Personal challenges and meeting them together.
Showing posts with label biking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biking. Show all posts
Monday, April 22, 2013
Preparedness (or Lack Thereof)
Over the weekend, Laura and I assessed our current level of training, how much time was left before BRAN, and the likelihood we'd be able to ride and (more importantly) enjoy the ride across Nebraska. The long (heck, they're calling for snow tomorrow) winter has kept our bikes in the garage, and us in the house for far too long. So we've decided to postpone our BRAN experience. Instead, we'll head out in July or August to do our own little tour. Right now we're leaning toward the Katy Trail in MO. This is a rail trail close to St. Louis with Amtrak service from one of the towns near the end of the ride back to the Big City. Biggest question in my mind is getting to St. Louis: do we drive or do we take Amtrak out of Omaha. TBD. At any rate, stay tuned. I'll be posting as we get ready to go.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Ride, Day Six
Today's map.
I had two days of rain, followed by three days of great sunny weather. I guess it's only right that the sixth day have rain to balance it out. And rain it did. I spent the morning riding in showers, had about 90 minutes of sun, then dodged thunderstorms for the rest of the ride. This will explain the few number of pictures; tough to get a shot when you're searching for cover.
Had a short time in the morning without rain as I passed Berlin MD, so I took a pic to celebrate the occasion.
A short time after this, came across a gentleman trying to change his tire. He'd patched his tube, but couldn't get his tire to hold air. Turned out he'd bent the Presta valve. He had another tube but was afraid of depleting his CO2 pump. Asking if I had a hand pump, he looked at my tires and said "Never mind!" (I have Schrader valves on my mountain bike). No fear! I quickly changed the adapter in my pump to Presta, he changed his tube, pumped it up and was on his way. While we worked we talked about my trip. I believe he's another who may give it a go.
A little further down the trail, I came across an aqueduct undergoing restoration. A lot of effort is made to preserve this park.
While I was taking a short break, a woman walking her two dogs came up to talk (amazing what canine companionship can do for one's bravery. Or maybe I just look harmless). She'd seen my saddlebags and asked about my trip. She lived in the area and had entertained doing the through trip but hadn't gotten around to it yet. She said she'd just gotten back from a mountain bike ride in Montana, so I don't imagine she'd have much problem with this.
It was about then that the thunderstorms started rolling in. Not being a fan of uncontrolled electricity, I made myself a moving target and kept on rolling. By the time I got to Great Falls, however, it had quieted down to a soft sprinkle. The only problem here was dodging the hikers and walkers, some of whom didn't seem to understand the words, "Bicycle behind you!" But everyone was pleasant, in spite of the weather.
Then the thunder and lighting started up again and I pushed on to my final destination: Georgetown in Washington DC. On the way, I finally did get my heron pic.
Finally, I reached my destination. Thanks to a young lady in the parking lot, I was able to capture the jubilation and dirt that marked the finish of this challenge.
Don't go away too soon. I'll be posting an epilogue in a day or two.
All the day's pics
I had two days of rain, followed by three days of great sunny weather. I guess it's only right that the sixth day have rain to balance it out. And rain it did. I spent the morning riding in showers, had about 90 minutes of sun, then dodged thunderstorms for the rest of the ride. This will explain the few number of pictures; tough to get a shot when you're searching for cover.
Had a short time in the morning without rain as I passed Berlin MD, so I took a pic to celebrate the occasion.
A short time after this, came across a gentleman trying to change his tire. He'd patched his tube, but couldn't get his tire to hold air. Turned out he'd bent the Presta valve. He had another tube but was afraid of depleting his CO2 pump. Asking if I had a hand pump, he looked at my tires and said "Never mind!" (I have Schrader valves on my mountain bike). No fear! I quickly changed the adapter in my pump to Presta, he changed his tube, pumped it up and was on his way. While we worked we talked about my trip. I believe he's another who may give it a go.
A little further down the trail, I came across an aqueduct undergoing restoration. A lot of effort is made to preserve this park.
While I was taking a short break, a woman walking her two dogs came up to talk (amazing what canine companionship can do for one's bravery. Or maybe I just look harmless). She'd seen my saddlebags and asked about my trip. She lived in the area and had entertained doing the through trip but hadn't gotten around to it yet. She said she'd just gotten back from a mountain bike ride in Montana, so I don't imagine she'd have much problem with this.
It was about then that the thunderstorms started rolling in. Not being a fan of uncontrolled electricity, I made myself a moving target and kept on rolling. By the time I got to Great Falls, however, it had quieted down to a soft sprinkle. The only problem here was dodging the hikers and walkers, some of whom didn't seem to understand the words, "Bicycle behind you!" But everyone was pleasant, in spite of the weather.
Then the thunder and lighting started up again and I pushed on to my final destination: Georgetown in Washington DC. On the way, I finally did get my heron pic.
Finally, I reached my destination. Thanks to a young lady in the parking lot, I was able to capture the jubilation and dirt that marked the finish of this challenge.
Don't go away too soon. I'll be posting an epilogue in a day or two.
All the day's pics
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Ride, Day Five
Day five was short and uneventful. From Williamsport to Harpers Ferry was just over 40 miles. I didn't take too many pics, as you can only make so much of locks, aqueducts, trees, and pathway. There was a challenging detour around a section of the trail that is under construction.
A heron in the Potomac sat there until I took my camera out. He flew off and waited until I got up to him again. Same stunt, but this time flew across the river somewhere.
The Ride, Day Four
Today's map
Thursday was another beautiful day to ride. Left Paw Paw, WV, and headed on down the trail. First site was the Paw Paw Tunnel. Over 3000 ft long, and no lighting. Fortunately, I was forewarned by one of the folks I've met on the trail and stopped in the local Family Dollar to buy a flashlight. I'm told that some folks have ridden thru the tunnel, but I chose to walk. I'm crazy, not stupid!
Stopped to inspect one of the aqueducts this morning. I've passed over three so far, but this had the best view.
As I approached Hancock, MD, I looked up to my left and noticed another trail, the Western Maryland Rail Trail. At the time, I'd considered writing about the sissies who needed the paved pathway, but admit that from Hancock for about ten miles, I enjoyed a ride without jarring my arms, feet and other portions of my body (there's only three parts of the body in contact with the bike; you figure it out.)
While in Hancock, I stopped at the C&O Bike Shop. After three days of 60+ miles, portions of my anatomy were letting me know they weren't happy. So along with a two day supply of Clif Bars and Gator Ade, I bought some single dose Chamois Butt'r to soothe those burning regions. Then it was back on the trail.
As I said before, I used the paved Western Maryland trail out of Hancock for ten miles. While on that silky smooth path, a young woman came pedaling up from behind and struck up a conversation. On learning that I was headed to DC, she related that she and her two daughters had done the same trip together last year. After telling me where I needed to drop of the WM trail, she resumed her somewhat faster pace, leaving me again to my own musings.
As I said before, I used the paved Western Maryland trail out of Hancock for ten miles. While on that silky smooth path, a young woman came pedaling up from behind and struck up a conversation. On learning that I was headed to DC, she related that she and her two daughters had done the same trip together last year. After telling me where I needed to drop of the WM trail, she resumed her somewhat faster pace, leaving me again to my own musings.
These are the remnants of the Roundtop Cement Mill. It burned to the ground three different times, the last in 1906 never to be rebuilt.
This lock was the most complete I've encountered so far.
And as I rolled into Williamsport, I passed this little milemarker telling me I've only got 100 miles left.
Next stop: Harpers Ferry WV
The Ride, Day Three
Wednesday dawned sunny, cool, and low humidity. THIS is the kind of day I envisioned when I first started planning this ride. Today was shorter by a little over ten miles over the previous days, and it was mostly DOWNHILL!
I rolled into Cumberland MD about 9:10, averaging about 14mph from Frostburg, (By the way, if you're doing this ride and stopping in Frostburg, I highly recommend the Trail Inn.) Cumberland is the end of the GAP and the beginning of the C&O.
During the day, Mark and Lou passed me again. They'd made it to Cumberland the night before and were headed to Hancock for the evening. I was stopping in Paw Paw, WV. Lou asked me if I had a light for the Big Savage Tunnel. I pointed at my headlight and turned it on. It didn't work. Guess I'm looking for a light in Paw Paw! We said goodbye and good travels
Some sights along the way: the Bone Cave, Helmstetter's Curve, Lover's Leap (no one did).
The Ride, Day Two
Tuesday dawned with rain falling. I was ready to go, but hesitated to depart in the rain. I waited until 7:00 and the rain stopped. Accuweather said I had 30 minutes before the next band hit, so I took off. It only rained about thirty minutes, but made the gravel dust on the trail stick to everything it touched.
There was more wildlife on the trail today. Found a herd of deer about an hour into the day. There was another, very unafraid, let me get within 30 ft. However, when I tore open the velcro to get my camera out, it took off. A lot of birds, and a black snake that was too quick for me to get the camera.
Some nice river crossings, particularly the Casselman. Crossed this waterway two or three times during the day.
Some interesting rock formations. It may have been because I was hungry, but this one reminded me of a stack of pancakes.
The high point of the day (literally) was crossing the Eastern Continental Divide. From there, I went through a couple of tunnels (here's a pic of the Big Savage tunnel). The first was lighted. The second wasn't; this was where I found out my headlight batteries were dead (need to find some tomorrow. )
From the Divide, it was all downhill. Two days of pedaling uphill gave me 11 miles of 20mph downhill running. It was a welcome relief! Made it to Frostburg about 4:30, and checked into the Trail Inn. This is a great place, in a great location. Easy access from the trail, bike wash area, and a cafe with great food. I highly recommend it. If they had internet access, it'd be just about perfect!
Lessons learned: rain jackets and pannier covers: good. Fenders would be nice! Downhill is my friend. Uphill, not so much!
Tomorrow, it's a 49.5 mile ride to Paw Paw WV. All downhill!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Ride, Day One
The map.
After talking with some folks on the train Saturday, I changed my starting point from McKeesport to Boston PA. While it should have shortened the ride, MyTracks has it at 62.56 miles where I expected less than 58. Wonder what other “adjustments” will be made along the way. My moving average speed was 9.95 mph.
After talking with some folks on the train Saturday, I changed my starting point from McKeesport to Boston PA. While it should have shortened the ride, MyTracks has it at 62.56 miles where I expected less than 58. Wonder what other “adjustments” will be made along the way. My moving average speed was 9.95 mph.
It was a beautiful ride, though. Much of the scenery looked the same all the way. I had some company with the dragonflies jitterbugging in front of my wheel, the butterflies doing their ballet in front of my face, and the rabbits running alongside for a quick sprint. Even had some deer come out and watch.
Lessons learned: websites are not ALWAYS right. Two water bottles is not enough. I can go over 60 miles in 8.5 hours (6:15 moving, the balance resting or taking a picture or two along the way).
While on the trail, I met a couple of other through riders, Mark (?) and Lou. Mark was a writer for Rails to Trails magazine. He took my picture earlier when I'd passed them taking a break (my NC jersey had caught his eye) and wanted to ask me some questions about my ride and motivation. I gave him my phone number and invited him to call me after Monday when I'd be able to answer any question he might have.
That night at dinner, I met two brothers who'd come to Ohiopyle on vacation. They'd left their bikes at home thinking there wouldn't be time to ride. As we talked, we discovered we had all grown up in the NoVA area in fairly close proximity. After learning where I'd started from and where I was riding to, they started talking like they'd like to give the ride a shot themselves next year. Go for it, guys! It's worth it!
While on the trail, I met a couple of other through riders, Mark (?) and Lou. Mark was a writer for Rails to Trails magazine. He took my picture earlier when I'd passed them taking a break (my NC jersey had caught his eye) and wanted to ask me some questions about my ride and motivation. I gave him my phone number and invited him to call me after Monday when I'd be able to answer any question he might have.
That night at dinner, I met two brothers who'd come to Ohiopyle on vacation. They'd left their bikes at home thinking there wouldn't be time to ride. As we talked, we discovered we had all grown up in the NoVA area in fairly close proximity. After learning where I'd started from and where I was riding to, they started talking like they'd like to give the ride a shot themselves next year. Go for it, guys! It's worth it!
Tomorrow's another climbing day, then it's all downhill from there!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Basic Plan
So here's the basic plan, each day's start and finish:
I've got hotel/B&B reservations at the end of each day, so I'm not hauling a tent or sleeping bag.
| Date | Day | Start | Finish |
| 8/8/2011 | Day 1 | McKeesport PA | Ohiopyle PA |
| 8/9/2011 | Day 2 | Ohiopyle PA | Frostburg MD |
| 8/10/2011 | Day 3 | Frostburg MD | Paw Paw WV |
| 8/11/2011 | Day 4 | Paw Paw WV | Williamsport MD |
| 8/12/2011 | Day 5 | Williamsport MD | Harpers Ferry WV |
| 8/13/2011 | Day 6 | Harpers Ferry WV | Georgetown DC |
I've got hotel/B&B reservations at the end of each day, so I'm not hauling a tent or sleeping bag.
What It's About
Over the years, we all have things that we wish we had done, places we wish we had seen, people we wish we had met. This blog will, I hope, allow me to share my challenges as I go after some of those "wishes."
It started a few years back, when I decided I was smart enough to build a kayak. Then last year, it was to enter a triathlon (I finished the first two parts, but DNF the run; still on the list). This year, I'm riding the Greater Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal trails. By bicycle. In a week. 300+ miles. And I leave on 8/5/11 to Pittsburgh!
It started a few years back, when I decided I was smart enough to build a kayak. Then last year, it was to enter a triathlon (I finished the first two parts, but DNF the run; still on the list). This year, I'm riding the Greater Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal trails. By bicycle. In a week. 300+ miles. And I leave on 8/5/11 to Pittsburgh!
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