Delaware members?

[Prairiehammer]

I've planned out my New England motorcycle trip for later this summer to include all the States and Provinces that I have not ridden in.

All is well; except for Delaware.

First; I desperately despise riding in (a) Big cities, (b) high traffic areas, © Interstates or even worse: high speed bumper to bumper expressways/tollways (you people are crazy and dangerous to me and my mo'sickle).

So, my dilemma: I would like to "notch" up Delaware while on this New England trip, but it looks like a lot of city congestion from Delaware Water Gap to Delaware. What would be the best way (see above abhorred scenarios) to go to ANY point in Delaware from Delaware Water Gap region?

[mini-muffin]

When I travel through Delaware it's down (or up depending on which way I'm going LOL) 13, most congestion is around Dover and you can take 1 to by-pass most of that. Other then that it's pretty nice traveling down 13 straight into Maryland's eastern shore. Not sure where all you are going. I'm not sure if we have any active members in DE at the moment.

Delaware water gap was pretty congested last time I was that way, but that's been a while.

 

Margaret

[steamer]

From the gap to the Del. line sucks. You have to run through NJ. I was born and raised in NJ...those people are NUTS! I have family in NJ and refuse to ride the trike in that state. Heck, I hate driving in NJ. Most dangerous state I have ever driven in and I lived in the L.A. area for 4 years. That was nothing compared to NJ. Now with that being said, the best time to drive through that area is after midnight. Just watch out for the crazy street racers do 125 mph plus down the thruway. once you get past Wilmington / Newark Area just run the 13 south if your going to MD. and VA. Nice dive down the Delmarva peninsula. By the way, the Del water gap is a nice area. there are a couple of crossing that aren't to bad. The I-80 can be bad on Friday afternoon and sunday afternoon. All the nut jobs from NY and NJ trying to excape to the Poconos and return.

[cecdoo]

Guess it depends how far West you are willing to go to avoid the cities. You could take 209 down thru the Poconos, visit the Jim Thorpe area, down thru the Pa coal regions to Reading area, then south thru Lancaster county and Pa Dutch country. cross into MD and then back roads into Del. 896 or 213. Its alot farther out of your way then a straight shot thru NJ. but you would ride thru some interesting areas.

 

Craig

[Prairiehammer]

Craig, Is there any of the above issues with this route?:

 

http://goo.gl/maps/LbNAz

 

It appears that Reading is the biggest city on the above route. What's it like to travel through?

[cecdoo]

Nope, that route is pretty much the route I was discribing. 209 will be mostly 2 lane blacktop, 61 is 4 lanes and 2 lanes, but isnt crazy, 222 bypasses Reading which is what you want to do, but Reading is a very small city, it will take you 5min to go around Reading. Rt 10 is 2 lane also. Nice winding roads thru some pretty country. Let me know when you are coming thru, If we are home we will put you up for the nite and feed ya, or I can meet and ride part of the way with you.

 

Craig

[XV1100SE]

If you are coming thru Ontario... post your schedule and route. Hopefully get together with you and other Ontario members.

[Prairiehammer]

Thanks, Craig for the suggestion on the route. It appears I may be able chalk up Delaware after all.

That day's ride will take us from the Water Gap to Delaware and then I was gonna try for Shawnee State Park near Mann's Choice, Pennsylvania.

 

Don, I will post my itinerary later, but I haven't planned to ride into Ontario on this trip. We ARE going to Niagara Falls (Goat Island) and will spend the night at Fourmile Creek SP near Youngstown, NY. I've got an invitation extended to Semi-Retired for supper with us on Sunday, August 4. Anyone in the area want to join in?