Although we were in Ohio, we left as the sun was coming up over the mountains in West Virginia. There was some serious fog rising from the Ohio River valley but here is the sign welcoming us to the 11th state on our adventure.
In a mere 5 miles, we were at the start of the Panhandle Trail. It was a great trail of crushed limestone.
In another 5 miles, we were to the West Virginia/Pennsylvania border. Our 12th state on the trip and our third state today and it wasn't even 9 AM!
The trail continued and the views remained the same: hills in the surrounding distance and a long crushed limestone trail that never exceeded a grade of 1%. It was a sweet day of riding.
With very little effort, we reached the second trail of the day, the Montour Trail. This trail was also a smooth crushed limestone surface. We got on this trail at mile 17 and stayed on the trail until mile 38.
Within minutes of changing from the Panhandle Trail to the Montour Trail, we crossed the McDonald Trestle. You can see the Panhandle Trail from the trestle.
Lunch continues to be an important part of the day. Paul found a bench along the trail. The shade made this a perfect stop.
Along the Montour Trail, some of the original bridges have been destroyed. To help people (and their bikes) down to the road from the rail bed, stairs with special channels have been built. I drew the short straw today!
The National Tunnel is located on the Montour Trail. It is no surprise given the mountains that are present as we entered the greater Pittsburgh area. All of the tunnels have these special alcoves for trainmen to step out of the way of an approaching train. Paul enjoyed this opportunity even if there was no train!
That moment when the sun comes pouring in a tunnel is always special. It was another highlight on a great day.
Like the first five miles of the day, the last five miles of the day were road riding. Most of our total climb was achieved during these last five miles. The Allegheny Mountains are just that....mountains. We went up and down three serious sets of up and down. The biggest disappointment was the downs could not be screaming downhills because the road surface was rough. At the bottom of the last hill was our motel. Another great day on the road.
Looking at the map you two covered a lot of ground yesterday. On to the Great Allegheny Passage and when you reach the Eastern Continental Divide, I know you've heard this before, but it’s all downhill! Be safe.
ReplyDeletehi guys. how many days do you have left? we arrive in seattle tomorrow. cant believe it. Enjoy every last pedal because they soon pass.
ReplyDelete