Friday, May 16, 2003 posted by Steve Largent at 2:04 PM
Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA 5 days
Host Larry Rock escorted us from his home up the mountain about 2,000 ft to the top of the mountain and on to the Mason Dixon line. We passed through two tunnels; one was not yet opened. With advice from Chris "keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel and don't look down" David fell in the first tunnel. (I said nothing, though I intended to ride with a decent light and watch where my wheels were headed!) David likes cleanliness, and from the moment he went down in the mud was dreaming of an short day and a shower early in the afternoon. However, this is our first day without rain, and I was hoping to get some miles in. The second tunnel wasn't opened yet and workmen objected slightly when we cycled by. Coming out of the tunnel was a new world north of the Mason Dixon Line. Trees weren't fully leafed out, dandelions were everywhere (none south of the line), and a few small farm plots were scattered in the forests. Instead of warm rains we had an initial warm dry wind. It was my first time to meet the people of Appalchia. I wasn't impressed, drooped shoulders, eyes that seem to focus on nothing, and people who don't know their whereabouts. At first I thought we were in a town where Pennsylvania kept its mildly retarded people. David and Chris got quite a laugh of my observations.
Crossing the Mason Dixon Line put us on the Great Allegheny Passage, a rails to trail project that will run from the state lines up to Pittsburgh. There are still several places were detours must be discovered, but the crushed limestone is a pretty nice bed for mountain bikes and adequate for our 38mm touring tires. The next day, after quiting early for David's early shower, rain returned but this time it was cold. I tried to catch up with a first cousin I hardly ever see, but was unsuccessful. However, when wet it goes everywhere on the bike obviously screwing up the drive train. The trees overhead kept about half the wind off us and reduced the rain hitting us greatly. When we left the trail on the detours we found many steep hills. My 19.9" gear which was supposed to be in reserve for some steep hill I'd never find has been used many times! I believe we went up a 1/2 mile hill that equals MacIntosh in steepness! Most of the hills are short though.
The group: David is a bit faster than me on the flats, but I can keep up with him. I'm faster than him on the hills. Chris hates hills and is slower than David and I, and often rides behind us. David does like to get up early and take off, stopping for very few things. I like taking my time at the sights!
I'm finding it difficult to post to the internet and even call. About 7:30 a.m. Eastern time would be a great time to call, but no one would appreciate a call at 4:30 a.m. I suppose. When we have opportunity to get on the internet all 3 of us want on it! I'm always in bed by 10:00 p.m. which is only 7:00 p.m. Pacific time, so no one has been called, sorry Crazy Ladies, but I'll start calling somehow, and I know none of you will mind being roused early!
Steve
David is calling his club daily with updates and you can get his observations and photos at: Corrie if this isn't a hot link, please fix it! Thanks!
Caloosa Riders (click on riders page David Brunk)
