Day 44!

Confluence, PA to Bedford, PA - 79.0 miles, 6:22

This morning we were given the choice of riding more of the trail for 31 miles OR taking the road and crossing the highest point in Pennsylvania, with some 15+% grades thrown in for fun. This rider knows her limitations. She chose the trail, as did most of the sensible riders. About ten testosterone-driven guys took the scenic route.

I left camp with Barb, Janet, Patty, and Tracy. Not long into the ride, Tracy got a flat tire, so we all stopped to help her.
Here are some views of the Casselman River from the trail.


At one point along the trail there's a combination bed & breakfast/bike shop!
After Barb and Janet had sped ahead of us, Tracy got another flat. Patty and I helped her change it, and then a few minutes later, she got her third flat! We were a couple miles from the end of the trail, so rather than try to fix the flat again, she called Sharon (our ride leader), who was at the end of the trail. Sharon called Nick (our mechanic) to bring Tracy her extra tire. Patty and I walked our bikes with Tracy until we met up with Nick. We called it the Big Walk.
Some views along the Big Walk.
Once Nick replaced Tracy's tire, Patty, Tracy, and I were off for a quick lunch in Meyersdale, then back on the road, which after riding on the limestone trail felt very smooth. But then, we were back to the ubiquitous Pennsylvania hills. They are long and steep, and often you can see them with dread (I speak only for myself when I say that!) in the distance.

Did I say that I don't like hills? I don't. I'm getting better at them, but I still don't like them! I do like the scenery that they provide, though.
A commercial break.

A nice climb is visible off in the distance.
We are staying in a campground in Bedford, PA, tonight. It's right next door to the Cannondale factory. (Cannondale, in case you don't know, makes bikes.)

Tomorrow we're going to Gettysburg, and it's our last long, hilly ride.