Bob left for a trip biking from DC to Pittsburg. He is doing it self supported so all his gear has to be carried by him. We took several test runs last week and something always seemed to go wrong but he appears to have worked out those kinks. They traveled by car to their drop off point and then took a shuttle with all their gear to DC where they will start their journey. Saturday they spent the day touring DC and visiting all the monuments and some museums. They ate at a German resuraunt on Sat and Bob ordered Vienese goulash with red cabbage and potatoe salad. They spent the night in a youth hostel.
My first note from Bob on Sunday was that he was 17 miles up the trail and the views were of gorgeous rapids. The trail was muddy because it had rained the night before. His bike is very muddy. Later he tell me that he and two other guys fell because of the mud. There were lots of water filled depressions. Only five of the eight finished the 64 miles that day. Three gusy camped about 22 miles back because of bike problems and what not. Bob stayed in another hostel last night and was glad for it. He was muddy head to toe and hosed himself and his bike off at the hostel. Today they are touring Harpers Ferry and vicinity. I look forward to hearing more about his trip. I told Bob to send me some pics with his phone but have not seen any yet.
My first note from Bob on Sunday was that he was 17 miles up the trail and the views were of gorgeous rapids. The trail was muddy because it had rained the night before. His bike is very muddy. Later he tell me that he and two other guys fell because of the mud. There were lots of water filled depressions. Only five of the eight finished the 64 miles that day. Three gusy camped about 22 miles back because of bike problems and what not. Bob stayed in another hostel last night and was glad for it. He was muddy head to toe and hosed himself and his bike off at the hostel. Today they are touring Harpers Ferry and vicinity. I look forward to hearing more about his trip. I told Bob to send me some pics with his phone but have not seen any yet.
Tuesday May 25: Got word from Bob that he is about 10 to 15 miles up the trail already early (at Shepherdstown) they plan to stop for lunch at about 77 mile marker. The trail is not as muddy and it is easier going today. He had a great time at Harpers Ferry yesterday and said it was like a Greenfield Village but real. The picture above is from today.
Just got another message from Bob: " I thought we went up the steepist, longest (0.7 m) hill in the state twice yesterday, but the hill we just climbed is steeper and over a quater mile long. I walked half of it. More bike trouble (theirs). 5 flat tires and a blown tire yesterday. Now a chain problem. My bike still OK. "
Wednesday Bob finally arrived at Orleans and apparently there was the steepest hill to get there. They all walked it. It is also very hot for them now which seems to be taking its toll on Bob at least. They went 47 miles on Wednesday.
Thursday I got word from Bob that he had to do some braking to get down a hill which would have taken him to 41mph but with braking only about 32 mph. They arrived in Cumberland on Thursday. The heat is killing them and a service truck stirred up some mud holes.
Friday still had hills to climb and it was not easy.
Saturday it was a bit easier but not easy hauling 50 lbs of gear and a few flat tires in the group as well as breaking some spoke nipples. Bob came home on Sunday evening after a 40 mile ride on Sunday. Needless to say the first day back, Monday was spent chilling on the couch and getting gear in order.
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