South Jersey / Philadelphia area route suggestions

BootScootin'FireFighter · Fri Aug 24, 2012 4:23 pm

I'm heading north from DC to Long Island in a few weeks. I've been anticipating this "pilgrimage" for a long time now, and finally got the window of opportunity. The plan as of now is to take 301 from the Bay Bridge up the Eastern Shore of MD, then cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge. From there, I've taken 551 up to Woodbury, which is a decent route. That part I got covered and have taken before to get to Philadelphia.

On the other end, I need to connect to the 1/9 approach to the Holland Tunnel (Pulaski Hwy), but in South Amboy and up past Newark. I know how harrowing a crossing can be to Staten Island by the Goethals or Outerbridge in a car, so I'll avoid it on a scooter at all costs. Again, from the Holland Tunnel, it's smooth sailing across and to Eastern LI.

I'm looking for some suggestions to get me past the Philadelphia area, without going way out of the way. I've been told to take 322 from Swedesboro towards Hammonton, then connect with 206 north to Mt. Holly, and take 537 (Monmouth Rd) all the way to Freehold. I kind of like that. On another note, US-130 North from Woodbury to Burlington looks like a faster paced road, but not interstate material, with offramps and occassional traffic lights. Is this a decent or miserable route? I'm aware it goes right past Camden, that's not an issue. From 130 in Burlington, I was going to connect to 537 through Columbus anyway.

Any suggestions? I'd even be up for staying on the Delaware side a little longer and taking a fast track through Wilmington and Philadelphia as long as it's a decent pace and worthwhile, then crossing at Burlington.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:13 pm

537 should be ideal for scooting. It's only the first few miles that are rough, not only due to Camden's well-deserved reputation as the city that makes Afghanistan look civilized, but also due the state of the road - lotsa potholes and such. Fortunately, no IEDs (yet).

Once you get past there, it's a decent run into Mount Holly, then an almost straight shot to the Northeast. The only traffic gotchas are around Jackson due to occasional congestion at Six Flags - Great Adventure, and in Freehold itself since 537 becomes its "main street". You can grab Route 9 North at the Southern Edge of Freehold and avoid the city center. However, if you want to stop for some good Mexican grub, you can continue on 537 past 9 until you get to Throckmorton Street (can't miss it - it's a railroad crossing point on 537). There's a place at the intersection called El Meson right at the intersection and the food's fantastic. Also a good place for ices - Rita's, also located at the intersection.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Fri Aug 24, 2012 9:07 pm

Thanks for the heads up Charlie. I think I'll stick with 130 to 38 and connect with 537 in Mt Holly. It's only a few miles of 130 and 38, i can't imagine it's worth a 35 mile bypass. I'm sure the pine barrens are a great ride, but I gotta make it past NYC by dinner time.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 11:10 pm

As a a native of the Pine Barrens, I'll tell ya that you have the wrong bike for the roads through the state lands. 206 is a fine ride south of Bordentown; then it gets all stop-and-go.

If you take 206 from Swedesboro up to Mt. Holly, it's going to be a great ride. Farms on either side, little traffic. Stop and get a soft-serve custard. We know how to do it right. If you go through the Red Lion circle (206/70), there's a good diner and a soft serve place on the other side of the circle.

What's the plan on getting into NYC? The Holland? I'd of thought the Outerbridge to the Verranzano would be better...unless you want to deal with the city and Brooklyn. Is there are reason to go into the city?

When I was on Lawn Guyland (ugh!), I'd cross through Staten to get to south Jersey to visit my mom. As long as it's not daytime, you'll be ok (as in, it's after 8pm).

Good luck!

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 12:55 am

At the moment, I'd avoid trying to get across Staten Island. The South Shore Expressway is being repaved, and the Staten Island Expressway is undergoing a major overhaul from about Slosson Avenue to the bridge. Much lane-shifting and such.

Had to go to a funeral Mass in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Returning to NJ at about noon, the Staten Island Expressway was stacked up for miles. I suppose you could always try Hylan Blvd., but that'd take light years and you'd have to deal with "Jersey Shore" understudies at every intersection.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sat Aug 25, 2012 2:14 am

From the Holland, I want to take the West Side Hwy north, then cut east at one of the midtown "thru streets", connecting to the Queensboro Bridge. 25A (Northern Blvd), east about 50 miles through Nassau and Western Suffolk counties gets me right where I'll need to be, and a nice route at that. It's fixing up to be a 250+ mile trip, so not much time to take my time. I plan on taking a day up there to explore the East End, Shelter Island, and Montauk.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 2:37 am

Sounds like quit the ride!

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 1:23 pm

When I rode up last summer I went through Jersey City NJ to the tunnel, cut directly across the city, to the 59th St bridge (Simon & Garfunkel in my head) somehow got on Queens Blvd to Sunrise Highway.
Mom lives just south of the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream.
(If I can find my saved mapped route I'll send it to you)

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sat Apr 20, 2013 4:53 pm

I wasn't able to go last summer, so it's on for Friday. I have a 6 day stretch to utilize. 1 day riding up, 3 days with family, 1 day exploring the East End of Long Island, and 1 day riding home. 339 miles each way. Halfway point is a Whole Foods market in Marlton where we can get our eat on and take a much needed break.

I have another 6 day trip slated for July, and it could be my last time in the forseeable future of going back home. Parents are retiring in the fall and moving down to Virginia.

Delaware line to Marlton NJ

Marlton NJ to Holland Tunnel