barrysherry - peaceonabike

June 3, 2017July 26, 2023

Atlas

LAMPASAS, TEXAS

The event was the Texas 4000 Atlas Ride, the official first day of the Texas 4000. Riders had the option of riding 25, 50, or 70 miles, often determined by the friends and family that came to the Atlas Ride.

I drove to Cedar Park and met Will, who brought along a Garmin mount since my BarFly mount broke yesterday. I made it to the start with five minutes to spare.

After the National Anthem, the current 2017 team of Texas 4000 riders were the first to depart. They were followed by alumni riders. Then the rest of us.

I had no expectations for the ride. At first, I was sitting in with a group then decided to go faster and bridged up to the next group on the road. A “train” came by with about 10 riders and I jumped in. We were flying until we came to rest stop one. I stopped but no one else did.

Back on the road, I kept my own pace until another group came by. We had a good pace until we came to a rest stop. They all turned right (rest stop). I turned left (70-mile route). I was all alone.

I soloed for about two miles then pulled over to fix my handlebars which were misadjusted. Eventually, another group came by. One of the riders was Scott Towle from the 2004 group – the original group. The official story was that Chris Condit, the founder of the Texas 4000, was in San Francisco when the Hopkins 4K was just finishing. And that brief moment was the inspiration for the Texas 4000.

Later I saw a Hopkins 4K jersey from 2006. I did not get the rider’s name but he shared stories of the early years. He offered his opinion that the Texas 4000 does a much better job at building community within the teams than the 4K for Cancer does.

The 50-mile and 70-mile rides followed the same course except the 70-mile ride diverted to the west, probably 10 miles, and found some wonderful grazing areas protected by many cattle guards. It was a free message on the bike.

For much of the ride, it was overcast but humid. I was drenched. There were some raindrops but nothing of significance until safely in the food tent.

Will and I rode together the last 30 miles. We integrated with a group of 2017 riders and I started talking with Trey Curran, a rider with the Sierra route. As we got close I remembered the Silent Mile. Surprisingly Trey, nor his teammates had heard of it. When we came to the last mile, I slowed and looked for the signs. Jake. Alex. Amelia. I even doubled back to make sure I didn’t miss them. Found them all.

I ended and was greeted by name. I think that helmet sticker (and number) was a clue. I turned into the main area and saw Ayesha, my Bicycle Buddy from last year.

I got food and sat with the Rockies 2016 team, having met them last year. Then Vanessa found me. I moved to sit with her 2014 Ozarks team. While eating the skies opened up and poured. It lasted about 20 minutes but sent water throughout the tent we were sitting under.

I also got to meet my bicycle buddy from this year – Luis Salazar. Luis is a bright and athletic young man. I also learned that he will not make it all the way to Alaska as he will have to return on Day 48 to start medical school. Well done my friend!

After the rain we sought out the signs from the Silent Mile. We then found Amelia Schmidt’s bicycle buddy, Lauren Nix. She wrote a note on the sign for Amelia – to be delivered to her front yard on Tuesday.

As I was leaving, Trey came over to say goodbye. That was actually very touching.

The Texas 4000 does it right. A wonderful event where friends and family can ride with this year’s team – 25, 50, or 70 miles. And very well attended by alumni. I just wish we didn’t need cancer rides.

_____________________

A view of the ride using Relive.

May 17, 2017May 29, 2017

Ride of Silence

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND

The first hot day of the year, the temperature hit 93 degrees. I timed my day to start a 60 mile ride at noon before heading up to Rockville for the Ride of Silence. Big mistake.

I headed out on the W&OD from Dunn Loring out to Clark’s Gap. Being so hot I didn’t have enough water. After 60 miles I was pretty well drained but looked forward to a brief meal before the Ride of Silence. A 70 minute trip on the Beltway to go 13 miles changed all that.

When I got to Rockville I went to 7-Eleven and got a quart of chocolate milk and a Snickers bar. Then rode to the town center. I arrived the same time Bob and Eveline Roberts arrived.

Wear red arm band if you have been hit by a car. I earned this one in Charles Town, WV in July, 2012.

Bob and Eveline are the parents of the late Jamie Roberts, killed on a cancer ride on June 13, 2014, in Kentucky. The ride organizer, David Merkin, asked Bob to say a few words. Before rolling out there was a report from WHHG TV who also interviewed Bob and Eveline.

At 7:00 p.m. we rolled out, with a police escort, through downtown Rockville. Someone saw our bikes, probably 30-40, and yelled out and ask if this was an organized event. A rider yelled back – “Yes, this is the Ride of Silence!”

Although it was supposed to average 10 mph, we averaged 12-13 mph. At one point going up an incline my heart rate hit 165 bpm. Wow!

We rode 10 miles, in less than an hour. We never put a foot down thanks to the Rockville police.

December 31, 2016January 6, 2022

Reflections on the Year – 2016

TOP TEN MOMENTS IN 2016

My riding in 2016 was always with the backdrop of my dad’s fall, injury, and subsequent death. When he fell in late April I thought to whether we had taken our last ride. My second thought was to buy him a trike for when he healed so balance wouldn’t be an issue. Then I started looking for recumbent tandems in which he could be a non-contributing passenger.

The day after his fall his first words to me when he saw me were “Barry the Biker.” I chuckled. He told me he wanted to get out of the hospital soon so that I could go to Colorado (for Ride the Rockies). I went to Colorado, even though he never returned home, but drove back from Colorado in two days to see him. And I sat out two weeks of prime riding season in September to be by his side.

I really enjoyed our rides the past four years and will miss them. He was a big fan of my rides so these are dedicated to him. In no particular order, here are my top ten memorable rides for 2016.

Ohio – Trails and Piqua

Dayton56

In May I went to Ohio and despite some crappy weather, met and rode with my friend Bob Berberich on the Little Miami Trail then rode on my own around Dayton and up to Piqua where I had lived 50 years ago.

Ride the Rockies

My go-to ride every year, this year’s Ride the Rockies featured a climb over Independence Pass, the Copper Triangle, and a very windy day over Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mount Evans

I forgot how long a 28-mile ride to the tallest paved mountain road in North America could take. Or feel like. But I saw a bear!

Texas 4000

I was a “Bicycle Buddy” with Ayehsa Kang of the Texas 4000 and was able to meet the group in Denver and ride with them for part of a day.

Riding with my grandsons

Hopefully in 2017 I'll have another grandchild join me — Hopefully in 2017 I’ll have another grandchild join me

My daughter first balked at the idea that I could take her sons safely on the W&OD but I eventually won her over and took Andy and Aiden on the trail.

Sea Gull Century

The ride was canceled in 2015 due to flooding and looked like it would be again. But it went off under very gray skies. I caught some riders from the Blair Cycling Club in the first two miles and rode the next 98 with them.

Livestrong Challenge

2016-10

An enjoyable weekend. I rode a trail on Friday then went to Rudy’s with my cancer friends on Saturday. I didn’t hook up with any riders on Sunday but Devil’s Wall got my heart rate up to an unheard of 189. But I didn’t stop.

MS-150

After years of necessary cancer rides, I did a necessary MS-150 ride from Altoona to State College. I enjoyed the route so much that I went back often in the summer into the Fall.

Horrible Hundred

A premier ride in Florida, it fit right with my calendar. It wasn’t horrible but it was much hillier that one can imagine for Florida. And a bonus ride with my friend, John Dockins.

Extreme Skinny Dipping

Imagine you’re on a bike ride and a young woman wants to strip naked and jump into the water in front of you. Yep, happened on this ride.

Bedford_5

Honorable Mentions: Jeremiah Bishop Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, St. Simons Island, Trexlertown

WORST DRAFTING POSITION

For submission of yet another Royal Order of the Iron Crotch Award (my 6th), these were my statistics for the year:

Name: Barry Sherry
Rider Class: BB
Total Miles: 8,100
Longest Ride: 105 miles (Jeremiah Bishop Alpine Gran Fondo, Harrisonburg)
Number of miles commuting: Zero
Percent of miles on Potomac Pedaler Riders: 0.5%
Date reached 5000 miles: August 11
Most miles in a month: 1,331 (July)
Most miles in a week: 469 (during Ride the Rockies – mountain miles)
Number of weeks without a ride: Zero
Number of 100-mile rides: Five
Most interesting story: Extreme Skinny Dipping

More than the miles, I was pleased that I ended the year averaging 36.0 miles per ride, my highest average miles per ride. I may be getting slower but I can ride longer.

I rode 21 fewer days in 2016 than in 2015 but averaged more than three miles farther per ride.

In the end, it was a good riding year. But I miss and will always miss my dad.

In Memory of Rev. Harry C. Sherry, (1929-2016). Photo: May 2012

December 28, 2016February 27, 2017

A Cold Slog

RESTON, VIRGINIA

This is not so much about one ride. I rode 15 times in December, mostly on the W&OD. The first one was from Leesburg to Woodbridge but the rest were just the W&OD with a couple at Occoquan at the end of the month. I was chasing miles. I don’t like chasing miles.

Every ride was windy but some days the wind was much worse than others. And cold. On December 9 I saw but five cyclists over 33 miles. On a normal day I may see north of 100.

One lonely car. Mine. The parking lot in Reston was empty. It was windy but it was cold. Mid 30s.

For a while this year I thought I might set a new personal annual record. But with my dad’s demise, I left 400-500 miles on the table being with him in September including days driving back and forth to Somerset when I didn’t get to ride.

But I had a push in November and entered December needing 450 to get to 8,000. I thought I could make it. Many days were cold. Windy. Gray. And of those I think gray is the worse. But the day before Christmas Eve I hit 8000. And then three more rides took me to 8,100 where I would finish the year.

Those were long rides. To be out in the cold for 2-4 hours just wears on you, especially with wind. And I often struggle as to what to wear and found this article in RoadBikeRider.com, What to Wear in Changing Weather (19 Oct 2015). The guidelines were authored by Coach David Ertl.

Here is my approach to dressing for the temperature. Like you, John, my weak link is my toes. They are often the limiting factor. If head, hands, feet are not mentioned below, then I do nothing special for them.

70 Degrees (21C): Shorts and short-sleeve jersey.

60 Degrees (15.5C): Shorts and long-sleeve jersey or long-sleeve thin undershirt.

50 Degrees (10C): Tights or leg warmers; heavy long-sleeve jersey with sleeveless or short-sleeve wicking undershirt; or lightweight long-sleeve jersey with long-sleeve undershirt.

45 Degrees (7C): Tights or leg warmers; long-sleeve wicking undershirt and lined cycling jacket; thin full-fingered gloves; headband covering ears; wool socks and shoe covers.

40 Degrees (4.4C): Tights or leg warmers; long-sleeve heavy mock turtleneck (I like Under Armour) and lined cycling jacket; medium-weight gloves; headband covering ears; winter cycling shoes, shoe covers, wool socks.

35 Degrees (1.7C): Heavyweight tights; long-sleeve heavy wicking turtleneck undershirt and heavy cycling jacket; heavy-weight gloves; headband covering ears; winter cycling shoes, shoe covers, wool socks with charcoal toe warmers.

30 Degrees (-1C): Heavyweight tights; long-sleeve heavy wicking turtleneck undershirt and heavy cycling jacket; heavy-weight gloves; lined skullcap; winter cycling shoes, shoe covers, wool socks with charcoal toe warmers.

Regarding the charcoal toe warmers. I find these help add another half hour to the time I can ride when it’s 35 and below. I buy these in bulk at Costco, where they are about 50 cents per pair. Sweat will deactivate these. Feet sweat when covered with shoe covers – even on the coldest days. Therefore, to help them last longer, I stick the toe warmers to the outside of the toes of the shoes and then put the shoe cover over these, instead of putting the charcoal packets inside the shoe.

I also put my toes in a sandwich plastic bag to help keep the moisture in the toebox of the shoe. When it gets really cold (<25 degrees), I put my whole foot into a plastic bag (Subway or newspaper bags work well).

To be fully equipped for all temperatures, your riding wardrobe must be quite extensive, especially if you want a couple of each item. Over the years, I have developed quite a collection of all weights of clothing.

My Comments to David’s Text
I notice you don’t seem to use arm warmers. Or bib knickers. I would throw both of those into the mix for low- to mid-50s (knickers) to low 60s. And arm warmers (often with a light short-sleeve base layer and normal jersey) for mid-50s to low-60s.

I like arm warmers for their versatility in adapting to a range of temps. Especially if you start low and go up 10-15 degrees on the ride.

As for knickers, I love them! Just for the same reason you like long-sleeve jerseys, I suspect. They cover my knees, which I like to keep covered below, say, low 60s. And I never have to mess with adding another garment (knee or leg warmers).

To Which David Replied
I don’t use arm warmers or leg warmers. I prefer tights and long sleeves. And I have never understood the purpose of knickers. Why cover everything except that last 4 inches below the calf? I just use tights for everything.

I agree though, you can mention a choice of tights, leg warmers, knickers. They basically cover the same situation.

Wind, being out in the open, and sunny vs. overcast conditions also impact how warmly we need to dress. If it is cloudy or windy, I’d suggest dropping down to the next colder level. If it is sunny and calm (or you are leaving in the morning and know it will warm up a couple of temperature ranges during the ride), I will bump up to the next warmer level.

Coach David Ertl is a USA Level 1 cycling coach with the Peaks Coaching Group. He also is a national coach for the JDRF Ride To Cure Diabetes Charity Ride program and writes the training blogs for RAGBRAI, the weeklong ride across Iowa every summer.

___________________________________________________________

And there you have it. My own comments would be a long sleeve undergarment is good for a day when the temperatures aren’t changing. In fact I often wear that. But knee or arm warmers are great when it’s chilly but the forecast is for warming later in the ride so that they can be removed. For much of December I wore thermal bibs with Livestrong leg warmers. Only my fingers got cold.

November 27, 2016February 14, 2017

Sunday Morning

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

Car problems led me to drive to Purcellville to meet Andrew who was in Pittsburgh. I did not plan to bike home simply because it was very cold in the morning with ice on the roads.

As it warmed up I decided it would have been a good day but I wasn’t prepared, either nutritiously or mentally. Nor did I have the clothing I needed for four plus hours on the bike in the cold.

Instead, I decided I would ride to Leesburg, spin a little on the W&OD, and Andrew could pick me up once he got to the car.

I tried to avoid Rte 9 as much as I could and decided not to take Hillsboro Road over to Purcellville. Instead I would ride to Round Hill but still have the sketchy portion of Business Rte 7 to Purcelleville to contend with. There is no perfect way to Purcellville but this trading one mile of Rte 9 for one mile of Rte 7 seemed like a fair deal.

At Purcellville I found my old friend, the W&OD. At Hamilton I jumped off the trail and onto the road before coming back at Clarks Gap. When I reached Leesburg I went exploring.

I turned on Catoctin Circle to see where it would lead. It lead me to a back entrance to Movern Park. I knew the main entrance was off U.S. 15 so I went through the park. The roads weren’t in great shape, potted and dirt, but no traffic.

It was easy from here to ride to Whites Ferry. I passed the stately home that overlooks the Potomac and saw it was For Sale. I guess $3.0 million but it’s a bargain at $2.4 million. Buying it now.

Back in Leesburg I jumped on the trail until I heard from Andrew. I then returned to Leesburg and picked up U.S. 15 South and told him simply to look for me. My cell phone died so I figured we had one chance to get it right. We did.

It was a nice ride on a Sunday morning. A beautiful Fall morning.

November 20, 2016December 9, 2016

Horrible Hundred

CLERMONT, FLORIDA

Parking will be an issue here, even when you arrive early. I did a test run/ride yesterday so I thought I was prepared. I arrived before 7:00 a.m. for the Horrible Hundred bike ride. Even as I drove in people were parking a mile or two away and biking in. I thought from scouting this yesterday that I could find even parking near the start. And I was right.

Logo on a T-shirt

It was cold. It was just 48 degrees at start but I refused to wear my 3/4 bib tights. And why would I unless I would wear knee warmers all day? I did wear knee warmers of the removable kind. And arm warmers. And long finger gloves. And a vest.

I met my friend, John Dockins, at start and we were off and rolling. We rode at our own pace for a mile or two and then were passed by a group of guys from Team New Tampa Velo Club. We jumped in a rode for nearly 20 miles, well, ultimately to the first aid station. But group riding was sketchy. I got boxed in by them on one climb and there was severe yo-yo-ing in their paceline. One rider came dangerously close to touching wheels and crashing. I’m not saying the guys from NTVC were sketchy because they experienced it too. Once we reached the aid station we let them go.

Horrible Hundred? Hills in Florida? Yes. In this area there are hills. No mountains, at least by my definition, but most of the day was spent on rollers. Not much flat, just lots of ascending and descending.

The ride was well supported. Very well although I cannot account for the SAG support. Thankfully. The intersections were all manned by police and I never had to stop for traffic. There were aid stations at Miles 20, 40, 60, and 80. The course was well marked but to view it on a map it is probably the weirdest course of cross overs and pipe stems.

Riding with John, I was more interested in talking and enjoying the ride. I didn’t want to burn too many matches in the interest of shaving off some time time. It wasn’t my goal not to breathe heavy but almost. I didn’t attack any hills but chuckled when I heard riders worry about “Sugarloaf” or “The Wall.” My Garmin recorded over 7.000′ of climb, and while I don’t think there was that much, it was probably 6,000′ of climb over 100 miles.

Before Sugarloaf, I stopped at the bottom and removed all my cold weather gear. The temperature reached the mid-60s and it was comfortable especially since we were doing some moderate climbing.

As far as riding, this was the sketchiest I have been in a group ride. I noticed it within the first 20 miles when we decided not to ride in a pace line any farther. But it continued. On one right hand turn I was side by side with a rider. I was on the outside (left side) and he was on the inside. He went wide and just missed pushing me off the road.

It was strange. It was the most uncomfortable I was all year in a massive group ride or any ride. Many riders were just hard to read. Couldn’t quite figure it out.

Aid Station #4 (Aid Station #1 in the morning)

Two other times while descending at more than 40 mph I went to pass slower riders who inexplicably moved into my passing lane forcing me to go over the yellow line. This while yelling “passing left!”

I had to constantly be vigilant of all riders around me. This was in contrast to our group yesterday where 40 people stayed together in a tight pack with no issues. Yesterday’s ride was sweet!

Aid Station #3 at Little Lake Harris — Aid Station #3 on Little Lake Harris

At the finish was a full meal: BBQ, Chicken, or Vegetarian. And for desert: ice cream.

For a $45 fee we had a fully supported ride, T-shirt, fully stocked aid stations, and a full meal. You really can’t beat that. And at the end of the day I had a good ride with a good friend. It was windy and hilly but it wasn’t horrible.

November 19, 2016December 10, 2016

That Sinking Feeling

CLERMONT, FLORIDA

Post-ride, I was taking a picture of Lake Minneola and saw a crew boat (scull) go by. The water was choppy. It was windy. They took on water and capsized. I scaled a fence and ran out to the dock. I stopped. I was prepared to go in the water but wasn’t sure what to do to help. One person, Mitchell, panicked, and with good reason – he didn’t know how to swim. But the others were as calm as could be.

I wanted to jump in and swim out to them, especially when Mitchell called out for help. I had that sinking feeling not knowing what to do. I quickly decided that swimming out to them was not a smart option as it would mean only that 10 people were holding onto the capsized boat.

But after a call to water rescue and I think the regatta was watching with binoculars from about a mile away, there were soon three boats and they were able to attend to the kids. One had swum ashore and was very tired. And why not? They were in a regatta and were spent from rowing and now had to swim. He said they weren’t very good.

del_hh6 — The water was over their heads even in the grass. Mitchell is wearing a life jacket thrown to him from one of the boats.

Ultimately, once the rescue boats arrived they got the boat turned over so it could be towed back and each kid was then lifted into a boat and taken back to the start. They took Mitchell first, as they should, but took the one girl (coxswain) last.

Oh, the ride? It was good, I suppose.

This was a familiarization ride for the Horrible Hundred. I parked in Clermont and asked a local rider where the “Waterfront Park and traffic circle” was. He directed me two miles away. I hurried to get there by start time and no one was there. He was wrong. There was a traffic circle but it was in the opposite direction.

I asked someone else and he directed me to go back from where I cam from and go another half mile past it. I arrived back at the real start at 8:31 a.m. They were supposed to leave at 8:30 but were wheels down at 8:33 a.m. Just made it.

But how cool is this? They offered three familiarization rides. The first was was 50 miles at 18 mph. Then there was a 35 mile ride at 16-17 mph at 8:45 a.m. And there was a 42 miles ride at 18 mph at 9:00 a.m.. So I didn’t panic knowing if I missed the 8:30 ride I could jump in with the other rides.

I “sat in” most of the day. They had three trip leaders, Adam, Vance, and Chaz were listed, who set the pace and the rest of us just went along for the ride. Not sure who the actual leaders were. I think one was a woman.

I had my Garmin set for my normal pace and at Mile 45 I checked and I was five miles ahead of where I normally ride. It was a good pace.

The ride had a stop at a Yalaha Bakery – it was very good but the stop was too long for these legs (lactic acid). But what a nice thing to do for the event. A familiarization ride. Bravo!!! The main event, Horrible Hundred, is tomorrow.

November 18, 2016November 22, 2016

St. Simons Island

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

It was a delightful day for a ride in late November. Just 48 degrees at the start with a bright sun shining down. Arm warmers were the only concession to the “cold” needed today as it would creep up to about 70 by noon.

Although I mapped out a ride to follow on my Garmin, as I drove across the causeway to St. Simons Island I knew I wanted to ride the causeway. So I never even tried to follow the cues.

There is a bike lane, and occasionally, a bike path, along the four mile causeway back to Brunswick. It was a little strange because the arrows only pointed in one direction but I had to ride “the wrong way” to Brunswick before turning around and going back to the island.

For a photo op I left the actual bike trail and followed my own next to the bridge. At the end I had to step over the guard rail and something sharp pricked my skin. I ignored it and started to pedal away then looked down. I was covered with those damn cockleburs.

They hurt. And you can’t pinch them with your fingers to lift them off because they prick your fingers too. I got out a credit card and flicked them off, usually after three or four tries.

Was it worth it? I guess I got the photo I was looking for.

Back on the island the streets, or main road, had no shoulder. There was a sidewalk / bike path next to it though.

Usually not long and straight, or concrete, this asphalt jungle weaved in and out. I wasn’t comfortable riding it so I jumped on the road. I was on Frederica Road and even though I was riding 20 mph in a 35 mph zone, I soon had a line of cars behind me. I pulled over when I could to let them by.

One of those cars was a police car. I pulled off the road completely but later caught up to the policeman. I asked him if that was a bike trail and he told me it wasn’t and that we wanted me to ride on the road. And the cars would give me three feet. Little did he know.

I found my time on Frederica Road to be some of the most nervous riding I have done. At least five cars passed with an 18-24″ clearance. Riding on the island was mostly fun but don’t know if I would recommend it for nervous riders.

Having blown up my original ride I just followed roads. I found Fort Frederica which was built by James Oglethorpe.

My biggest surprise was finding The Wesley Oak. This was a tree that Charles Wesley first preached in March, 1736. My dad would have loved this discovery.

Another surprise was discovering a PGA event was being held on the island. The RSM Classic hosted by Davis Love III. Of the 16 golfers in the top ten (a bunch were tied at T7, I only recognized the name of Charles Howell III. The leader was Mackenzie Hughes.

The Oak tree and the tournament were interesting discoveries. But my one goal for the day was finding a lighthouse.

I found the quaint downtown of King City on St. Simons Island. I found two crabbers with their cooler full of crabs.

They told me they would sell them for $1.50 each.

But my goal was to find the lighthouse. Which really wasn’t hard.

Simply follow the road closest to the ocean.

It was simply a gorgeous day for riding. I don’t know that I would come back but I will say I maximized my sightseeing today.

______

November 17, 2016November 18, 2016

Stretching the Legs

SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA

This was easy. I had been driving almost eight hours when I crossed Lake Marion on I-95. I saw an abandoned roadway and bridge right beside I-95. It begged to be ridden.

I found a parking lot at a Food Lion. Within a few minutes I was headed off to find the bridge. It was barricaded to keep cars off it but it was open to bikes and pedestrians.

The main span itself is one mile long. It spans another half mile then another .15 mile span.

The half-mile section reminds me a lot of the abandoned turnpike in Pennsylvania. The pavement is old but with no traffic, it isn’t too want – just “heavy.”

One at the end I simply turned around. It was simply an exercise in stretching my legs.

I rode in shorts and a T-shirt. Didn’t even bother with cycling shorts and a jersey. When I returned I was sitting on seven miles. I have this “thing” that to record a ride it has to be at least 10 miles. So I rode three more miles just to claim the ride.

______

November 8, 2016February 14, 2017

Five Bridges

NEW PARIS, PENNSYLVANIA

A relatively short ride, just 21 miles, but so darn pretty. I was on my way home from Somerset to Virginia and wanted to get in a ride. Any ride.

My go-to covered bridge ride in Bedford County is an eight bridge loop but I didn’t have time for that. So I stopped in New Paris.

It was well past peak foliage season but still pretty. Upon leaving New Paris I was quickly on the closed Cuppetts Covered Bridge. It is weathered but none the less for the wear. Not sure who but it was also decorated for the Fall season.

Crossing the guardrail to get back on Rt 96 I followed it north. Just before starting out I saw a wide tractor coming. Rather than pull out in front and have him breath down my neck, I waited until he passed to take off.

Although he was a few hundred yards down the road I found myself catching him. We both turned to the Ryot Covered Bridge although he turned into a farm.

After the Ryot Bridge I turned onto the Dunning Creek Road and came to the Knisely Covered Bridge. One can walk through it but there is no road on the other end. One can ride but watch the floorboards.

Farther down the road is Snooks Covered Bridge. Once past that is the Bowser Covered Bridge. I left Bowser and followed a flat run in to the little village of Osterburg doing a small loop then retracing my ride.

I had a tail wind going out and the dreaded head wind coming back. The temperature was in the low 60s and I wasn’t ready for much lower temperatures. But it was a gentle reminder that we were into Fall and Old Man Winter couldn’t be far behind.

But for today it was a peaceful day visiting Five Bridges.