Day 9: Portland to Layton, NJ

This morning, I woke up at 7 AM. Last night, the temperature reached as low as 40 F and it was chilly at times in my tent.

Dan had to leave so Lyn made a delicious breakfast composed of eggs, bacon, English muffins, and yogurt with fruits. I was so full that I didn’t even eat the potatoes.

Around 8:30 AM, I finished packing, bid farewell to Lyn, and left Dan’s house. I listened to his route advice and took a detour from the Atlantic Coast Route since there is a one lane road that’s regulated by a traffic light. The road is also uphill so Dan didn’t think a cyclist could make it to the other side in time for the light to stay green. Since there’s no shoulder either, I might be stuck between two opposing cars. Bill had warned me about this section of the route and he barely made it through. I know that Bill is a stronger rider than me, there is no way I can make it. So I ended up taking Route 94 from Portland to Blairstown, New Jersey.

The road to Blairstown had wide shoulders, which I like. Since I need to be in Layton, New Jersey, at 5 PM and staying at another Warmshowers host’s house I had plenty of time.

I ended up spending a couple of hours at Doghouse Bagel and Deli to pass away the time and to eat a bagel with lox and cream cheese, along with some chocolate milk.

I left the deli before 1 PM since I was so bored there. As I cycled toward Millbrook Village Historical Site there were several hills. By the time I entered Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area I was so tired. With the sun beaming at me, I often took breaks underneath the shade of the trees when there’s an uphill.

On the way to Millbrook Village there was finally a downhill, except that it was so steep that I was going at a max speed of 44.5 mph. I was so afraid of falling since there are potholes on the road and I had to watch the surface of the road very carefully.The downhill ended at Millbrook Village. I took about half an hour of rest and looked at some old houses from the 1800s.

When I got on the road again the hills were less steep, but still hills. Not too far after Flatbrookville, I came around a road closed sign. Bill had told me about this in a text and warned me there are two barriers. Sure enough, I came across the first one where a huge tree had fallen. I had to take off all the panniers so I can carry my bike around to the side. I had to be very careful not to fall down the hill with my bike.

The second barrier had more room off to the left side so all I had to do was to take off one rear pannier and guide my bike through the narrow gap. I was lucky that I got through the barriers safely. The good thing about that part of the road is there were very few cars due to the road closure.

I made to Layton around 4:15 PM. I rested outside the Layton Hotel Tavern and decided to contact the Warmshowers host in New Paltz, where I’m going next. I wanted to see if I can take an extra rest day at her place since I’ll be riding over 60 miles tomorrow. It’ll be about double what I rode today. Plus it might rain as well. I’ll have to see what her reply is tomorrow.

After cycling one last hill for about a mile, I finally arrived at Scott and Tiffany’s house at 5 PM. I had ridden a total of 31.5 miles today and saw some deer, a black bear, a turkey vulture, some jumping bugs on the road.

Scott and Tiffany seemed to be around my age. When I asked how long they’ve lived in their house, Scott replied 30 years. I was surprised. It turned out they are 58 years old. Neither of them even has any white hair. They sure are fit physically and mentally.

For dinner, Scott ordered a pizza. Tiffany and I chatted about politics since we are in agreement about all the things we talked about.

I told Scott about my scary ride going down the big hill today and how I was going 44.5 mph. After dinner, Scott adjusted my brakes on my bike and made it so that it’s easier to apply the pressure on the brake pads. I’m so grateful!

I took a shower shortly after dinner. It’s almost 9 PM. Both Tiffany and Scott have retired to their bedroom. I will be going to bed as soon as I finish this blog post. Tomorrow will be a long riding day to New Paltz, New York.

On Route 94 with the wide shoulder

Stayed here for way too long.

Entering Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area.

Millbrook Village Historical Site

An old house at Millbrook Village

Another house from the 1800s

The first barrier

The second barrier

Beautiful scenery on the side of the road

No cars for miles

Layton historical marker

Tiffany and Scott, along with their cat Kevin