[DVBC] Ride Report: Jon's Swarthmore Ride

[Jon DeCristofaro]

Hi Friends,

Jim I. and I were the only riders who wanted to get up for a 7 AM ride 
today... but I think it was well worth it. We started out while it was 
actually COOL... we had a little chill down that first hill. An hour and a 
half in, the sun appeared, and by the end of the ride it was all blue skies! 
We kept our usual pace and (I think) maintained the advertised speed of the 
ride, clocking 40 miles in 2.5 hrs as usual. Interesting sightings today 
included several hawks enjoying the morning thermals, and a small woodchuck 
near Rose Tree Park.

For those who have been on past rides and suggested alternative routes 
through Media: we took Ridley Creek Road instead of Radnor St this time, 
bypassing the gridded streets of Media (although we did have to ride for a 
few yards on Baltimore Pike in order to get across). It seems like a good 
way to get to RC State Park with fewer stop signs and fewer turns. The 
return route still used 252, which has advantages and disadvantages. 
Advantage: a straight mostly down hill large shouldered ride. Disadvantage: 
there is some traffic building by 9 am when we're on it and there is also a 
good amount of glass sometimes. (I've had a flat there both times I rode 
with the Thursday evening crowd.)

I encourage all early risers to join us next week! We see very few cars, we 
keep a good pace (no real breaks), and enjoy coffee at the end point but 
STILL have most of a Saturday ahead of us after riding.

See you on the roads,
Jon D.