Day 11, May 31^st, Roundbottom Campground, GAP trail to Pittsburgh, PA.  Miles today totaled 48.72 and were fairly easy miles.  This part of the GAP is on the old Pittsburgh and Lake Erie RR and is wide and smooth.  We had some coffee in the campground and headed down the trail early.  We ate breakfast in West Newton, PA at the Chuck Wagon, a local eatery and bake shop.  Dave rated the French Toast to be the best so far on the trip.  We continued on the trail and passed through Boston and on to McKeesport.  The GAP trail has been greatly improved from McKeesport to Homestead.  Wilma crossed another river, the Monogahela, on the way into Pittsburgh.   We snacked at “Eat and Park”, only found in Pittsburgh, and then headed down the trail to the Holiday Inn.  The GAP trail near Sandcastle Waterpark is still not completed.  Looking forward to a day off.  We had dinner with the sisters Janet and Barb and husbands Paul and Bruce at the Hofbrau Haus german restaurant.  A wonderful day and I got "ginger cookies" to take on the next leg of the trip from my favorite younger sister.

Day 10, May 30^th. Rockwood, Pa to Roundbottom Campground along the Great Allegheny Passage.  Mileage for the day was 58.96 miles of some of the best riding anyone can do.  We left Rockwood about 8am (early for us) and headed toward Confluence.  It was downhill, shaded, and through a beautiful mountain hardwood forest.  We crossed the Casselman River several  times over high bridges, saw the construction site where the CSX is removing a tunnel through Pinkerton Mountain, and saw lots of waterfalls and brooks.  The weather was perfect at about 70 degrees, low humidity, and blue sky.  All the way down the trail the CSX trains were passing us on the other side of the river.  We stopped in Confluence for a break and kept rolling down to Ohiopyle State Park.  We ate lunch at the Ohiopyle House Café (the KirkWood Krew might remember it from another tour).  Dave and I went to the Kayaking/Hiking/Biking store and bought more stuff.  I had to leave before it got out of hand. The ride to Connellsville was still downhill and under the trees.  We had some problems finding a dinner stop and ended up eating in the Martin’s Grocery Store.  The GAP organization has built some nice camping shelters at their campgrounds.

Day 9, May 29^th.  We headed up the Great Allegheny Passage today.  The day was beautiful, with a bright blue sky and warm and getting hotter.  The GAP trail is smooth although dusty from the fine gravel used.  We moved slowly up the 2-3% slope of the old Western Maryland RR.  With the full load, I was able to maintain about 8 MPH.  The first stretch to Frostburg, MD is the steepest.  Lunch in Frostburg was at Fatboy’s Pizza.  The railroad and shops near the station were all closed.  The next stretch to Meyersdale was easier but hot.  We went through 3 tunnels including the 3000 foot Big Savage to reach the top and the Eastern Continental Divide at 2400 feet.  The sky turned black and the forecast was for some nasty weather.  We pushed hard to reach Rockwood, PA and found a Hostel.  The Hostel is dry and comfortable and the main line of the CSX is 200 feet out the back.  I stopped counting the number of trains but at least 12 so far.  Mileage for the day was 45.96.   

Day 8 May 28^th Little Orleans Campground to Cumberland  MD.  This was a short day of riding with miles at 45.98 and flat riding except for the short ups at each lock on the C&O Canal.  We started the day with breakfast at Bill’s Store in Little Orleans.  Bill’s is a true step back in time and great taste of the flavor of western Maryland.  We met another rider who lives in Peter’s Township, near Pittsburgh.  When I mentioned I was from Carnegie, Ralph asked me if I knew Debbie Stienhart.  Debbie was a classmate at Carnegie High.  Jack Stienhart, her older brother, might have been in my sister Janet’s grade.  Ralph is married to Kim Stienhart the youngest of the family.  It is a small world.  Last night’s rain made the canal a little sloppy but not as bad as expected, at least during the early part of the day.  We made good time to the Paw Paw Tunnel.  The first time canal riders were in awe of the engineering feat.  Then things started to happen.  First, Bob had a flat tire coming out of the tunnel.  He must have picked up a rock splinter on the trail into the tunnel.  Next, Dave hit a fallen branch an went down.  Nothing bad, but some scrapes.  Next, Sam hit a muddy area and went down.  Sam’s shoulder was, and still is, quite sore, but he is still riding.  We stopped in Old Town, MD for lunch as recommended by my Pittsburgh friend Ralph.  Unfortunately, the School House Restaurant was closed on Memorial Day.  We were able to buy some chips, sodas, and ice cream.  As we rode into Cumberland, Bob’s tire went flat again.  The Bike Shop fixed it for a tidy sum.  I watched a few trains in Cumberland but to bed early.  Tomorrow we head up and up and up the Great Allegheny Passage trail.

Day 7 May 27^th, Horseshoe Bend Campsite (Mile 80) to Little Orleans Campground (Mile 141) on the C&O Canal.  Miles totaled 55.00.  As I write this blog/journal entry, it is raining very heavy and has been for about an hour.  We got into the campground about 5pm, set up, and took a very well deserved and needed shower.  About 6 or 6:30 the sky turned dark and let loose.  I am in my Hubba Hubba tent and so far quite dry.  I worry most about the amount of water coming off the tent and running underneath.  Sometimes it soaks through but so far so good.  I haven’t spoken to the others yet so I don’t know how they are doing.  It is amazing that I can fire up the Netbook and type away.  There were a lot of families at the campground most in trailers and RVs so I guess okay.  The ride began with a short stretch to Dam #4 and the detour up the hill.  I rode up the hill with the full load and got some confidence that I can push the weight all the way to Seattle (more on that later).  Dave, as usual, came up with a change to the route and we rode on Highway 63 straight into Williamsport.  The change was brilliant (kudos to Dave) although Bob and Fred wanted to ride the entire C&O.  I am sure they didn’t miss much but the route change saved about 6 miles.  Fred surprised me when he stopped in a Catholic church for an early mass.  I felt a little guilty for not doing the same, but made it a point to thank God for blessing me with this trip.  We found a Waffle House in Williamsport and had a big breakfast (yum).  Leaving Williamsport, we headed toward Hancock about 25 miles up the canal.  By Hancock, it was about 3 in the afternoon, so we went to Weaver’s for an early dinner/late lunch.  Goood comfort food!  I had the roast beef and brownie with peanut butter icing (picture).   The day was very hot, I think about 95 and humid.  Along the C&O trail, it was somewhat cooler but still humid.  We heard trains all day but only saw glimpses because the CSX is on the other side of the Potomac.  Tomorrow in Cumberland for some up close trains.

Wilma is doing well and likes all the restaurants. 

Day6, May 26, Leesburg to Horseshoe Bend Campsite on the C&O Canal.  Miles today totaled 52.67.  We started the day watching members of Rolling Thunder depart for their Saturday ride.  Bob spent some time with the motorcycle riders last night when we returned from dinner in Leesburg.  Bob tried to entice me to stay but I thought better of it.  The motorcycle group had a long headstart.  The day started kind of overcast but the sun burned through and the day was hot and sunny.  We rode to White’s Ferry and crossed the Potomac to the C&O Canal trail.  The trail is shady and kept us cooler.  The trial was somewhat muddy because of recent rains but not like the last time I rode from Cumberland to Hancock with the KirkWood Krew.  IT WAS TRAIN DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  As we approached Point of Rocks, MD area, the CSX trains started to pass in both directions.  Mixed freight, coal, empty car carriers, trains with 6 engines and a train that needed 2 helpers on the back end.  This went on all the way to Harpers Ferry.  We ate lunch in Brunswick, MD at Mommer’s.  Great little place and good sandwiches.  We took a long break at Harper’s Ferry for a little sightseeing and ice cream.  We did a pretty long stretch to a spot across the river from Sheperdstown, WV.  There is a great bike/hike ramp to get up to the bridge and we went into town for dinner.  After dinner we rode another 8 miles to the camp site.  Very primitive but water and a portajohn.  It was fun to listen to the group put up their tents for the first time on the trip.  All in all another great day. 

Day 5, May 25th  Alexandria VA to Leesburg VA.  44.63 miles today on the Mount Vernon Trail, Four Mile Run Trail, and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.  Another easy ride and all on bike trail.  2 of the group (Bob and Fred) wanted to ride the entire C&O Canal and headed off on their own early.  Dave, Sam and I left a short time later and rode into Old Town Alexandria for breakfast.  Ate at the Extra Perks restaurant (photo attached) which was quite good.  We headed out and took our time up the W&OD.  We stopped frequently and talked with a lot of riders who for the most part were impressed with our plans to cross the country.  Dave was fixated on the Mom's Apple Pie store in Leesburg.  Dave was still cranky because we missed the Pie store in Occoquan.  Upon arrival in Leesburg, Dave pushed into the lead and went directly to the store.  The Blueberry pie was delicious.  One of the bakers sent us to a authentic German bistro for a beer (Bitburger Pils) and we proceeded to spend the rest of the afternoon.  After 3 beers, we called and convinced Bob and Fred to leave the C&O at White's Ferry and come to Leesburg and stay in a hotel.  This makes 5 nights with no camping.  Not the plan but no one is complaining.  Tomorrow we will head out on the C&O.

Day 4 - Occoquan to Alexandria.  We only rode 31.86 miles today.  This was planned to have some time to visit some sites in D.C.  The day started badly with a ride on Route 1 south of Fort Belvoir.  There was a lot of traffic and unfortunately debris on the shoulder.  I rode over a large screw and put it through my tire and tube in the first 1.5 miles.  The change went smoothly thanks to the piece of tire Mike Fore gave me.  Absolutely saved the day!!  I had to put it inside the tire to protect the tube.  There was a noticeable bump with each rotation so I knew I would need a new tire.  The back tire held up all day.  We went through Fort Belvoir and had a second breakfast at the Dunkin Donut shop, then headed for Mount Vernon (Picutre 1).  There must have been 25 buses lined up outside and lots of school groups.  We took a quick break and headed down the George Washington bike trail.  The weather was clear and sunny and this was a great ride (Picture 2).  We met an Army Vet (about 24 years old), who is riding from Maine to Richmond and then west on the TransAm to Montana.  He will start college at Montana State this fall.  He was sitting at the bench where I was run over by Dave and Shawn several years ago.  We got to Old Town Alexandria by 11:30.  We decided to go to the Holiday Inn near the Metro (Eisenhower Ave) but after 2 hard days, the group didn't have much energy to sightsee.  Dave and I planned to head back to Old Town to find one of the bike shops.  Sam, Bob, and Fred decided to join us and look for some lunch.  It took 2 bike shop visits to find one with a tire.  Turned out I had broken a spoke too.  The bike shop, Wheel Nuts, on Montgomery Street is highly recommended and fixed everything, new tire, spoke, and alignment in about 20 minutes.  Dave and I tried to buy several items but stayed rational and didn't add any things to our packs.   By the time we were done, Sam, Bob, and Fred had found the Chart House at the Old Town waterfront and were sipping some beers.  We passed an hour or 2 with some late lunch and a beer and headed back to the hotel.  May go out for a late dinner and another beer pain killer.  It was good to have an easy day because my legs are sore.  Tomorrow we hit the Washington and Old Dominion trail with a stop in Leesburg (think Mom's Apple Pie Store) and on to the C&O Canal. 

Day 3, May 23rd  Fredericksburg to Occoquan (Pohick Regional Park).  An absolutely great day.  We left the Fredericksburg KOA about 7:20 and headed to downtown Fredericksburg for breakfast.  Right out of the gate we had to climb a nasty hill.  After that it was smooth riding into Fredericksburg.  On the home stretch a long freight train (CSX) came rolling into Fredericksburg with a load of containers.  We had a wonderful stretch through the Fredericksburg Battlefield and saw a couple of more trains (AMTRAK and another freight).  Unlike most men we asked a couple of pedestrians in Fredericksburg for some restaurant options.  We ate at the 2400 Diner on Princess Anne Street.  I recommend it highly.  Almost worth the detour if you are headed for D.C. early and want a great breakfast.  After breakfast we changed our route a little and headed up Route 1.  I forgot my Camel Back at the diner and had to backtrack.  A lot of hills.  We got back on the regular route around Quantico Marine Base.  The ride was super.  Some hills but good roads and not a lot of traffic.  We took a flyer and did not go down the hill to Occoquan and searched for a hotel.  Hotels were mostly sold out but we found the Inns of Virginia and found 2 rooms.  Not the Hampton but clean and inexpensive.  We still have not camped this trip.  Dave says we are getting our quota of hotel living early and we will make up camping nights later on.  75.2 miles for the day.  Tomorrow we are only going to Alexandria and we will do some sightseeing in D.C.  Bob and Fred (friends of Sam) are proving to be great guys and we are having fun. 

Day 2 May 22nd.  Willis Church to KOA Campground near Fredericksburg VA.  Today was another great day although I am doing some serious replaying on the itinerary.  We out did ourselves again today and rode 79.87 miles.  A tad more than the 60 miles planned.  The weather was warm but dry.  Dave and I left early (7:20) from Willis Church and headed for Ashland, VA.  We canned our plan to photograph every historical marker.  The route (Route 156) took us around Richmond through the Civil War battlefields.  There seemed to be a marker every 300 yards.  We tried to pick a central site for pictures.  Wilma did get her picture taken!  Ashland was about 40 miles.  We met the rest of our crew, Sam (Dave's brother), and 2  friends of Sam, Bob, and Fred.  All great guys and I am sure we will have a great time.  We did see another AMTRAK train but no freight trains to date.  We ate lunch at the BBQ place on 54 (AG's favorite).  Rode through the Randolph-Macon campus and headed north on the VA Route 1.  To my horror the route went over the 3 Sisters.  Loaded, it was a new experience and all bad.  We rode on through the Virginia countryside west of 95.  Smooth roads and a lot of downhills (Arba hills).  The KOA has cabin so we are staying in one with air, shower, and full kitchen.  Living large. 

We have planned an extra day in Washington to sightsee so if you are following, it will be a day longer to reach Pittsburgh.     

Day 1, May 21st, Yorktown to Willis Church.  A wonderful ride today.  Left home just about 9 am as scheduled.  Overcast and a little rain between home and Yorktown.  Cindy and Diane met us at the Yorktown beach.  Dipped our wheels and headed to Williamsburg.  Lunch at Retro's.  I had some goood chili w/beans and a Grilled cheese w/bacon.  Gave me some extra power.  Saw an AMTRAK train on our way into Williamsburg so the day was already complete.  Next stop was at Chickahominy Park.  The weather got better as the day went on with scattered clouds.  Because Dave and I have never been dedicated photographers, we decided to make a point to record certain items along the way.  Our current plan is to record in pictures all historic signs and historic sites, all the rivers we cross, and if possible all restaurants visited.  I certainly will add a bunch of train pictures, although I missed the AMTRAK.  Dave is already warming up to Wilma and had his picture taken at Malvern Hill  You'll notice  we look like twins on our first day.  Don't expect that again. At Willis Methodist Church (part of Dave's plan to convert me to Methodist) we met up with a fully supported Adventure Cycling Tour group of 12.  Riders are followed by a 15 passenger van and trailer.  The tour leaders set up a hot shower and have camp chair for all the riders.  Groceries are brought in but the riders have to cook.  The group fed us lasagna, salad, and dessert.  Mileage seems to be very reasonable at a max of 60/day.  It is quite a mix of people from Alaska, Seattle, Germany, London, Minneapolis, and Illinois.  Dave and I did 73.09 miles today.  We are both in good shape although Dave is already complaining about a cramp.  Probably getting ready to drop out at Fredericksburg (maybe Ashland). 

Heading down the road

The Virginia boys get ready to take off.

Heading down the road - Buffie Road

May 21 9:30 a.m.  They really left and haven't returned or turned around yet.  The clouds keep getting darker and darker, but no rain yet.

Arba and his 'friend' Wilma - she's related to Wilson from Castaway

Monday 21 May: All packed and waiting for Dave and Diane to arrive.  Sunday was an unbelievable day.  Dr. Condrey's sermon was very meaningful and sent Dave and I out as "sent" persons into the world.  I just thank God that I have been given this opportunity to ride America.  I am carrying a few things from others: a Cross from Steve Hudgins, an Flag from Dick Knowles, and "Wilma" from the crew at work. You will see Wilma in pictures.  Cindy and AG and I spent the afternoon and a quiet evening.  Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and prayers.

All
This is to let you know I have created this blog (with the help of Lauren) so that you can keep track of our amazing journey.