DAY 5 Princeton NJ to Newark DE

DAY 5
Princeton NJ to Newark DE
65ish miles

Let me start by saying that driving a truck with a trailer attached is very amusing at times. Especially when I cross four lanes of traffic on the Pennsylvania Turn Pike to make an exit on the right when I just merged left to get on the highway. Crossing the Delaware River on a very narrow bridge with on coming traffic was… cautious.

We headed out of the hotel in Princeton NJ on a beautiful yet cool morning shortly before 0800. The route was so beautiful, a lot of residential farmland through New Jersey and Delaware. I have corrected several people over the years that say New Jersey is unpleasant. I have biked through the state enough to know that the state’s motto of “The Garden State” is an adequate statement.

Yesterday was yet another day full of fantastic rest stops including lunch and dinner hosted by local rescue squads. A huge thanks to: Titusville Fire, Bensalem Rescue, Second Alarmers Rescue Squad (thank you for lunch!!!), and of, course, Collingdale Fire. We had a small reflection and prayer at Bensalem Rescue for Daniel McIntosh. He died a little over two months ago from a heart attack during a call, he was only 39 years old and left behind a beautiful wife and children. We ride for you, Danny Mac, RIP.

This was the ride’s second year of stopping at Second Alarmers. They welcomed us with open arms and a HUGE lunch of meatball subs, fresh veggies, potato and pasta salad including DESSERT! Thank you, also, for the pins, patches, hats, and shirts – and all the love. The squad had a LODD last year so it is our honor to be able to spend the afternoon with them at their house and share a meal. The riders had a huge escort into and out of Second Alarmers! To see these riders and escorts come in to a station brings tears to your eyes – to see all of the local support and think of why we are all here. RIP Mike “Boz” Garvin, our hearts are with you.

Dinner last night was at Collingdale FD. Collingdale is a milestone of the ride. They have hosted dinner every year of the ride and do they ever. I told them last night that I believe they are pretty much known across this country because of the bike ride. They have a huge banquet room complete with beer taps. Needless to say, they keep us carb-loaded. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE remembers and looks forward to Collingdale. Second Alarmers now has the same reputation. Thank you to ALL the squads along this route, WE COULD NOT DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT!!!!

Thank you New Jersey and Delaware for their phenomenal support year after year.