Rode a Permanent randonneur 'metric century' route, officially 104km, out of Toms River NJ.
I got an early start for the 1h 15m drive, arriving at the first Control (a Wawa, no surprise) just a few minutes after the 5:57am sunrise.
Early in the ride I pedaled thru the Ocean County College campus, which was wooded, spacious and quiet. There were signs for Covid testing, but I wonder if that is still happening.
Later, the route went along Toms River and Barnegat Bay, which was enjoyable on a quiet, off-season gray May morning. Temps 60-73F. Winds were not much of a factor, 6-8 mph.
In some watery reeds near the shore, I saw a couple red-winged blackbirds, first I've seen in months (altho I just learned they don't migrate). Also saw a young osprey, egrets, a swan and a turkey-ish bird which I did not recognize, plus a dead hawk, frog and crab on the road.
The route used the Barnegat Branch (rail) Trail for one mile-plus, a cinder path.
An interpretive sign mentioned that the area once hosted a large Atlantic white cedar forest, but after being logged it did not regenerate. That wood is good for birdhouses. Later the route was on gravel (Good Luck Road) for a short distance. The non-paved sections were fine for my 28mm tires.
Both coming and going along a stretch of US 9, I passed the de-commissioned (2018) Oyster Creek nuclear power plant. I believe when it was coming up for its re-licensing, it was the oldest such plant in operation in the country, operating since 1969. Rather than try to come up to code to pass inspection, the company struck a deal for an extension and an agreement to close at the end of the term. Two of my brothers, a pipe-fitter and a welder, worked there over the years as members of United Association union Local 322. At the entrances there are signs for Holtec, a company which now has a big chunk of riverfront real estate in Camden NJ, lured there by huge incentives from a state economic development program. A major road was even re-routed to give the plant the sizeable plot of Delaware riverfront land it desired.
There were a couple long, quiet pine-country roads (Lacey and Dover) which I also enjoyed. Plenty of spots for 'nature breaks.' And there were a couple full-service restrooms along the way. Such relief.
Have to mention that there were also several busy stretches with too many cars and too little shoulder. Had to have my wits about me; the helmet mirror was essential.
As usual, my Garmin gave me several erroneous 'Off Course' warnings. Glad I had printed out the cue sheets to double-check myself.
Pictures, map and route elevation profile here:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/66622712
