in june of 2006, i rode the 300+ mile great allegheny passage from pittsburgh to washington dc. the great allegheny passage is actually comprised of 2 trails - the c&o towpath that stretches from dc to cumberland, maryland and the allgheny trail, stretching from cumberland, maryland to just outside of pittsburgh pa. there are no cars on the entire trail(a small segment was unfinished and i had to ride on surface streets when i rode it last year, but it should be done by now) - all 300+ miles, which is why i only ride rail trails.
it was both exhilarating and exhausting. during my ride pennsylvania witnessed some of the worst rains and flooding in 100 years. i almost gave up, as i did on my trip to france, but stuck to it and practically the minute i said i was going to finish the ride, regardless of weather, things got better and remained that way until the end of the trip.
it took 6 or 7 days and i camped all but 2 nights. one night, after the worst rains and flooding, i found a b&b and took a warm bath and chilled. the other night was spent in a motel in cumberland, maryland.
my buddy todd met up with me in maryland, west of cumberland and we biked the rest of the way to washington dc, where he lives. he brought great food from trader joes. i was really appreciative, having eaten nothing but freeze dried meals for few days.
the pennsylvania side of the trail is much rougher and less manicured than the maryland side, depending on your taste. there are several tunnels, which really freaked me out.
more bicycling goodies:
true story about hipsters
a true story about stupid williamsburg hipsters.
» read | posted: 2009-09-22
critical mass
i'm tired of hearing about bicyclists being arrested and beaten up by cops high on overtime pay.
» read | posted: 2008-09-06
the bikes of new york
bikes, bikes everywhere. track bikes, 3 speeds, delivery bikes, messenger bikes. williamsburg, east village, etc.
» view gallery | posted: 2008-08-31
more williamsburg fixed gear attitude
another encounter with a williamsburger
» read | posted: 2007-09-24
the pine creek trail on bicycle
pennsylvania's pine creek trail in 2005. a very nice trail, one of my faves.
» view gallery | posted: 2007-04-25
great allegheny passage on a bicycle
rode my bicycle from pittsburgh to washington d.c. through some of the worst flooding in pennsylvania in 100 years. all told, a fantastic trail, highly recommended.
» view gallery | posted: 2007-04-20
biking disaster-part 1
my first bike tour was a disaster. don't go on vacation in france in august. you are only asking for trouble.
» read | posted: 2006-05-12
