Instead of Battenkill Ride

Several of us who were not racing Battenkill decided to do a long ride through Northern Pennsylvania to our East. This turned out to be a wonderfully scenic route which included some dirt road climbs to make up for us not being at B-Kill.  The fist dirt was shortly outside of Hallstead, where a few in our group decided to turn back.  The dirt lasted for approximately 5-6 miles and culminated in a long, fairly steep climb.

Next, we passed through the PA borough of Susquehanna Depot.  It looked like a neat little town, and it apparently has a history of train locomotives being built there.  That explains the remarkable  stone railroad bridge seen above.   

The route planned was about 60 miles, unfortunately we missed a turn and headed about an extra 5 miles south before realizing our mistake and getting back on course.  The plan was always to ride past the Skoloff Valley Organic Farm .  I get produce from them in the summer and fall and it is highly recommended.  They are at the Binghamton Farmer's market on Saturday mornings during the growing season and also have a CSA program available.  Shortly after passing the farm, the road turned to dirt again, and we were faced with another dirt climb.

The first section of dirt, we had anticipated, but we didn't expect this one.  The scenery was great, though, and so was the weather (I even got sunburned).  At the top of this last major climb, a couple more riders who needed to get back for other commitments and hadn't anticipated our extra 10 miles, called for rides.  They were picked up in downtown Windsor, and the rest of the group (down to only 2 now) rode home to Binghamton, wrapping up at about 71 miles.