R3A2 Rolff's Radical Ride Across America

  Ohiopyle PA to West Newton PA 42 miles (421) Tomorrow marks my last day of riding with Laura. One of the many benefits of our riding together has been the bed and breakfasts we stayed in. How nice to come off the trail, ride up to a historical home, take a warm shower, sleep in a comfortable bed, wake up and descend the stairs to a delicious and hearty breakfast. Alas, this will cease to be my pampered existence on Wednesday when I pitch my tent for the first time at a campground west of Pittsburgh. Row of bed and breakfasts in West Newton, PA Our B&B in Meyersdale Crossing over the Youghiogheny River leaving Ohiopyle, PA The Youghiogheny River Mile   marker   100 along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail 

  Meyersdale, P A to Ohiopyle, PA - 41 mile (379) Today we rode in 40 degree temperatures along the beautiful Great Allegheny Passage Trail. We ended in Ohiopyle, PA and grabbed a shuttle to Falling Waters - architect Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece that he designed for the weather Kaufman family of Pittsburgh.  Standing below Falling Waters The GAP trail so far follows the Youghiogheny River - we ate here which is a popular pub for local river guides.  More pics of the trail - the bridges,  tunnels, trail surface and beauty of the GAP Trail continued to amaze. Mileage marker as we were leaving Meyersdale.

  Week 1 Broadkill Beach, DE to Meyersdale, PA 338 miles ( 338 miles total ) This first week was amazing and inspiring in so many ways. The scenery, the history, the people, the weather, the wildlife. But most of all the love and support from my wife, Laura. What an amazing way to begin my cross country adventure - with my wife riding along with me! Still have a few more days of riding together but I know the low light for next week will be having to say goodbye to her until August.  This week was bookmarked by weather extremes. Day one the weather was so warm that I used stranger's water hose to douse my head to cool down. Day 7 was so cold that I spent time in a small town Family Dollar Store purchasing hand and foot warmers. The days in between - couldn't ask for better weather. Thank you for reading this blog and if you haven't already checked out the interactive map that I linked In the first entry, please do so. Give your computer time to load it and then hit the Let&

  Cumberland MD to Meyersdale, PA - 33 miles (338) Today's highlight was riding 24 Miles to the Eastern Continental Divide, separating the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Gulf of Mexico watershed. All of today was overcast and much of the time we rode in a light drizzle. Also, instead of getting warmer as the day progressed the temperature decreased. We are definitely experiencing an unusual weather pattern with late fall-like conditions forecast for tomorrow. The Great Allegheny Passage Trail is surfaced with crushed limestone; when dry this makes for a more asphalt like surface than the C&O trail. However, when soaked - as it was today - it felt at times like little trail gremlins were reaching up and grabbing my tires.  Steeples as we leave Cumberland. Re-learned the history of the Mason-Dixon Line Last bridge into Meyersdale, PA

  Hancock, MD to Cumberland, MD - 60 miles (305) Today I rode alone. Laura was shuttled to Cumberland and her ride happened to be the owner of the the Desert Rose where we had lunch yesterday. Laura took my bags with her so my bike felt extra light - rain was in the forecast late morning so I awakened shortly after 4 am and was on the trail by 5 am. Even though it was still dark I felt safe with my new headlight and the first 14 miles were paved. Today's highlight was the Paw Paw tunnel.  Bridge into Cumberland. The end of the C&O. Tomorrow we begin the Great Allegany Passage and a climb to the top of the Eastern Continental Divide. Shortly after my arrival in Cumberland it began pouring. Laura and I put on our fanciest duds and walked to dinner.

  Shepherdstown to Hancock - 53 miles (245) The Potomac River is definitely one of the highlights of the C&O trail that we have been riding the last few days. View from the bridge leaving Shepherdstown Lunch in Williamsport at the Desert Rose Cafe. (Story to follow - see day 6) This section of the trail was constructed with breathtaking views of the Potomac. Wild honeysuckle grew all along this path lining the steep rock face on our right adding an aromatic layer of beauty. 53 miles calls for two servings of locally brewed and hand dated lemonade.

  Harper's Ferry to Shepherdstown - 14 miles (192) The beauty, the sights and the history along this trail are simply amazing. So much so that it called for getting off the bike at times  to experience this part of the USA at the speed of walk instead of the speed of bike. This is the street in front of where we stayed in Harper's Ferry. The Stone House Inn.