a day.

August 7, 04: 105 miles the long way into Wildwood. I left home at 6:30 am and arrive in Wildwood about 4pm. Averaging 13.3 mph. I really liked the new cue. It was interesting going through all of the towns. One correction, Hunter Mill road is gravel from 347. Stay on 347 to CR 550 and this is the suggested route to Sea Isle City.

August 14, 04

I left home at 6 am with damp streets and my rain gear. Ray Murtaugh and Ed Holden joined me at Ft Washington Train station at 7 am. The ride to Rosenberg was faster that Normal for me and we cover arrived there about 8:30, with half hour to kill, we had breakfast and left promptly at 9 am. We rode pass Wal-mart and had a break in Hellertown. We arrived at the Musikfest at 12 noon. At the Bike parking; provided by the Joint Planning Commission of Lehigh-Northampton Counties. We were greeted by the director. He told us that our group will get the title of traveling the longest distance by bicycle. The report is in the Allentown call newspaper every year. We consider putting Ray mileage from Florida, but he use a plane for part of the trip, be he did Bike Friday from South Friday to Germantown the day before.

We left the park at 2 pm, stopped at Wal-Mart on the return but bypass Rosenberg. We arrive at Ft Washington SEPTA station at 7:10 pm.

July 20th 2004. I repeated my perimeter of Philadelphia for a century this month. Only 90 miles when I return home so I did three and a half loops around Tooknay Creek and Ashborne Rd.

May 29, 2004. Margaret and I met Saul and Ellen for a ride from Oaks to Otts, 19 miles. A stop at Bertha for late breakfast, She close at noon to go fishing, and a stop on the return at the Live steam engine park. See pictures

May 11, 2004 I started my ride from home with no destination in mind. A left turn on Rolling Green and Ashborne usually mean New Jersey. A right on Rolling Green usually goes north. A right on Ashborne is usually West or South. After crossing the Tacony Parmyra bridge, I considered riding the Riverline train to Trenton but decided to explore a combination of the many route that I have use in South Jersey to get to Buena. for a 100 miles ride. I used my standard route to Haddonfield, River Road, left on Bridgeview, right on Haines, left on Union, in Delair. Continuing on Union to a right on Park in Merchantville. Then a left on Centre, half around circle to Magnolia, which becomes Lexington, crossing Rt. 38 and Rt. 70 and becoming Cuthbert. Continuing on this pass the Lindenwold line underpass to a left on Park Blvd. At King highway, I usually make a left and right to get to Warwick. However today I make a right and left onto Chews Landing Road. Next, after crossing under I-295, is a left on Atlantic in Barrington. I follow the rail line through several towns to s right on Gibbsboro and a left onto Blackwood-Clementon. (One route continue straight on Gibbsboro as it becomes Erial to Pine Hill and Williamstown.) I made a right from Blackwood-Clementon to New Freedom Rd. About a mile after passing the town of New Freedom, I hear the sound of escaping air. I stopped and could feel the air coming from a previous glass cut. I removed the front wheel and reach for the spare tube and tools. Only the tools were there, two week of riding the touring bicycle and the other Gemini Bill never replace the tubes or patch kit he borrowed. "Could I be in a more isolated place". But wait, that place a quarter mile back with the fat tire bicycle that I only glanced at. They should at least have patches. Since my leak was only high pressure, from sand getting onto the tire cut, I was able to pump the tire back up and ride back to the shop. The shop only had glue less patches. but they did have inner tubes. I purchase two tubes and a patch kit. I elected to try the patches since I wouldn't have the pressure of holding up a group. The glue-less patches are great for small tire cuts, very little thickness. (The patch lasted about 40 miles, enough to get home on most ride. Then I put a tube in.) I Continue on New Freedom Road after the town of New Freedom with a right and left on Williamstown-New Freedom Rd. I plan to eat at a soul-food restaurant in New Brooklyn. It was closed so at Sickleville road I made a right, instead of a left on Malaga to get to Blue Bell road, I stayed on Sickleville Rd. to Sickleville-Williamstown Rd for Lunch. I crossed the black Horse pike to a left on main St. and a bear right into Blue Bell Road. This is a lightly traveled canopy tree shaded road about 10 miles to Rt. 557 after a right turn at the tee. A left on to Rt. 557 and a right onto Rt. 40 bring me into Buena and 52 miles. I make a left into Rt. 54, wide shoulders on both sides, and follow it to Hammonton. I make a left onto Chews Landing, its becomes Cederbrooks Rd. and follow it to a left on Rt. 73. about a quarter mile I make a left on to New Brooklyn-Blue anchor Rd. cross Rt. 536 and right into New Freedom Rd and reverse the previous trip.

April 24, 04. I left home at 8 am. I arrived at the lunch stop at 1:30 PM, too late for Bethies cake. I was reading 48 miles when I got to Otts. The Pansy mountain is in bloom

but no pansy pole; as I have at home

I met two biking Blazers on the bike path

May 1st Pansy ride. I left home at 7 am, no one at the Tooknay pickup point for the century ride. The route to center city is mostly Oxford Ave, Castor Ave Armanigo Ave, Delaware Ave and Spruce Street to the Schuylkill bike path. A train was blocking the cross over from 25th Street so I had to get back to Chestnut and use the ramp. I arrived at the Art Museum as the swap meet was being set up, half hour late, but no riders was waiting. The Blazers group was to meet at Manuak, they call on the cell and went ahead. Bill Weber was waiting at Spring Mill. We got to Betzwoods about 10:20 and picked up Dennis Schilling, a Summer Solstice camping buddy, and Nona Clarke, a member to be. We met the Blazer group as they we returned from the end of the pave section. We arrived at Bethie about 11:30 and all of the home made cake was gone. Just before we turned off the trail for Otts, we met the B group on the way back from their ride to Green Lane. A picture of the Otts group at the Pansy mountain is here:

Nona was looking for a 40 mile ride. Seem that from Betzwood the ride is about 26 miles. She had parked at Oaks, so she rode to Betzwood with us and return to her car. Dennis left us at Betzwoods with talks of doing a camping ride to Bellplain this year.Bill Weber left at Spring mills wit almost 50 miles. I knew that I would have less than 100 miles if I continue home, so I left Oxford Ave. at Veree road and rode to Pennypack trail for another six miles. the trout fisher were still there in force. I arrive home with 100.3. I rested for 10 minutes and cut the front grass for about an hour.

April 3, 2004 Philadelphia Perimeter and April Century. The inscribed Philadelphia Perimeter route out to 86 miles on my route making maps, so I plotted a route that reached into bordering counties that is 101 miles. This is to be my first recorded Perimeter ride. My Birthday ride, 400 miles in 40 hours on June 14, 2004, will include the Perimeter of Delaware. Perimeter of Philadelphia cue sheet Perimeter of Philadelphia map

Sunday March 28th, 04 I have a presentation about GPS and cue making from computer maps at Trophy Bicycle Shop, 5pm 3131 Walnut Street. Talk outline

March 20th, 04 First day of Spring ride went well. Five hardy riders found dry roads and rapidly warming temperature. We were given insight about Bryn Athen by one of the riders who spent time visiting the area as a child.
The next stop http://www.bryngweled.org/
"Inspired by the School of Living of reformer Ralph Borsodi, Bryn Gweled Homesteads was created in 1940 to give eighty families enough land to raise much of their own food. "Homesteading" is no longer practiced, and the community is now completely surrounded by Philadelphia suburbs. But Bryn Gweled has never lost sight of its founders' dedication to cooperation, to evironmentalism, and to racial, economic, and religious diversity."
I explain the community where a cousin lives.
The ride continued though Holland and passed Core Creek. At that point in the ride I felt a thump each time the left pedal was used up and down. A quirk in the map generated cue, showed a .02 mile ride on RT 413, Apparently a dog leg of Bridgetown road at one time. I lost the group at this time and took the shortest route into Yardley.
We regrouped and about a mile out of Yardley the thump was getting worst. leaving a stop light, the left pedal disengaged, so that both pedals were down. We pulled into a drive way and I found that the gift tool that BCP had awarded me has a 8mm hex wrench, 5/16 would've worked. However my old tool set didn't have any hex that large. I packed that tool since going lighter with the R600 Cannondale.
I have splines crank on this bicycle and I will torque both cranks often now. Being uses to the tapered squared cranks, it was a new experienced, I will be aware of the condition in the future.
O yes, I been reminded that next Sunday is March 28.

Saturday March 13, 04 March century May with route line of this ride March ride with Lights Picture as I finished the ride. three Lights on, Two 30 LED and one 10 watt Halogen.

Map and track for March 20th first day of spring ride. Meet at Tookany Parkway and Central Avenue in Cheltenham 9 AM. 50 miles, option to ride R 3 West Trenton Regional Rail back from Yardley to Jenkintown, Fern rock or Center City. R8 Newtown Cheltenham station is two blocks from the Start, right on Old Soldier to Tookany, continue straight to parking lot on left. Driving direction; From center city, use Roosevelt Blvd to left on Cottman Ave. Continue for about two miles, cross Rising Sun Avenue (five Points). Continue to second traffic light, Central Avenue, turn left, at the next traffic light, Tookany Drive, turn right and left into the first parking lot.

Monday February 9, I previewed the March ride to Yardley, 70 miles with some ice on a few roads, but a great ride.

Tuesday February 10, I want to test my lighting system. I plotted a route to 47 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, for the BCP month meeting. I should've input West Lancaster Ave. I realize that I was about two long blocks away. Since I had encounter some black ice getting to that point, I decided to return home. I log 30 miles on some very dark streets, averaging 8.8 mph. The 30LED light was sufficient where there was no traffic and no pot holes, However, the 10 watt halogen gave me a sense of security in that I was able to see a lot more. My finial system will have three light, LED, 10 watts and a 20 watt. However, I think that the 30 LED light will be good on the Delaware roads of my Birthday ride. That ride is planned to ride the perimeter of the state of Delaware. http://www.pbaa.com/Records/WorldRecords.htm

Ft Washington BCP and SCU cross country skiing January 31, 2004

First a turkey guarding the outhouse then a fine group of skiing enjoying the best cross country skiing snow I have witness at Ft Washington State Park in years. L to R Peter, Mrs. Witt, Debbie, Michelle, Linda, Mr. Witt, and me. Peggy arrive after the picture. Michelle, Linda and Debbie wanted to do some hills so we left the main group and they were gone by time we got back, an hour later. Click on thumbnail for larger picture

Snow on the roads, Tom Witt, Carlos Martin and myself do a day at Blue Mountain. January 15, 2004.

January frost ride, 1/9/04 The temperature was 28 degrees when I started the ride. I rode to Southampton PA, 12 miles to visit my cousin. I wore four layers top, Wind pants, bicycle shorts and polypropylene long johns. Five layers of socks, metaltize, Coolmax, wool, high tech wool/blend and neoprene inside my sandal. I needed a Velcro extender to close the strap on the sandals. I carried ski mitten and at about 2 miles I traded the wool mitten for the ski mitten. I rode 24.2 miles total, stopping for a total of 12 minutes. The temperature was 20 degrees when I returned.

January Century, 1/5/04 Click this link to see map with tracks I have cues on my maps from the Art museum to Chadd Ford, through West Philly, Drexel Hill, Ridley Creek, And Cheney. The return is a route I made to bypass Chester City. It is from Marcus Hook Brookhaven Lynnville, and Springfield. I am not sure that I will use it now, I was almost made to fall by a pickup truck driver, with eye contact. Lots more elevation gain that the last century, 5700 feet, 90 mile but I did 110 last time, so it a wash. Picture of the lights I use today is here January lights The caption is not readable. The light system is described there I have also described it here:. The picture shows a 10 watts halogen light on the left, the light has a pushbutton switch on the top of its L shaped that fits in to the light bar. in the center is the gps on it's mount, mounted on the T bar of the 15 LED converted Mag type flashlight, soon to be replace by a 30 LED 12 volts insert. Below is a fanny pack with a stiffener inserted. in it. There are two AA NiMH 10 cell holders and a battery voltage indicator, the colored light visible in the picture. The cells are 2100mAh in one holder and 2000mAh in the other. The gps was on for 10 hours with two 2250mAh NiMH AA cells more than an hour with the backlight on, and still shows 3/4 full on it gage. The gage in the eMap is calibrated for alkaline batteries and it indication is not accuracy. Picture at my bicycle electric are in a left to right sequence of development and still evolving.

Century delayed until today, December 27, 2003. click this link to see map with track lines Another reason for the ride was to road test my light system I left home about 8:30 am an use the route to Englishtown that I plotted last month. I was 5 miles from Englishtown when my mileage counter reads 50 miles. I turn around and had planned to retrace my route but lest than a mile I saw a sign pointing to Allentown NJ. CR 624. Being the explorer that I am and have pass through Allentown on a Princeton Event ride, I decided to explore. After Allentown I asked the gps to go to Willingboro. As I was setting the gps a local bicycle rider rode up and ask where I was trying to get to. I told him and he scratch his head. I said don't bother I have set the gps. I mention that I didn't want to do Rt 130 of Rt 206. He asked if he could ride with me to see the way that the gps send me. He rode for about 10 miles and was impressed. The next turn after he turn of was a dirt road. I only went a block when it turn to dirt. about 5 mile later another road suggested by the gps was dirt. I did do a mile on Rt 206 because of White Pine road not being paved. I set the gps to Riverton instead of Riverside and had to do two blocks on Rt 130. Only 10 miles more from the exploring But a lot more elevation gain. The tracks shows 4300 feet gain. Take away 14 miles and 959 feel gain left over from a car ride to Mountgomeryville and the elevation gain for the Englishtown ride is 110 miles, 3342 feet of elevation gain. I plan to make a cue and post it soon, if there are requests.

Christmas present from our daughter, Karen, She forever coming up with a bicycle related gifts that I would never buy but can't live without. She was helped with the selection by Bulldog Bicycle shop near the Art Museum. Click on thumbnail for larger picture.

Thumbnail of Mum post like the ones at Otts Nursery. I borrowed the idea. See the real thing at Otts Mum Mountain, Rt 29 and Plank Rd. in Graterford PA.

Thumbnail of Otts' mum display and most of the riders on the Oct 11 ride. Others are in the pictures taken at the 7 1/2 gauge train site that we visited. Located on the Perkiomen trail west of Otts. http://www.palivesteamers.org/ Thumbnail below.

Topo4 Philly Transfer file on all known bicycle path in the area. The new section of the Schuylkill trail from Spruce Park at 26th and Spruce to the Art Museum is drawn as a routable road. The section that Starts in Manuak and continues past Valley Forge to the Perkiomen trail at Oak is drawn also. The Perkiomen is drawn to Collegeville. and from Collegeville to Green Lane, including is the Partially finished section in Collegeville and the yet to be completed bridge at Graterford. If you have topo4, save the transfer file, "Philly area trails dmt." to Delorme/project. then click on MapData, Transfer, Import. The project current has the Society Hill 20 mile route and txt data in it. Also a route from Lafayette Hill to Wilmington. To have the Route generator follow the same route as on my computer. You must change the level and speed of roads. Click on Route, Advance, Road pref.., Road type- Roads, Click on Road type arrow. Select each type road and change the level and speed for each. I avoid limit Access, Toll and National Highways, setting their speeds to 8 mph. Local roads I set to my average speed, 12 mph and Preferred. All others I set to 10 mph and Standard.