Steve ride report: I had excellent trail conditions from Mountain top to Jim Thorpe. I was able to maintain speeds of 15 mph without difficulty. A member named Mike rode with me through the Ox bow section. After Jim Thorpe, the trail turned wet and soggy. The worst part was through the Lehigh gap, having the consistency of silly puddy. Here I struggled to keep up 12 mph, probably averaging 9. A non-member named Steve, rode with me from Thorpe to Bethlehem and gave a cash donation. I had 2 detours: one in Bethlehem and one in Allentown. These probably added an hour to the trip.
From Steve Olear, our 2nd VP of ARHS:
As we have recently learned, with disappointment the main generator of the B unit will need to be replaced. It does produce power allowing the unit to move on its own, but will not pass the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspection for use as a locomotive.
We need funds to replace the B unit's main generator. I'm willing to ride the former LV and CNJ main lines from Mountain Top to Easton, eighty miles, as a fundraiser with your sponsorship. The money gathered will be used towards the removal of the old generator, and purchase / insulation of a new one.
Our B-Unit is a EMD F-7b originally owned by the Boston and Maine as #4268b built 11/50. ARHS purchased it in the early 80's and added the chicken wire to make it outwardly the same as an F-3b. We originally painted it in the tangerine and blue scheme of the CNJ for use out of Jim Thorpe. Later when the B-Unit was relocated to Steamtown, it was repainted its current DL&W gray scheme.
My ride will begin around 9am on July 26th rain or shine and will take the better part of the day. A link from my Garmin bike computer will be posted here, in this notice, so that members can follow me in real-time.
If people would like they can meet me on the trail to ride along for a section or two, or make a donation in person. In-person donations can be done by check, in a sealed envelope with the members name and membership number on it. I'll be carrying a weather proof bag with me for collection. Additionally, donations can be mailed in, through the website via our webstore for donations per mile or via the yellow "Donate" button below for a lump sum donation:
