I got up early and did my morning routine, then had breakfast at the hotel. Was glad to see my bunk mates from Hancock at breakfast and talk to them one last time. Over the last three days, they gave me some good tips on bike touring that I will use.
I started biking at quarter to 8:00. In Cumberland, the C&O trail ends and the GAP trail begins. It was another cold morning with a temperature of 45 degrees (third day in a row). It was a little foggy to start, but it quickly burned off.
The trail climbs 1,800 feet in the first 24 miles up to the Eastern Continental Divide. That’s a 1.5% grade. I just geared down and slowly climbed up the trail. During the climb I crossed over the Mason Dixon Line and entered Pennsylvania.
There were several tunnels on the climb. The longest was the Big Savage Tunnel at 3/4 of a mile.
About 11:30 I reached the top of the climb at the Eastern Continental Divide.
The other side of the divide was a gradual (0.5%) downhill grade. So, I was able to make up some time from the slow climb.
The day warmed up into the 70s by early afternoon, and it was sunny all day. Very little wind. Really a perfect day for a bike ride. The GAP trail is a beautiful trail. Very well maintained and very scenic. Lots of trees, waterfalls, rivers, trestle bridges, and wildlife. It’s a hike on a bike.
I stopped in the small town of Rockwood and bought lunch at a gas station. $6.24 for a 6” hero, banana and a large Gatorade. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t more.
I did come across a tree that had recently fallen across the trail. It wasn’t hard to get by, but what is the deal with me and fallen trees?!?
I felt really good today, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The next two days are forecast to be rainy, so I tried to make the most of this day. I biked until 5:30 then stopped in the town of Connellsville, PA and booked a room in a B&B. There was a Thai food truck down the street that I went to for dinner.
On the day I biked 90 miles and climbed 1,900 feet. I’m hoping for good weather tomorrow.
I love following your detailed and very well organized blog! Those are some rough weather conditions that you’ve endured and I see only better cycling ahead for you
Congratulations Jim on a hard 90. Love the pictures. My day was spent with the washer and dryer. Love Dad.
PS I look forward to tomorrow. I still would like to be with you.
Great blog entry Jim. Again, I wish I was with you. Thanks for all the great pictures and updates.
Pat, you need to put Ohiopyle on your list for camper van adventures. It’s a great town on the GAP trail with a huge state park all around it. Lots of hiking and white water rafting there too.
Hi Jim ! We’re late joining your journey via the blog but have caught up now. We’ve checked in with Elizabeth a couple of times after you got on the road to get updates. We’re now following along daily on the blog and sending you “fair winds and following seas” (I know it’s a nautical blessing but whatever the equivalent biking blessing is, we’re sending it your way, along with all other kinds of blessings as you make your way). If your biking goes as well as your blogging, you’ll be in good shape !
Thank you, Michelle! Glad that you’re following and enjoying the updates. Love the blessing! Fair winds are a joy.