Day 4- Binghamton, NY to Clarks Summit PA

We have summitted Clarks Summit, PA once again. It's always hillier than we remember. Definitely the biggest climbing day so far (3500 feet overall), with more than a few out of your saddle climbs. We know this route well, as it's an Anchor House favorite. We crossed into Pennsylvania at mile 22. I have to say, that I was very impressed with New York's bicycle route system and its use of share the road signage. In Pennsylvania, we followed the Susquehana River for many miles as we headed south. Lovely cycling roads and great scenery. At one point, a bald eagle flew overhead (with a fish in its talons) and another rider spotted a bear and a cub. The day was made all the better by lovely weather- nice and cool in the high 70's.

I am riding my fourth Anchor House ride, alas, I am a mere newbie. There are folks on the ride who are 20-plus year participants- dedicated people who have ridden thousands of miles and raised thousands of dollars. My good friend DJ Varner is on his tenth Anchor House ride. Soon after crossing into Pennsylvania, we stopped to snap an appropriate photo- nice of PennDOT to thank DJ for being a ten year participant, don't you think? Every year, there are new riders. This year, our good friend, Paul Shapiro, is a new rider, but with a twist. Paul is doing this ride on a fixed gear bike- a bike with only a single gear and no freewheel- meaning he has to pedal constantly, and that means going down steep downhills. This is the first time in Anchor House history that anyone had done the ride on a fixie. Paul is da man! But he should have his wheel examined!


A few other photos from the day. Brian O'Mara (another ten year rider) at our breakfast spot in Binghamton, Daryl McMillan at SAG2, Jerry Foster, Mr. Fix-it changing a fellow rider's flat tire, and West Windsor, NY!