It never ceases to amaze me how light the traffic is along the eastern lobe of this figure-eight circuit, which followed the southern bank of Alloway Creek, crossed the stream at Quinton Township and eventually circled Alloway Creek before returning to our start/crossover point. Only eight cars passed (in either direction!) while riding that first 28-mile loop, and I suppose that traffic was light because it was a Sunday, but also because most cars are bypassing this area to the east to reach the shore points.
I would say that if someone was looking for an on-road experience that most closely replicates the one you would have while riding on a traffic-separated trail, this would be it!
The midpoint crossover back at Hancock's Bridge was greatly appreciated for refilling water bottles and using the nearby bathrooms. Several cycling groups were out on Sunday, and I'm sure we were all thankful that some high clouds rolled in just past noontime to keep the sun from beating down on us.
The second lobe of the route headed along the north bank of Alloway Creek towards the south branch of the Salem River in Mannington Township. The circuit followed the river back to Salem, continued through the city within sight of the Delaware River then cut back across the fertile farm lands, returning to Hancock’s Bridge.
The primary roads here are generally in excellent shape, with a generous shoulder on which to ride, and the secondary roads are in at least as good shape as those my crew regularly rides in Montgomery and Chester County. There usually is less salting and plowing of the South Jersey asphalt, as the surrounding bay and ocean keep the temperatures a bit milder during the winter.
Again, my one complaint is the inconsistent use of street signs – the small roads are (almost) always marked at intersections, and the larger state roads very seldom have signs. Granted, it was somewhat my fault, but I was nearly taken out by a policeman as I slowly moved through an intersection to look down the crossing road to see if I could spy a highway sign to give me a clue which one I was passing over.
A favorite part of the ride for me will always be Sinnickson Landing Road (above), which winds through the marshlands where the Salem River meets the Delaware. The twists in the road, as well as the tall grasses afford only brief glimpses of the Delaware to the right, which is probably a good thing, because the large chemical plants north of Delaware City dominate the opposite bank of the river.
We’ll (unfortunately) be passing through that area in a few weeks during the Delaware Greenways Sojourn, but the visit will be very brief and there will be so many other pleasant views along the way that we can enjoy!
Again, my one complaint is the inconsistent use of street signs – the small roads are (almost) always marked at intersections, and the larger state roads very seldom have signs. Granted, it was somewhat my fault, but I was nearly taken out by a policeman as I slowly moved through an intersection to look down the crossing road to see if I could spy a highway sign to give me a clue which one I was passing over.
The officer had to see my indecision but attempted to accelerate by me. He was being closely followed by a colleague and nearly got rear-ended when he had to abruptly hit the brake. I smiled sheepishly and waved a "sorry" at him. I guess my defense would have been (as they carted off my flattened body), “It’s hard to signal which direction you are turning, when you don’t know which direction you plan to turn!”
The rest of the features along the route have been described in a past blog entry, so I don’t need to repeat everything, but the climb up Burden Hill – easily the longest of the day - was a real slap in the face after such relatively flat roads so far. It is not particular steep, just a long drag, but there was a strong headwind coming right down the road that ruined any chance of maintaining momentum as the incline started.
The rest of the features along the route have been described in a past blog entry, so I don’t need to repeat everything, but the climb up Burden Hill – easily the longest of the day - was a real slap in the face after such relatively flat roads so far. It is not particular steep, just a long drag, but there was a strong headwind coming right down the road that ruined any chance of maintaining momentum as the incline started.
A favorite part of the ride for me will always be Sinnickson Landing Road (above), which winds through the marshlands where the Salem River meets the Delaware. The twists in the road, as well as the tall grasses afford only brief glimpses of the Delaware to the right, which is probably a good thing, because the large chemical plants north of Delaware City dominate the opposite bank of the river.
We’ll (unfortunately) be passing through that area in a few weeks during the Delaware Greenways Sojourn, but the visit will be very brief and there will be so many other pleasant views along the way that we can enjoy!
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