Most folks don't realize that rural Pennsylvania has marked bicycling routes.  Here in Eldred, we have one that runs east-west on Kunkletown Road and then north-south on Silver Spring Blvd.

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A leisurely bike ride along country roads sounds very relaxing.  And it can be, at times.  But bikers must understand the dangers and difficulties.

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In Eldred, we have rolling hills that are as trying going down as going up.  Going up, there is the difficulty of peddling, but coming down there is the difficulty of riding your brakes.  Going too fast can put you in a dangerous situation without time to correct.  For example, an animal running out of the woods into your path, or a road with loose sand or gravel in a stretch (dropped by a truck).

And of course, we have sweeping turns where you, as well as oncoming traffic, have limited sight lines.

The State of Pennsylvania warns bike riders that they must remain alert at all times and that they "drive" at their own risk.  While you may never ride a bike out here, you will be driving a car.  I ask you to remind yourself that you may come across a biker or even someone on horse back - in both cases, your response should be 1. Slow down  2. Carefully move to the left of the person (being careful to watch for oncoming traffic.   If this occurs on a curve, and you cannot see oncoming traffic, please slow down and if possible wait until it is safe to swing around them (always being mindful of the traffic behind you too).  And never honk your horn - you can spook a horse or surprise a biker. Just go slow and be mindful of your surroundings.

Continue along Silver Spring Blvd.