Ride Day 5

New Jersey to Pennsylvania to Delaware, what a beautiful trip. Like many of you, I have spent a lot of time traveling the interstates of our country, and my experiences of cities through which I pass are just that, a quick pass. The views from the interstate are usually very rural and industrial. This has always been my impression of New Jersey. Today however, all that changed.

We began our ride in Princeton, New Jersey. The city made famous by its Ivy League college. Our route took us passed part of the college with its groomed lawns and stately buildings. We then headed out into the country side to ride the rural roads. Seeing this part of the state with its rolling hills, lakes, and rivers really changed the image of New Jersey that we had in our minds. If you have never seen this part of the state take the opportunity to do so. Of course, seeing it from the saddle of a bike cannot be beat. It allows you to slow down and to really appreciate the world around you. It also reminds you of how small you are when you are buzzed by a large truck…but that is another story.

From New Jersey we crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. We crossed the river in Washington Crossing State Park, so named because George Washington crossed the Delaware River at this very same point. The bridge that we used is so narrow that two cars barely pass each other, so they have built a small extension for bikes to be walked over the river. This was the first time that I had to get off and walk my bike or get a ticket. Yes, you will get a ticket if you ride across the bridge.

Once in Pennsylvania, we rode the rolling hills of the countryside. As we left the rural areas and entered the townships we were so impressed by all of the fire departments, rescue squads, and law enforcement agencies that came out to greet us. As we passed their stations they would pull their trucks out with lights flashing and the crews cheering.

We stopped at Bensalem EMS to hold a short service to honor one of their members that was lost to a LODD in March. All of the names of those lost this year were read again. While these services are very solemn events, they give us a chance to remember those we are riding for and to celebrate their lives.

The Second Alarmer’s (a fire and EMS agency) of Montgomery County hosted us for lunch. We were able to have lunch with Steve Berry (of “I’m not an ambulance driver” fame). It was great fun. After lunch we began the last leg of our journey. We were led out of the station by the Montgomery County Sherriff’s motorcade along with the paramedic motorcycles flying an EMS and American flag.

During our last leg the MCSO motorcade was joined by motorcycle officers from several of the jurisdictions through which we passed. As we rode, the motorcycle officers would dash up and down the bike line to ensure our safety, redirect traffic, and block intersections.

The ride is absolutely amazing. We have covered over 350 miles so far and each day brings us closer to our goal. Tomorrow we travel from Delaware to Gettysburg. We can’t wait for the adventure to continue.

John