Day 5: Ride The East – Matamoras PA to Easton PA

Today’s Highlights:
Nearly all 76 miles of today’s ride were along the Delaware River. Often, it was hidden just beyond the trees, but for many miles we rode along side it and several times we crossed it. It defines the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. About 70% of our miles were on the east side in New Jersey. One river crossing was on the Appalachian Trail. Our last crossing brought us directly into Easton PA where we finished for the day. Just seven miles into the ride, we entered the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and rode on the quiet park road for many miles. Like the past several days, we cycles under the canopy of the forest. However, this forest is noticeably different compared to further north. The tree species were slightly different, and the second growth forest seemed to be much thinner and open. Maybe there are more deer here clearing the new growth. Many places were lush with ferns. I saw several deer and fawns today, and some riders saw a bear and turkeys. Outside the forest, we cycled passed small farms, most growing corn.
There was light rain in the morning, with temperatures comfortably warm. Although the rain stopped thirty or so minutes into our ride, the roads remained wet for a few hours under overcast skis. After that, we had a bright blue sky with big clouds. It was a little hot after 11:00, but fine for riding. Only the last five mile for me were very hot.

Pictures Of The Day:

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Statistics:
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