“Jazzed for Mountain Biking” - Day #1
Tom mapped out our Mountain Biking (MTB) route which would include a nearly 26-mile (in and out) trek along the McDade Recreation Trail (MRT). Complete with some climbs, flats, rollers and gravel and dirt paths we would bike in (close) proximity to the peaceful Delaware River at daybreak.
As they say, the ride was going well, until it wasn’t….
Coming down a nasty decent riding my brakes as if my life depended on it, passing a walker with two dogs in tow, I was not able to successfully navigate the hairpin turn. In slow motion, gravity was victorious, as it quickly me and my bike. Tom later said “taco-ing” my rear tire. Translation: My rear tire was suddenly more oblong than round (in shape) and no longer able to turn easily on its spokes.
Thankfully, Tom was able to disengage the back wheel and brake. Problem temporarily fixed, I gingerly navigated the last 5 miles to arrive back at the trailhead. It could have been really bad, so while my biking options for Sunday were suddenly limited, all was good.
Lunch at the Shawnee General Store (established in 1859) sitting at an old-fashioned picnic-table enjoying a well-deserved food and drink break, listening to the babbling brook a short stone’s throw away, the sunshine peeking through the tall green weeping trees – life remained sweet!
When in Rome….
We had seen signs for Bushkill Falls. Quick stop back to the Inn, change of clothes and suddenly we had an afternoon activity planned – moderate ‘recovery’ hike of nearly 4 miles of staircases, flats, rock scrambles and flats we managed over 900 feet gain. Gorgeous scenery and sounds that our iPhones tried in vain to capture.
It was time to celebrate back at the Deer Head Inn.
Sumptuous meal, cocktails and dessert, we celebrated our day’s activities listening to the jazz quartet of Lewis Porter & Ray Suhy playing tunes from their latest release – Transcendent.
Sleep came easy as we dreamed of Sunday….
“Heading to High Point” - Day #2
Breakfast at Muller’s Family Restaurant along with the Sunday morning church “local” crowd, we carbo-loaded on a hearty mountain meal knowing more calories would be burned shortly.
Overcast and temps rising to nearly 70 degrees, we entered the State’s park entrance.
Unfortunately, High Point is not very cyclist friendly with well-defined bike paths. Clearly, the park rangers never met Tom Glodowski.
Our Plan B was for Tom to bike a short circular climb around the park’s Veteran’s Memorial Monument, while bike-less Scott hiked Monument Trail.
Success was once again ours!
Time to celebrate with some authentic New York pizza in Port Jervis, NY to complete our official Tri-State weekend adventure.
Great conversation, food, photos and memories!
Where to next in 2022, Tom?
Is Europe calling....
