Another in the "Backroads, New Jersey" series
Let me confess here that these "Backroads" trips are being done on a motorcycle.
I say confess because many people dear to me are upset I'm riding again and I try to hide it the best I can. They're concerned because they say I've had three crashes. I counter that I've had one crash, and two spills. There's a difference.
A crash leaves you in the hospital for an extended stay.
A spill only requires a quick trip to the ER, if that.
A crash means broken bones, or worse.
A spill? Negative x-rays. And a little road rash.
After a crash, you go off in an ambulance and your bike goes off on a flatbed.
After a spill, you ride home, hurtin' as you go, expertly working the levers that didn't snap off.
I bring this up today because Route 521 is one of the best motorcycling roads in the state, a winding journey through the less-traveled landscape and historic villages of Warren and Sussex counties.
You will love the quick turns and elevation changes in the region of Lake Owassa, Lake Kemah and Swartswood Lake.
And the views from Kittatinny Mountain, where 521 runs concurrent with Route 206.
And the historic buildings of Stillwater, Blairstown and Hope, and the long sweeping curves through the mountain farm valleys.
It all adds up to a challenging but pleasurable ride. Even in a car.
Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@starledger.com. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @StarLedger and find us on Facebook.