It was the first Saturday after a 3 week long India vacation (post coming out soon 😊). The temperature for the past few days had dipped significantly. Although pleasant, I dread thinking about the soon to arrive winter. However, one of the best thing being an NJ resident is we get to see all seasons, and winter, though a little longer, is not that harsh as compared to some of the other northeastern states.
I was awake by 5. While lazing around engaging my mind in arbitrary plans, the thought of bike riding came impromptu to my mind. The temperature was 56F (12C), I contemplated, for the courage I need to muster to face the coldness was heaving over the comfort of my bed, but eventually I gave in.
About a mile away from my house is a gorgeous nature trail called Delaware & Raritan Canal(D&R for short). The D&R Canal was built back in the 1830s to pull the cargo ships into the mainland water canal using mules and later by the river barrages. It is a 77 miles( 124 KM) long trail running between a man-made canal, a river and deep woods. The trail is also part of the nationwide 3000 miles (4800 KM) of eco preservation route that goes up to the Miami.
My initial plan was to go for a quick loop but the moment I hit the belt, dwelling in the morning mist and serene surrounds, I felt like going for long. And soon I was determined to go cross county. My trip took a little over 4 1/2 hours, crossing 7 cities,with 20 minutes halt and 40 miles (64 KM) of bike run. My best run for the season.
My legs are a little sore, but the feeling of achievement is beyond measure.
Confab With Me 
That sounded like a real fun ride through some of natures incredible scenery out where you are living and biking through. Thanks for the ride a long my friend.
Pretty impressive!
Great job!
Great and healthy job..with beautiful nature. Pics also 👌👌
Jiwan ke kayee rang…..pratyek rang kaa apnaa majaa hai…. bahut badhiya.👌👌
You were courageous Shantanu to brave the cold. I am so averse to “thand” that it almost sends me into hibernation. But those pictures are lovely and of course nothing like a morning outing with few souls around and the nimble breeze. I can almost feel it all through your pictures.
Thanks so much for your kind words. The ride was really fun
Thanks so much, Robin
Thanks so much for reading
Thanks so much, Tanusri
Thanks so much my dear friend
Thank you, Sonia. Even I have my reservation with cold. But often I have seen it is the first plunge which is hard to take. Thanks so much for your beautiful comment
Anytime!
🌸😊
I hope you send more pictures of other bike rides if possible Shantanu.
I sure will thank you for your interest
40 miles, wow. I know the area vaguely.
Is the calorie counter accurate? 1000 cal for 40 miles seems less.
Thank you. I guess so. And we can get those calories in no time 😊
Few pieces of bread will do it and with butter the better😉
Lol 😂
You are welcome my good friend.
🌸😊
Wow! Now that’s an accomplishment!!! I’m very familiar with the D&R Pathway, aka “Toe Path” I used to be able to walk a pretty good distance back in my day. But, certainly not 40 miles. I think the furthest I ever went was 7 miles.
Congratulations on your success!!!!
Isn’t the path beautiful. It is my favorite place to get some mojo back 😊
40miles,wow👏👏👏
I wish the calories burnt were a bit more😄
But then who cares😄
It would have been a wonderful experience as seen in your pics!
Thank you for your kind read. Much appreciate your words. The ride was indeed beautiful
It truly is… I would love to walk through it in the Autumn, but I don’t think my legs nor back could handle it. But, my friends and I would do it every year, once in the Spring then Fall. I miss it so much!!!
Hope you get to enjoy it this autumn. I too love that place
You must have if you rode for 40 miles. LOL! More power to you!!!
Lol. 🌸😊❤️thank you
A wonderful achievement!
Thanks so much
My pleasure!
🌸😊
A glorious ride out in nature! Awesome job 🙂
Thanks so much my friend
My pleasure dear Shantanu ❤
❤️🌸
Wow!! you are a fitness freak and I admire you for that.
Thank you thank you 😊