One Long Queue
After the brief ceremony bicyclists proceeded up Pearl St to the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway steps across from the back entrance of Rutgers University. Where a long queue developed as everyone had to negotiate the three story stair tower. It took 45 minutes for everyone to climb up to the walkway, a delay that will dwindle down to about 5 or 10 minutes once a new ramp is constructed by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).
![The Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4804720107_260cfb6772_m.jpg)
As it turns out DRPA closed the walkway for a much longer period than what was needed. It was scheduled for a 9:30 AM delayed opening based on the assumption that earlier Tour De Shore ride was going to use the walkway. When participation exceeded 1000 the DRPA granted a rolling closure on the road to the event, negating the need for a pre 9AM closing. The North Walkway which would have been a great alternate for other bridge walkway users remained closed. DRPA Police officially opened the walkway after the last straggler crossed the bridge at 10:22 AM. Imagine the reaction that closing the bridge roadway with no alternate route for four hours would have generated.
Leap Academy Sojourners
Camden's LEAP Academy Charter School received a scholarship to send 15 of its students on the 8 day sojourn. They are being accompanied by two League Cycling Instructors Andy Besold and Nate Davis who provided instruction for New Jersey's Bike School program at Farnham Park in 2009.
![Congressman Andrews with the LEAP Academy Team](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4805339664_128221a70a_m.jpg)
Posing with LEAP Academy Riders are left to right-Camden Co. Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, Coopers Ferry Dev. Corp. Director Anthony Perno, Congressman Rob Andrews, Freeholder Ian Leonard.
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