Day 6: Hazelton to Bethlehem- Who'll Stop the Rain?

Well, our good weather karma finally ran out. But at least it was all concentrated in one, very wet day. We knew the day was going to be interesting just watching the amazing clouds and fog last night over the lovely Conyngham Valley from our hotel at the "Top of the 80's" in West Hazelton.

Today was a 77 miler with 4400 feet of climbing- our second most challenging day. The forecast looked dicey all day with a high percentage of rain and chance of thunderstorms. It was lightly raining to start and we all needed to wear bright jackets or vests. Jack, Gabe and Ben left at 6 AM, and the rest of us took our normal 7 AM start (we figured we meet up at SAG 1 or 2).

Day 6 Message Board

DJ and Chrissie at the start-looking clean at the start!

We were on busy roads to start getting out of Hazelton, and eventually found ourselves on quiet roads, with a constant light rain which was pretty manageable (once you're wet, you're wet and it's no big deal).

New rider and new friend Scott Wagner and our buddy Jim Brady

The air was dripping wet today but the temperature was in the 70's so it was actually pleasant in the morning. It felt and smelled like we were biking in a tropical rain forest. We passed by many roaring streams so the sound of water was everywhere.

We found out where the Star Trek tribbles have retired to
(nobody knows the tribbles I've seen...)

It was a good thing Jack and the boys left an hour early cause Gabe had four flats before the first SAG at Hickory Run State Park in the Poconos (for those keeping score, it's Gabe 7, Jack 2, everyone else 0). Two of the flats/blow outs were found out later to be due to a slit in the (brand new) back tire, and the two front flats were due to spoke nipple peaking through, Gabe was besides himself and got a ride for the last two miles into SAG 1 to be fair, this is not Gabe's bike but a rental...). It was good to reunite with the Hayons though despite Gabe's "tiring" morning.

Gabe at SAG 1 not happy about his fateful, er flat-full day

The rain wasn't a big deal for the first half of the day but there was incredibly intense fog for about an hour late in the morning- the thickest I have ever biked through (and I live in Mass-a-too-thicks). The fog was eerie and a little dangerous due to the low visibility, but lovely at the same time. We were thankful for no thunderstorms which seemed a certainty by radar in the morning (they had apparently drifted south of us).

Ben and DJ in the fog (it was much thicker live)

Over the shoulder shot (don't try this at home kids)

We clearly were no longer in Albrightsville...

Today was a hilly day, with some steep climbs. We had done this exact Day 6 route two years ago so we knew what to expect. But the riding was great and once the fog lifted we could actually see some scenery. We stopped for lunch instead of SAG 2, with DJ leading the chant of "Deli, Deli!". It was a good decision since fuel, and a break from riding, is always worth it.

We rolled into SAG 3 to re-charge and that's when the heavy rain started. The last 18 miles were pretty wet!  We were freezing as we left the SAG, biking on a long downhill in a downpour. This was a day for ducks!  Apparently we just missed a thunderstorm as people who left ten minutes later than we did had to get SAG'ed in.

AFLAC!!  (Could be a good spot for the "Ducko's picnic- inside joke)

We pounded out those last miles, using the uphills to get warm and we were certainly happy to get to our hotel! As soon as we did, the sun came out! Yeah now!  Didn't last long but it was sure nice!

Ben and Jack soaking up the sun

Tonight was the banquet night, where we celebrated several Anchor House youth including an impressive young man named AJ who received the Doug McCune award for his leadership and accomplishments. AJ was homeless when he first found a home at Anchor House and now he is inspiring other young Anchor House kids.

Anchor House award recipient AJ

We learned that the House has raised $464,000 so far, which is really impressive since we are down about 30 riders this year... if you'd like to contribute but haven't yet, please follow this LINK. Awards were given out to riders for their milestone anniversaries, including these two guys who logged their tenth year on the ride. Several people celebrated 25 years on the ride- amazing.

Tomorrow is Day 7 as we bike into New Jersey on very familiar roads, but as always on the last day of the ride,  we'll be vigilant and keep our focus.  Stay tuned Sunday for my last blog entry (gotta drive back to Boston Saturday after we finish the ride).