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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, October 01, 2012

A Sunday Drive ... On a Bike


Remember the Sunday drive? This one was on the bike. Using Google's mapping feature for bikes, I was able to get a route from Nazareth to Grange Park in Upper Macungie that kept me off the main drags. My grandson had a football game there against South Parkland. If he was going to risk his life against the Trojans, I'd risk mine against Lehigh Valley motorists.

Google Maps managed to put me on both the Nor-Bath and Ironton Trails for part of the 51-mile round trip.

The most dangerous part of my trip was the frequent appearance of PSU students, who were collecting money for cancer or something. There was even a kid waiting outside my estate.

I unleashed the hounds.

I shot some video of different parts of the trip, ending it with one of Dat's touchdown passes.

We both survived.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Was that a helmet cam?

And that was a helluva pass by Dat, and I do not even know the kid.

Bernie O'Hare said...

No, I took my camera out, slowed down and shot the video with one hand. Not the smartest thing to do on a road. But then again, neither is riding a bike.

Dat threw another TD pass after that that was a good thirty yards. Some kids on that team can get downfield very quickly. And to be able to throw, his line has to give him time.

He makes mistakes, too. Lots of them. He just started playing QB this year.

The play right before that was very nearly intercepted. But instead of shying away, the coach sent in another pass play.

Thanks for checking out the video. I thought people who don't ride could see what it's like.

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful.

Anonymous said...

How are you related to this boy? You are not his real grandfather are you?

Bernie O'Hare said...

You're not a real human being, are you?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing and special thanks to public officials and volunteers who continue to maintain and expand our trail network.

There is a lot of history along these trails.

Did you find it difficult to get from NorBath Trail to the Ironton Rail Trail? You must have passed along a section of the D&L trail on the Northampton side of the Lehigh River. I know the County is replacing two bridges (Coplay, Hokendauqua) and PennDOT will be replacing one near Cementon within the next few years.

The Cementon bridge is used often by D&L trailgoers. Hopefully appropiate pedestrian access connecting these trails is being incorporated into the design of the new bridges.

Bernie O'Hare said...

To get to the Ironton Trail from the Nor-Bath trail I shoot down Clear Springs Drive to Lerchenmiller Drive to Washington Ave, and then from there to the Coplay bridge. I feel pretty vulnerable, especially on the bridge, but the drivers have been very courteous. I lot of them smile at me. ... Or maybe they're laughing.

I think the D&L trail is under the bridge, so I did not see it.

Is that area open for running and cycling? I've never tried it.

Anonymous said...

Fair question Bernbie. People have asked if you adopted the boy. If not, why not, and your overall connection to the family.

People have a right to know, as you claim.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,

You are the best thing to happen to cycling in the Lehigh Valley. Now, do we get your readers on bikes?

Maybe showing all the fun you have with it is all that is necessary.

Anonymous said...

This is the first time I have heard your voice. Very nice.

Junk Drawer Kathy said...

Great video, Bernie. Lovely trails. I'd be real nervous on the main drags, though. Ugh. All the texting drivers out there. Be safe!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Kathy, Fortunately, I'm so slow that I can get a good look at drivers in front of me or at intersections. You'd be surprised how nice they can be.

Bernie O'Hare said...

3:57, Haters gotta' be haters.

Anonymous said...

The D&L is open for running and biking up to Laurys Station. In fact, they run a half marathon on it. The trailhead in Cementon that the County installed is used heavily.

I heard there may be some discussion of passing the D&L trail under the new Cementon bridge. That would be a great enhancement. As it stands now, you have to cross a busy PA329. Many families use these trails.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I'd love to see it extended right into Allentown.

Anonymous said...

Why do you ride 50 miles to record young boys playing sports?