Day 45!

Bedford, PA to Gettysburg, PA - 104.6 miles, 8:50

Our day started early, about 4:30 AM, when a brief, but powerful rainstorm passed through our campground. After about half an hour it stopped, and we were able to pack up our wet tents and start our big day.

Our cue sheet said, "Huge day on the bike. This is the 'final exam'." We'd been told all along how difficult this day would be, and some people who did the ride last year said (in their blogs) that some hills were so steep that people had to walk up them! So, I was worrying about it. Not that I fear hills, or anything . . .

I rode with Patty and Tracy, my great riding partners! We all did it! And, I did it! I passed the final exam. I rode up all the hills without stopping or walking! What does this mean? Am I now so amazingly strong that nothing can stop me?

Or, did they change the route a bit from last year?

Some views from the morning.
(Yeah, they changed the route, but let me believe that I'm ready for the Tour de France for a bit, please?)

"The first 40 miles features several big climbs and treacherous descents." It also featured a treacherous ride through the second busiest truck stop area in the country, Breezewood, PA. Sam and Janet are enjoying the break and the traffic.

This was an absolutely beautiful ride, and the scenery was amazing. This part of western Pennsylvania is so pretty.

Here's Patty at the top of one of our big climbs.

Part of our ride took us along Grist Mill Road and Cowans Gap State Park. It was cool, shady, and so peaceful.
We also rode through several small towns. They're starting to look more and more colonial, with the houses close together and right near the street.

When we were nearing Gettysburg, we crossed the Appalachian Trail! I didn't see any hikers.

We're in Gettysburg now. We're staying at the Artillery Ridge Campground, and six of us (Barb, Janet, Tracy, Rosie, Liz, and I) are staying in one of the cabins. It's a nice break from the tent.

There is so much history here. Riding toward the campground, we passed all sorts of historic sites, cemeteries, monuments, plaques, etc. I hope to get out and see some of it tomorrow, my last rest day!