What a day!!!!! It started with a half mile climb out of Meyersdale which was interrupted to take a picture of this mural. This area's life is dependent on the trains. The trains run through the center of town 24/7.
The first seven miles of today's ride was uphill. The elevation at Meyerdale is 2106' and by the time we got to Deal, seven miles later, we were at 2390'. Up, up, up we went.
Shortly after Deal, we reached the Eastern Continental Divide. Now all the water that falls will end up on the Atlantic Ocean. It also means DOWN HILL riding!
This illustration gives you an idea of how the trail has been going up (forever) and would now head down. We were now members of the downhill smiling bicyclists instead of the uphill determined pedalers. And it felt great!
On our way down, we went through the Big Savage Tunnel. It is a 3294' tunnel that has been renovated by the Allegheny Trail Alliance. The tunnel is well lit and dry.
Riding through this tunnel was quite an experience.
About seven more miles further down the mountain, we reached Frostburg. Although it is the home of Frostburg State, we went to the terminus of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. We waited patiently for the arrival of the steam engine train.
The opportunity to see the engine turned on the turntable was a rail fan's joy. It was even impressive for the rest of us!
Then we left Frostburg to continue the downhill coast (actually we pedaled but it didn't feel like we were working at all.) This is the Helmstetter's Curve which is a half mile arc around the Cash Valley. It is very impressive. They built a trestle around the valley, then filled it in with stones from all the cuts along the newly built railroad.
At the end of the 25 mile downhill, we reached Cumberland. In front of this mule sculpture, the Great Allegheny Passage ends and the C & O Canal begins. Hard to believe that we are reaching the end of this Extravaganza.
You both look fantastic - and happy. I can't believe you're so near the end either. In the beginning it felt like your trip would last forever. I'm so glad that you are both well and still rearing to go. Keep it that way! Looking forward to your homecoming in Andover.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barb,I sort of wish it could last forever,but Jane has to go back to work!
ReplyDeleteTomsuds, today we had a 25 mile coast downhill, so it looks like you better pack up,hope you kept the grass cut.
Hey, guys, it sounds like it's all downhill now! Watch out for drunk drivers and hurry on home. For next summer I'll hook you up with my nephew in Peru who'll lay out a Pan American trip for you!
ReplyDeleteKevin
Awesome pics today!! Nice work, you two!
ReplyDeletePeru sounds interesting....they have trains in Peru....OK, I'm in............. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think your both nuts. ChrisS too. I do like the elevated ramp from the other day...that must have been neat.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that you took Sunday off...I was driving in that weather (barely) there is no way you could tandem in it...hope you had a good rest.
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of Paul with the statue of the Mule Boy...see you soon.