5km Morning Ride (Line Lexington/Hatfield Loop)

This morning being a little colder than recent days, was hovering in around 14°C. Perfect weather for taking a nice short ride before starting work. I wanted to choose a circuit as I'd preferably like to end up from whence I started.

I know the roads around here fairly well, but never much traversed them via bicycle so it made the most sense to try it out. Morning traffic on Bethlehem Pike can be somewhat vicious, just remember not to be afraid to take the lane if you are at all in danger by automobile or other obstacle. This is not an area where you want to be on the shoulder for two reasons. First, it is your right to be in the right lane. Secondly, there is an over abundance of road debris scattered about the shoulder.

This leg is primarily a flat with a slight decline immediately approaching Trewigtown road on the right. Trewigtown stays flat from beginning to end but is in great condition with very little motorised traffic, not to mention beautiful greenery. This area also acts as a light wind tunnel due to the manner in which the trees and homes are arranged providing a nice cooling effect.

Turning left onto Line Lexington Road as Trewigtown Road comes to a T-intersection provides the first bit of upward incline. Almost immediately after completing the turn, a very narrow bridge comes into focus. By narrow, I mean barely wide enough for two automobiles. Take the lane here, as there is no safe alternative regardless of your views on VC. After the bridge the road starts a linear uphill grade until yet another T-intersection with Cowpath Road. This is still a very minor incline, even for a more European style commuter bike such as my Schwinn Voyageur GS '07. Though living in beautiful Bucks County I am quite glad that I have more than 3 or 5 gears).

A simple right onto Cowpath Road rewards cyclists with a downhill jaunt passing by A.M. Kulp Elementary school on the right giving one just enough time to prepare for the doppelgänger of this section of road. Making your climb up the other portion of Cowpath Road is simple enough here, though note that there will be two occasions where the sole northbound lane must be taken as there is severe debris on the right at one portion of the road and a complete lack of shoulder shortly thereafter. Approaching the traffic light indicates the start of the next leg of this route.

Turning right onto E. Orvilla Road is one of my favourite sections of this ride. I take this route routinely when shopping at the local Giant just a little further west on Orvilla. I like the sudden downward incline this road takes leading down to and over another narrow bridge which again dictates that the cyclist take the lane. This is the last short road before Orvilla curves to the right for its long stretch back to Bethlehem Pike (Route 309).

This longest section of the ride consists primarily of an almost unnoticeable upward incline till it plateaus for ¹/₃ of the road. Just to note, on cyclist's left during this flat section of road, he/she will find School Road. This road leads down to the Hatfield community pool for those that would like a nice place to swim. By pool, I mean small water park with not 1, 2 or 3 pools, but 4. Not to mention tennis courts, a rafting pool and all the accoutrements for the children.

Back to the route. We proceed to pass School Road, and then immediately after this point Twin Woods golf course comes into view, also on the left. Progressively heading downhill towards the third and final narrow bridge, it is strongly advised that the lane be taken early rather than later due to the undulation of the road and the speed at which many motorists approach this bridge after cresting the plateau. We wind down the ride by transitioning from the downhill side of the bridge to the slight incline leading to the traffic signal at Bethlehem Pike (Route 309). As the light is approached, take the lane early as the motorists here will sooner try and cut around the cyclist if at all possible than slow down allowing safe passage.

Turning on a red signal is not permitted here so this is a good place to take a drink if needed. The light is short and while providing an arrow for those heading south, it still is a rather short time frame and one might not make it in time dependant upon traffic. As the light allows, make the final right onto Bethlehem Pike (Route 309) .

If one is interested, and dependant upon time of day, there are several places at which to eat at the upcoming light. On the right one can find a Dunkin Donuts as well as Pizzeria 309, Formosa Chinese and depending upon the hour of the day, Jims Pretzel Factory. I highly recommend all four but for different reasons and meals. If one were to turn left up the hill into the shopping centre, both Mama Mia's italian cookery and Osaka Chinese and Japanese restaurant can be found. For those who are unfamiliar with the area, and to whom is actually matters, there is a Wally World here (Wal*Mart).

Continuing southbound on Bethlehem Pike (Route 309) till the next light will provide completion to this bicycling loop. If you wish to turn onto Hilltown Pike back to the Firehouse or Sunoco make sure to signal and move over to the left lane early so as to ensure access to the turn lane, which is blessed with a turn signal. Note that the sensor pads in the asphalt are not all that good with detecting our bicycles and as such, one will most likely need to wait in the intersection mid-way as if there were no dedicated turn signal whatsoever.

I really hope that others enjoy this short 5 kilometre route/course as it provides a light casual ride with variety in both road types as well as inclines all the while keeping one from perspiring too excessively unless chosen to do so.