Monday, October 9, 2017

A Day on the Towpath at New Hope, Pennsylvania



 We had not been there for a long time, but we were both longing for a ride on the towpath at New Hope, Pennsylvania. The towpath was used for mules hauling barges on the adjacent canal from 1831 to 1932. It is level and the surface is crushed gravel and dirt in some places. Nothing technically difficult here. The attraction is in the great scenic beauty of the area and the quaint and walkable town of New Hope. Helen rode her Giant Anyroad with 32mm semi knobby tires, and I rode Mr Blue with the 2.4" Maxxis Ardents. No problems with either bike on this easy path.
The Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River is more scenic and more of a rustic country path. The New Jersey side is wider and entirely paved with crushed gravel. That side id not as scenic as the Pennsylvania side, and is more " in the woods. "
This is not a ride for the racer, for the scenery is more likely to be savored by most riders.Every once and a while, we would stop to enjoy the views of the Delaware River. 
Of course, after a not too tough day cruising along the canal and river, we met relatives for a great dinner at the 86 West restaurant in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. I ordered a steak, atypical for me, but it was a great end to a wonderful day of riding and enjoying.