This is one of my favorite rides, even though it doesn’t have a ferry. In a nutshell, take the Amtrak from Richmond to Williamsburg and then ride back to Richmond. My bike ($20) cost more than my fare ($12).
Richmond Main Station
There was a crash on I-95 South near Quantico this morning. Waze took me out to Joplin Road before getting on the Interstate. My ETA for Great Shiplock Park was 9:48 a.m. The train was scheduled to depart at 10:03 a.m.
I passed the Richmond Main Station and saw plenty of parking available but at what cost? I always drive to Great Shiplock Park, a neat little park about one mile from the train station, for free. I arrived and went through my mental exercise. Bike computer, Speaker, Front light, Rear light. Garmin radar (rear). Two bottles. Ice. Water. Food in my pockets. Check air pressure.
I was out of the lot at 9:55 a.m. to make my 10:00 train. Four minutes and two seconds later I was in the building. Elevator to the second floor and out to the platform.
Richmond Main
I asked the conductor which car and he said to pick one. I did and they did not have the bike “rack” set up. I leaned my bike on the bulkhead, preferring that to taking off a wheel and hanging it. From Richmond to Williamsburg is one hour and no stops so I knew more passengers would not be boarding the train down the line.
When the conductor came by he didn’t say a word, I suspect he didn’t want to change the luggage rack into a bike rack either.
The Capital in Williamsburg
I did a quick “tour” of Colonial Williamsburg and then found a course on my Wahoo and followed it. It featured some side streets which I don’t remember riding before but probably did.
Williamsburg
The trail was thick with leaves in places which made seeing the trail difficult at times.
I rode into a strong wind the entire time.
MyWindock.com – Chart of winds
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Chickahominy River
I stopped at Haupt’s Grocery in Charles City and got a chicken breast. I could tell I needed something although I had my pockets full of cycling food.
Charles City
At Shirley Plantation, I came upon a cotton field. I didn’t know they grew cotton in Virginia.
Cotton
Some of the trail is wooded which gave protection from the winds. Other sections were out in the open in which the wind and sun took it’s toll on me. It was 82 degrees today.
First Thanksgiving
Arriving in Richmond I made my way over to Libby Hill Park. I was hoping to see if I could beat my PR on the climb but never could find my line. The cobbles will beat you up. I sucked today.
Libby Park
Notwithstanding not getting a PR at Libby Park, this is a great ride. Well, the winds weren’t my friends today either. But if you want to stay on a trail, you can ride traffic-free from the Jamestown Settlement 50+ miles back to Richmond.
Richmond
There is a 6-7 mile ride from Williamsburg to Jamestown on the road but the last time I rode this I met a couple who took their bikes from the train in Williamsburg on a bus to Jamestown so they never rode in traffic. Not for me but that’s a nice way to do it.
The cool weather of the last week was a stark reminder that the seasons are turning. I had hoped to go to Jim Thorpe, Pa. for a ride on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail (D&L) but that will have to wait until next year. The weather forecast was absolutely beautiful for today and I got my car back after a week in the shop. Time for a road trip.
Spooky
I was leaning towards making this trip but only if I woke up early enough on my own. And to get there at a decent time it has to be early. I don’t do alarms. When I woke up early the road trip was on. I headed to Easton, Maryland.
There was nothing unfamiliar about this ride. This would be the 11th time I have done some variation of this ride, all since 2022. I know these roads. I love these roads.
Tipple Creek
From Easton, one can ride to St. Michaels by “land” or by “sea.” My usual route had been to take St. Michaels Road out from Easton but in August and today, I decided to take the water route. I parked at Idlewild Park and rode straight to Oxford where I would board the Oxford-Belleview Ferry to cross the Tred Avon River.
Today’s route was simple. Ride to Tilghman Island and back. When I arrived in Oxford I saw the ferry about halfway across the river. It is a 10-minute crossing but when the ferry arrived the captain came off and walked to the restroom. The Talbot does not have a restroom onboard and captains have to pee too.
Oxford Ferry
A very nice older man was the ticket taker. He had a cheat sheet of prices and before he could reach for it to see the bike fare I made it easier for him by giving him the $7 fare. He admired my bike and told me he just had service on his 1980 Trek. We chatted a bit about riding.
Tilghman Island
There were two cars on the boat going over to Bellevue. When we arrived a car that had been waiting on the Bellevue side started coming down the access pier to board the ferry. The problem was there were still boats on the ferry that needed to leave. The approach is one lane wide. The captain got off the boat and gestured for the driver to back all the way back to shore so we could depart. There is a sign at the entrance not to drive on until the cars have disembarked. Some people.
Tred Avon River – The Talbot in the background
I rode from Bellevue out to St. Michaels Road. I discovered the shoulder had just been milled and sprayed with tar. That would not work. I could not ride on that. The road has wide shoulders on both sides so I rode on the left shoulder against traffic but only for about 300 meters until I found new pavement.
St. Michaels
I was riding 100 km (62 miles) today and roughly 50 miles of that was on a wide traffic-free shoulder. The road from the ferry to St. Michaels Road is a 4.5-mile two-lane country road but always with light traffic. And on Tilghman Island the road becomes two-lane, but with super light traffic.
Oxford Ferry
I changed the display on my Wahoo to not show speed. I wanted to ride without ever looking at how fast I was going. Today was a ride just to ride.
The choice of the day was perfect because of the weather. The downside was the Scottish Highlands Creamery was closed today. It’s always nice with 10 miles remaining to stop for ice cream.
When I arrived back at the car I stopped my Wahoo and uploaded my ride. I was surprised to see that I averaged 17.1 mph today. Solo. It was faster than when I rode in August.
I wanted to ride as fast as I did in August (17.0) but I never wanted to be watching my speed and thinking I needed to increase my pace. This was a relaxing ride and the higher speed made it even better.
It was a rough week with illness. I did no riding most of the week opting instead for heavy doses of Nyquil and daily naps. I didn’t think I would ride on Thursday but snuck in the Thursday evening club ride of just 15 miles. On Friday I rode with Tim but pulled the plug at 24 miles.
Early rise
Yesterday was a private VIP ride with Jeremiah Bishop for top fundraisers for the Cancer Journeys Foundation / Prostate Cancer Awareness Project. I went from thinking I would miss the event early in the week to downgrading the distance I would ride. First I changed from 100 miles (Gran) to the Metric Century (65 miles/ Medio) and then I switched to the Valley View Adventure (36 miles / Piccolo).
Looks like the kids from the Albemarle School
I suffered on the VIP ride even though it was an easy-paced ride. I had ridden to the ride from my hotel in Harrisonburg so my final mile was uphill back to the Hampton Inn & Suites (University). I thought I might have to pull into a parking lot partway up just to catch my breath.
Registration
I never thought about not riding today. The only question was how far. And did I want to change my ride category yet again? I opted for the shortest route, the Piccolo or Valley View Challenge (36 miles / 2600′)
At 8:00 a.m. I was called up to the front of the group for photos and the rollout. I’m always at the front as prostate cancer survivors are invited to come to the front. That means photo time as we roll out of town. I knew that Robert and I would be riding together on the Piccolo route. And as we rolled through town I willingly started slipping back through the group. And he slipped farther back.
Start line
Just two miles into the course the route makes a sharp right turn onto Switchboard Road. The next six miles are on a narrow country road and a few hundred riders squeezed together create an accordion effect. It’s generally not an enjoyable experience. Actually, those eight miles are my least favorite miles of the route simply because the road is too crowded and some riders are a little too peppy.
Today I hung on the back of the group trying to gauge my breathing. If I needed to bail out early, I would. At the turn where the routes split, I stopped and waited for Robert and some other riders. Cool at the start I used the wait time to remove a T-shirt I had been wearing. I had been sweating and the cool mountain air felt good.
Waiting for my group
I went into today just wanting to enjoy the weather – the best ever in 14 years of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. This event supports prostate cancer and I saw it as fortuitous that my bib was #15 as next month I will be 15 years cancer-free.
It seemed in almost no time we reached the rest stop. I was truly caught by surprised that we were there that quickly. It’s not that we were riding fast, we weren’t, it’s just that the time flew by in conversation. This was also the starting point a mile down the road for a 22-mile loop. Fudge the math a little but this is the difference between the Valley Adventure ride and a Metric Century.
Rest stop
I had been chatting with a guy and he left the rest stop before we did stating, “I know you’ll catch up with me.” Well, no we won’t if you ride the Metric and we don’t which is what happened. Nice guy but I never saw him again.
My Whoop band had my recovery in yellow, the 12th straight day I have been unable to have a full recovery. But this was the first day in the last seven that I started to feel better. I thought about changing my route to the Metric, even on course, but I also worried that I might bonk around Mile 50. I didn’t know how one week of illness might affect me so I stayed with the shorter route. Plus I was enjoying the company.
Fog at the start in Harrisonburg
I let myself think of one goal. There was a sprint section on course. Last year I had a sneak peek at it without actually racing it. I had gone for a timing chip at check-in but wasn’t doing the mountain route. I asked a volunteer if I needed one and they said I did not. Of course, they were wrong. But since I didn’t have a timing chip when I came to it I offered to pace a woman on my wheel and maybe help her get on the podium. She didn’t hold my wheel and I had a decent time but didn’t push it. But I thought my pace that day put me in the running if I would try.
My favorite bridge
I had dropped behind my group. I stopped on the one-lane bridge for a photo op. The group rolled ahead without me. I had no stamina. I didn’t expect that I would.
Being alone and not being distracted by a conversation, I was looking for the sprint start. It was well marked and almost invisible. There was a vertical banner flag marking it but if you weren’t looking for it you might not see it until crossing the timing mat that marked the spot.
I saw Robert and John about 100 meters ahead of me. I saw them cross the timing mat and both started their sprints. I ramped it up and took off. It was the best that I felt in over a week. Robert and John who had been 100 meters in front of me were a bit surprised when I flew past.
My feeling of strength would not last. The segment was 800 meters long and around 600 meters I faded badly. I wanted to get out of the saddle and spring the last 200 meters but coulnd’t stand. I just didn’t have it.
Yet, as I crossed the line I saw that I had set a PR on a similar segment on Strava so I thought I did okay. The exact timing of this segment was not a Strava segment. It was my best time on this segment. It wouldn’t be known until we finished how I actually finished compared to others.
Mole Hill
A group of four of us came to Mole Hill. The climb before Mole Hill may have been tougher and I went up first and then waited for the others. Robert was taping and let those two go ahead. I wanted to go last and pass everyone on the climb. One of the guys was up the road by at least 200 meters before I hit the start line.
I took off and quickly passed my two rabbits up the road. I didn’t consider this as a KOM and didn’t go all out. I wanted the sprint segment and was happy with that effort. Robert said something about racing for socks so I knew a jersey wasn’t on the line. I was happy with my effort and know I could have gone deeper but why bother? I didn’t understand all that was on offer.
Finish line
Back at the finish line I got a text that I was on the podium. Third, second, or first? When they announced the sprint results for 65-69 they called two names but not my name. And then I was in first. Nice.
There was a second podium for the Gran Fondo Series. I’m still trying to understand all the timing. When I got home I could see that not only did I win my age group, I would have taken second place overall with no age categories, losing only to a 45-year-old from Wisconsin.
I am pretty stoked about this PR / podium. I saw the sprint segment last year and perhaps in 2021. There was no event in 2022. I wanted to train for it but my illness kept me from training and from having the stamina necessary. I normally would be able to maintain my spring the entire distance.
While I am very happy for the podium I am also aware that this was in the Piccolo group, the shortest route available. Most stronger riders would choose a longer ride. So I went and checked my time against everyone in my age group in all the categories. I wish I could say I was first overall but I wasn’t. I was second overall. Second.
I am pretty happy about that. I also realized that my time was done after 40 miles in the legs and not 65 or 100 miles. I accept that. But it bodes well for next year and I will be changing age groups as well. Bring it on!
Today was a special day – the Alpine Loop Fran Fondo VIP Ride for top fundraisers. This event was on my calendar all year but as the time approached I did not feel well.
Robert and Jeremiah
I had something respiratory. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent napping. Nyquill was my best friend. I wasn’t feeling like a ride on Thursday but by 5:30 decided to try the Thursday Night Ride. It went okay.
Yesterday Tim and I headed out to Bastable Mill Road for a 32-mile ride with bailout options. I chose one that cut it to 24 miles. I had no energy.
I had been targeting this event for some age group KOMs. Those were gone. My fitness was gone. It may have peaked in August with the ferry rides. I changed my registration for tomorrow from 100 miles to the Metric Century (65 miles).
Traffic jam in Dayton, Va.
Our VIP ride met at the bike shop. It was great to see Jeremiah and Erin as well as Robert, the founder of Cancer Journeys Foundation. We had nine riders for our VIP country ride. This area is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive to the east and the Shenandoah Mountains and the West Virginia state line to the west. While technically the Shenandoah Valley, this valley is anything but flat.
We rolled out and rode as a group. I was testing my fitness and failing. I’m not congested but never felt I could get a deep breath. I was short on nutrition this week – oatmeal was my dinner last evening. I needed to see how I felt for yet another decision.
Hinton Market
As we rolled along, someone had a flat in the group. I convinced Robert to ride ahead with me and not wait for the guy fixing the flat. I told him we would soft pedal while waiting for them but of course, I meant we would ride normally and still be caught.
The ride ended at the bike shop and registration tent. However, that was an hour away. I had ridden from the hotel and decided to ride back to the hotel. Normally I would ride back and then return by bike. But the climb back to the hotel drained me. I showered and then drove back to registration.
VIPers
At registration, I was asked to confirm that I was going to ride the Metric course. And I said to downgrade me again to the 38-mile route. If I had to I could ride the 65-mile route. But I would be going so deep on a depleted body that it would set my recovery back even further. I know things aren’t right because this is a ride I look forward to and I am dreading it. I need recovery which isn’t there.
Seventeen years ago I went to a Century ride in Kilmarnock, Va. That day we crossed a river on what I referred to as the Ottoman Ferry. I was trying to recreate much of that ride. I looked for ferries in Virginia and found two near each other in Virginia’s “Northern Neck.”
Merry Point Ferry Sign
I mapped out a ride parking at the Hickory Hollow Nature Trail in Lancaster, Va. My plan was to ride to the Merry Point Ferry, turn around, then ride to the Sunnybank Ferry. I mapped out a Metric Century (62 miles or 100 km) but was very flexible depending on how the ride went.
Bad dog
I parked in a wooded nature area big enough for perhaps four cars. It was country but there were a couple of houses across the road. I started my Wahoo and immediately had a Pit Bull (or mix) come charging at me. I had just started and there was no way I could get up to speed and escape.
I stopped and yelled “GO HOME!” while trying to make myself bigger. I was ready to dismount and use my bike to protect me when a truck pulling a flatbed trailer came up the road. The dog saw this and went back. The driver saw this confrontation and stopped between me and the dog. I was able to slip away unnoticed but for the next couple of minutes, I kept checking to see if the dog was chasing me.
Parking at the nature trail
I made my way to the Merry Point Ferry on Ottoman Ferry Road. This was the one I crossed 17 years ago. The captain or operator, John, was very nice. He was impressed that I planned to ride both ferries and told me to say hello to John who was operating the next ferry in my trip.
After crossing the Western Branch of the Corrotman River, I rode about one mile and then turned around and went back to the ferry.
John, on the Merry Point Ferry
I had planned to ride past where I had parked but checked my map and found a different route to my next destination. I had to avoid the dog.
The route was flat and mostly on country roads. I crossed the Great Wicomico River and then headed to Sunnback and the Sunnybank Ferry. I said hello to John who was surprised I knew his name. I was the only one on the ferry and about halfway across the Little Wicomico River John asked me if we could go back. A car was pulling up and he wanted to go back and pick it up.
Great Wicomico River – The bridge rises although it’s hard to see here
I was in no hurry and told him that would be fine by me. But then he had second thoughts and we continued to the trip. To make it easier when we arrived at shore I stepped over the retaining rope and was able to walk around the gate so he did not have to disembark to take care of that. We almost hit the shore when he ] reversed it and went back for the car on the other side
Arriving on the Sunnybank Ferry
I found an entrance to a development using Brammer Drive, next to the Chesapeake Bay. And a second dog chased me. Did I wear something dogs like today? Geez!
Corn – This led to a private road (oops) but hey, I was following the GPS
The ride back was a loop and then retraced much of what I had ridden.
Merry Point Ferry
Closer to Reedsville the roads became “heavy,” a cyclist description of rough asphault. Not potoles but more like the original surface without the smooth finishing coat. These roads are harder to pedal on an will wear one out sooner. There weren’t shoulders here and traffic increased.
Ottoman Ferry Road
Nice crossing of the Sunnybank Ferry (Sam)
Great Wiconmico River
It was a fun ride although I was shaken from the dog attack at the beginning. I was going to ride a metric century (62 miles) but cut it a little bit short. I may do a variation of this again but always with a watch out for the canines.
Peach milkshakes. I stopped but this looked more like a sit down restaurant so no milkshake for me
The challenge: Circumvent the Delaware Bay. The route was relatively straightforward. Go up through Delaware and return through New Jersey. Crossing the Delaware River by bike took some planning.
Two routes both generated by RideWithGPS from Lewes to Delaware City
I utilized the mapping features of RidewithGPS and drew a ride from Lewes to Delaware City. The first was using the app and it produced a 97-mile route. The second used the website and it produced an 80-mile route. That’s a big difference mostly involving one hour of riding time.
Milford, Del. – I didn’t see any ducks
That time would be significant. Saving “the best until last” I wanted to ride most of the day and then finish my day with a ferry ride. If I rode from south to north I would be racing to meet the last departure of the ferry for the day – a 3:00 p.m. boat from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island then to Fort Mott, N.J.
Crabs at Crab 73
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry runs all day so there was no time constraint in rushing to meet its schedule other than what I would impose on myself by the reservation I made. The Forts Ferry Crossing operates Wednesday – Sunday from 9:30 until 3:00 in summer and weekends only in May and September.
Egg refrigerator near Milford
Granted, the simplest would be to ride counterclockwise. Leaving Lewes I could catch an early morning ferry on Friday and then catch the 9:30 a.m. ferry in Fort Mott, New Jersey on Saturday. But it is nice looking forward to a ferry at the end of a ride. It is not nice to monitor the time during the ride and even skipping lunch because of a ferry schedule.
Fort Delaware State Park, Delaware River
I contacted my friend, Branan, who lives in southeastern Pa. for a recommendation. He in turn connected me with his friend, Marty, who is from Delaware. Marty and I discussed logistics. As long as the ferry was an option I was going to utilize it. The closest bridge crossing is not until the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia – a 90-mile detour.
Delaware City Hotel and Crabby Dicks
Websites are great but few can answer every question or permeation that one may have. I couldn’t figure out with certainty whether I could take my bike and take this ferry across Delaware. Where is George Washington when you need him?
On Wednesday, the day before I left, I called the ticket office for the ferry. I was told I could take my bike. Just be sure to arrive before the last ferry (3:00). Buy a ticket in the office, no need to do it online in advance. Board the boat to the island. Stay on the boat then go to Fort Mott. It sounded simple.
Reddy Point Bridge (Del. Rte 9, Delaware City)
Yesterday I went to Easton, Maryland, and rode out to Tilghman Island. I was chasing miles because on June 23 I was 970 miles behind my plan for the year. I also wanted a flat ride to get a good measure of my speed. I came in at 17.0 mph (27 kph) and wanted to use that to determine my riding time to Delaware City. I determined I should leave by 8:00 a.m. to allow myself plenty of time to make the boat.
Aboard the DelaFort
Lodging was at Home2Suites by Hilton in Lewes. I should have checked in advance for the parking situation because I did not know before I checked in whether I could leave my car for an extra day. I could. They have plenty of open space next to the hotel and Cletis said there would be no problem leaving the car for a day while I rode to Pennsville for the night.
Home2Suites, Lewes, Del.
The night was short. There was an alarm in the room that had been set for 5:15 a.m. Not my alarm. Not my setting. Not a great way to start the day. I did try to go back to sleep for an hour or so but my Whoop Recovery was still in the red (33%). Well, here goes …
Breakfast at the hotel
I was 23 minutes later leaving the hotel than I wanted. I was on the road at 8:23 a.m. It was windy. Most of the day it felt like I was fighting a headwind and my “windsock” measurement shows my longest continuous headwind was for three hours and two minutes. It was tough riding.
Georgetown/Lewes Trail
Destination: Delaware City. Fort Mott. Pennsville. I was only slightly confused leaving the hotel trying to find the direction my GPS wanted me to follow but soon found myself on the Georgetown/Lewes Trail.
Georgetown/Lewes Trail
The roads in southern Delaware were great. Mostly I had roads with wide shoulders. Magnolia was only 35 miles into the ride and Marty had suggested a water or food stop there because it was pretty barren the rest of the way. I did not need anything at that point nor did a convenience store jump out at me. Perhaps if I saw one if would have stopped. I didn’t.
Near Milton. Bike Rte 1
From there it was a brief ride on Del. Rte 1, a busy 4-lane road with wide shoulders. After two km I turned onto Del. Rte 9 – a back road generally with no shoulders although occasionally there was room to ride to the right of the white line.
Milton
Marty examined the two different routes generated by RideWithGPS. Both went through Dover. He suggested the brief foray onto Del. Rte. 1 and to get to Rte 9 as soon as possible. RideWithGPS did not like this. I could not connect two points and be routed onto this road. This appears to be a mapping issue with Google Maps as they must have this road off-limits to bikes. RideWithGPS uses Google Maps on the back end.
Milford. This is just silly, Delaware. This appears to be a 20-meter bike path complete with a bike stop sign for the first two meters.
In 2024 we can create or find a route we want to ride, upload that to our bike computer, and follow the map, not unlike a car’s mapping functions. The problem I had was I couldn’t map this section and had to resort to the feature of “drawing lines” instead of “following roads.” The only question I had on this ride was this section and my manual change to override the mapping feature worked perfectly.
Produce stand outside of Milford
I came to Little Creek (Mile 43) and saw the welcoming flags of OPEN that businesses will put out. I stopped at the Little Creek Grill. It has a small dining room and a counter. It was 11:30 a.m. and was packed. I had to ask one guy to stand up from his table to get past him to the cooler to grab water. I paid at the counter and thought that perhaps I should buy a second water to top off my second half-full bottle. He seemed bothered enough the first time. I didn’t try for a second.
Little Creek Diner – Perhaps the only place on Rte 9 to replenish supplies
At Mile 63 I was running short on water. I saw the welcome flags flying at an establishment and pulled in. It was Crab 73. I walked in and there was a man behind the counter with no shirt on. Two basins of crabs. But a refrigerator of water. $1 each. I took two. Thank god I found this place.
Crab 73
In reviewing the routes, Marty told me I had a better bridge crossing over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. For some reason, I pictured that I avoided a very high bridge and was taking a back road with a draw bridge across the canal.
Reddy Point Bridge
As I approached the Reddy Point Bridge I could see the road going up. It was an impressive sight to see rising above the otherwise pancake-flat horizon. My legs did not like the thought of a climb now.
Reddy Point Bridge
It was two lanes, no shoulder. It was no different than the 80 miles behind me and I liked to think that now I was visible in a straight line with two brightly shining rear strobe lights. I would be okay. Maybe 10 vehicles, at most, passed me and all were respectful. The most annoying thing about the bridge was that there were large junction gaps in the bridge deck every 20 meters or so.
Delaware City
In Delaware City at 2:15 p.m. I went straight to the ferry ticket office to buy my ticket. A very nice woman sold me one for the 3:00 departure. I asked about the 2:30 and she told me I could board it but it would go to the island, return, and then leave at 3:00 for the island before heading to Fort Mott.
Delaware City
I informed her that I really wanted a burger. She wasn’t real sure of fast service at Crabby Dicks and recommended a sandwich shop, Sabatina’s. I entered the shop which was permeated by a rotten cigar smell. I bought a Coke Zero and left. I went for ice cream instead.
Fudge Packing Company
Sitting outside a shade-covered table, two young women and two kids came by with ice cream. They looked at the tables in the sun and I invited them to sit at my table for six in the shade. Nice family. They were babysitting the kids.
Fudge Packing Co., Delaware City
I went over to the ferry at 2:50 p.m. When I was sure everyone was off I walked up with my ticket. The man couldn’t have been nicer. He showed me where to put my bike. We left at 2:58 p.m. Hmm. Glad I didn’t show up at 3:00.
Stowing my bike aboard the Delfort
The ferry stopped at Pea Patch Island, dropped a couple of passengers then picked up more to continue to New Jersey. I had mapped a riverfront ride to the hotel and it worked perfectly.
Delaware City
The hotel was the Hampton Inn, Pennsville. At the front desk, the clerk was eating a sandwich and didn’t seem to want to be interrupted. I went to my room (digital check-in), showered, and then walked next door to the Cracker Barrel for dinner. Back at the hotel, I asked for the snack mix as my Diamond Member rewards. He said they were out. I asked for the cookies. He said they were out. “Water,” I finally told him.
Hampton Inn, Pennsville
PANIC ENSUES
While at Cracker Barrell I decided to book my trip on the Cape May-Lewes ferry for tomorrow. I brought up their website and clicked on the calendar date. There were no available times for sailing! I had looked earlier in the week and it seemed like everything was wide open. But no bookings were available. I screwed up.
My goal of circumventing the Bay just took a big hit. Did I want to stay an extra day instead? The answer is no, I did not. I would have to go back the way I came. Back over to the Delaware Forts Ferry website.
There is no ticket office at Fort Mott, New Jersey. One must buy a ticket in advance. I bought a ticket for Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. – $11. The route back played out in my mind. It would be okay. Sleep a little later before hitting the road.
I went back to the Cape May-Lewes site once again. Maybe there was a cancellation. Then it dawned on me. I had been looking at today’s date for sailing.
When the body is tired the mind makes bad decisions.
Seems strange that nothing late showed as available but it actually wasn’t. The last boat had sailed. I checked for Saturday, Aug. 24 – and there were openings available all day.
I booked a fare for 2:30. Options included 1:00, 3:30, and 6:00 p.m. My original plan was back on.
Riding next to the Delaware River in Pennsyville, NJ. Looking at the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295)
JERSEY RIDING
I went to breakfast at the Hampton and out the door at 8:00 a.m. The weather was pleasant and just chilly enough I wore sunscreen arm protectors as arm warmers. The roads were surprisingly nice.
Turkeys holding up traffic
Virtually the entire way to Cape May I was on roads with wide shoulders. Also, the terrain tended to be rolling. No real hills per se but enough variability in the terrain to require me to shift gears often.
Salem, N.J. – A lovely town
Bridgeton, N.J. was interesting. It reminded me of Portland, Oregon, minus the hipsters on their bikes doing track stands at the traffic lights. But it did have the same amount of broken glass along the shoulders. Wanting a nature break I saw the golden arches and thought I would use their restroom. In the entrance vestibule, I was going to bring in my bike but saw a “beater” bike already there. I thought if someone had to hide that bike there was no way I was going to slip inside for two minutes and leave my bike unguarded. I left.
Quntion, NJ – Foot long hot dogs – not open at 8:52 a.m.
Riding through Cumberland Co., I went past the New Jersey Motor Sports park – a noisy proposition for sure. Near Mauricetown I went “off script” and I’m not sure it was the right decision. But I think it was.
West Park, NJ – Roosters!
I had traveled 44 miles and was low on water. Unlike the last 40 miles in Delaware, there seemed to be gas sations and/or convenience stores most of the way to Cape May. But I saw a Wawa.
Laurel Lake, NJ
My rule of thumb while riding, especially long distances by myself, is never pass a Sheetz (without stopping). And here east of the Susquehanna, that applies to Wawa as well. I got two waters and was good to go. I checked my maps.
Wawa – Port Norris, NJ
What I had mapped out weaved back and forth a bit headed down to Cape May. I was right next to the intersection with NJ 347 which looked to be a direct line to Cape May. I figured my original route was more on country roads and 347 was highway and I was right. I decided to take a peek and if it had a shoulder I would ride it.
Dennis Twp., NJ
I could feel my body tiring. I figured direct was better. I appears that I saved about four miles from my original route. I didn’t need the 15 minutes that I saved as much as I was glad to cut off miles. I started watching the clock.
Villas, NJ
The ferry departed at 2:30. Check-in was at 1:30 p.m. I still needed a ticket. I was glad to have shaved the miles.
Villas, NJ
One more convenience store and this time I bought water and a Coke Zero. The Coke would fit into my jersey pocket which as now empty of contents having eaten my way through the gels and food that I brought. A Snickers bar fit into my tightly packed backpack.
North Cape May
I departed the main highway and was in the residential area of North Cape May. No traffic but sometimes sandy streets and my route did not connect all the way through directly. On one street I must have had 20 straight blocks with a stop sign.
Ferry Terminal
At the end of the street was a Dead End sign whereas my map on my Wahoo wanted me to go straight. I saw an officer and asked if the ferry was straight ahead. She pointed me up the road and told me there was a bicycle entrance.
Ferry Terminal
I purchased my ticket online but I needed to trade that in for a paper ticket. I parked outside the terminal and went in. Maybe it was matching ID to the name in order to get the ticket. In most places the ticket on your phone is good enough but here you still need paper. Whatever it was, I got my ticket and was good to go. It was 1:41 p.m.
While I was waiting two guys came over to me to chat. One was on a motorcycle while the other was on an e-Bike. Both wanted to let me know that they ride “real” bikes when not on the machines they were riding that day.
Play minigolf before sailing
It was 2:20 p.m. when the first passengers were invited to board – two bicyclists. There are bike racks amongst the cars. I removed my Wahoo and Garmin Varia Radar from the bike and left the bike unlocked. I just didn’t think someone would pick up my bike and put it in their car. And if they did – I would trust the AirTag in the bike to alert me to the location.
Bike rack
I went upstairs and grabbed a bite to eat. Found a table with USB ports, sat, and relaxed. The trip across the Bay took almost 90 minutes. It was 4:00 when we rolled off the deck.
First on – last off
From the terminal, it was four miles back to the hotel where I had left the car two days ago. It was an easy ride, and I was back on the Georgetown/Lewes Trail for another mile.
Cape May – Lewes Ferry
Back at the hotel, I was greeted by Cletis. “You made it!” he said. I was parched and while he retrieved my suitcase with my car key in it, he also told me to take whatever I wanted from their cooler. The water was so good. And so was a Coke Zero,.
With gratitude to Branan and Marty for their knowledge and advice.
Lessons Learned:
I went light. I took a clean kit for the second day. I think I could have gotten by with washing it in the shower or even using the hotel laundry so I didn’t carry a second kit. Or maybe just clean bibs and wash the jersey.
I had a mesh backpack with string straps. Go with real straps even if using a heavier backpack.
As much as I like saving the ferry ride for the last thing of the day, consider riding counterclockwise and hitting the ferry first thing. The Delaware ferry was an absolute 3:00 cutoff whereas Cape May was 2:30 but could have been made for 3:30 or 6:00 p.m. But on both days I was very aware that I had to make a time cutoff and I would not have that if I rode counterclockwise. Having a hard deadline adds a bit of stress.
The last 40 miles in Delaware from Dover to Delaware City on Rte 9 are mostly barren for supplies. Riding north to south in Delaware would place those 40 miles at the beginning of the ride instead of the end.
Fun adventure! Will I do it again? Doubtful. But I would like to. And I do recommend it. Maybe someone can learn from my mistakes.
My go-to climb in Blair County, Pa. has been Glenwhite Road from Horseshoe Curve to the top of the mountain. I climb it 3-4 times per year and always love it. I didn’t need anything different but I found something different.
While visiting my mother in Pennsylvania, I was looking to see if I could find a group ride in Blair County. I found the Blair Cycling Club on Facebook but didn’t find any group rides listed. Lots of cancellation notices. But I found something better. It looked like they have a “Mountain Challenge” ride every Tuesday. And they posted those along with a map file.
I found two challenges. On my way home I would stop and ride one. If it went well I would ride the second one if it wasn’t too far out of the way.
The two were the Baumgardner Mountain Challenge and the Williamsburg Mountain Challenge. I was familiar with the areas but not with the climbs. I thought the first one was one I had descended before – Sproul Mountain. When I got on the road I realized it wasn’t.
I drove to the tiny village of Imler. I parked at the fire department and then headed to Osterburg. There begins a one-mile climb to I-99. Once under the Interstate I turned on Mountain Road. This is a 2.5-mile climb over Baumgardner Mountain. As I climbed the gradient got progressively steeper until the last half mile was around 12%.
Which way do I go? – Imler, Pa.
I was thinking it was an easy climb and thought I would go to the summit in the saddle. But as I climbed increasingly higher that goal gave way just to staying comfortable on the climb. I went over the top searching for the gradient sign and found one – 12% for two miles.
12% – two miles
After turning around most of this ride was downhill or flat going back. It really was delightful. I thought I would look for one of Bedford County’s covered bridges if the route did not take me to one. But it did.
Bowser Covered Bridge
I went past the Bowser Covered Bridge. I stopped for a couple of photos and then headed back to the car.
Nice loop. I’d ride it again if the circumstances were right.
The second climb began in Williamsburg. This one would be a little out of the way. I decided if it was less than 45 minutes away I would do it. I turned on Waze and my ETA was 43 minutes. I honored the deal that I made with myself.
I knew Williamsburg mostly from being a rest stop on the MS rides from Hollidaysburg to State College. We always went in by rolling valley roads so I looked forward to seeing the climb.
On the way to Williamsburg on U.S. 22 I passed Turkey Valley Road and turned left. Just a quarter mile up the road is a bat house managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources. But I know it was the former Canoe Creek E.U.B. Church. This was one of three of my dad’s first churches he was assigned to as a probationary pastor in 1958. The other two churches were East Freedom and Mount Moriah.
Canoe Creek EUB Church – the bat house
Just being here was to be in my dad’s presence once again. It brought me peace remembering him and his service to this community.
In Williamsburg, I parked at the trailhead. There is a rail trail here but I would be climbing and not taking the east 1% grade of the former train on the Lower Trail.
Williamsburg, Pa.
Immediatley I began climbing. It was a half-mile climb followed by a half-mile descent that I hated. I knew I would be added that half-mile back into the next climb. There was a little more than one mile of flat and then I hit the wall. The climb began in earnest. It started at 9-10% and never got easier. It was a 2.5-mile climb to the summit and stayed around 10% with some sections of 12%. It was a tough climb,
At the top – 12% for three miles
I’ve read ratings of climbs in the area. I like the Horseshoe Curve. I’ve also ridden Henrietta Mountain which is rated tougher. My memory could use a rain check on Henrietta – I think this was the toughest climb that I’ve done.
Pretty house
My glasses were covered in sweat. I tried to clean them at the top before turning around an descending but I was still sweating. I think I could have hit 50 mph on the descent if I could see the road clearly. I could not.
Near the bottom, I turned and made this into a 17-mile out-and-back loop ride. The valley was pretty and I enjoyed not just riding a nine-mile up and down mountain ride.
Back in Williamsburg, it was time for a treat. Ice cream at the end.
I did this ride once. It was in 2010 and was my first or second ride after cancer. Fourteen years ago my weight was better (thanks, Cancer), my bike fitness was probably less,* my age was better, and my motivation was stronger. On that day I rode with seven riders from The Bike Lane, all appreciably younger, stronger, faster. Yet I kept up.
Toll both entrance to Sklyline Drive
Although Strava was founded in 2009, who was using it then? Not me. Likewise for RideWithGPS, founded in 2007. I was using a Garmin 705. I would upload a ride to Garmin Connect but only epic rides. To upload meant connecting the Strava to a computer to upload to the Garmin website. The 10-30 mile local rides were never uploaded.
First generation super GPS for the bike (2009)
Eventually, I became a convert to RidewithGPS and even later to Strava. Today my Wahoo Bolt automatically uploads each ride to both as soon as I end a ride. It is done through Wifi, Bluetooth, or some magical potion that I carry in my back pocket. I don’t know or care how it works, just that it works.
South Fork Shenandoah River
Late last night I went to the Garmin website. My password still worked. I found my ride from 2010 and exported the GPX file. I uploaded that to Strava so that I could be discouraged when I rode seeing how I did 14 years ago.
Skyline Drive
I posted this SkyMass ride six weeks ago on the Facebook page of Prince William Cycling Club. The night before my ride, some dick posted the same ride including the route I had drawn, just 30 minutes earlier. He could have asked me if I could move the start time to 9:00 and I would have agreed.
Passage Creek off Fort Valley Road
When I arrived at the park at 9:05 there was a group of about eight riders looking ready to roll out. At 9:15 and 9:20 they were still there. I began to think it was a different group and I approached them and asked what ride it was I was met with a surly, “This is the 9:00 ride.” I guess they knew me. Why he wanted to lead his own ride, I don’t know. Ego?
Mountain Road
Although in 2010 my Edge had mapping capabilities, we were not creating routes to be downloaded to bike computers yet. It could be done but it was a very awkward process. I never did that. Someone 14 years ago, had a cue sheet of the roads we would follow. And everyone followed. On that day we bypassed Luray and opted for country roads and closed country stores. For today, I created a route that went through Luray where refueling was an option.
Foggy on Skyline Drive
We had a group of four and it was perfect. I don’t like large groups and I was glad to see the 9:00 group leave five minutes before us. We left and headed up to Skyline Drive. The last time I was here was in 2021 with the Texas4000.
We climbed and climbed some more. The first 5.7 miles (9.2km) were all uphill before giving way to a very slight and short downhill and then climbed to 7.5 miles (12km) before a downhill section. The climbing continued to our high point on the Drive at 22.4 miles (35km).
Skyline Drive
While it looks imposing, the climbing was just 2.5% grade for those 22 miles. After removing the descents from the climb it was 15.9 miles (25.6km) at 4.5%. It felt like more.
Skyline Drive
It was foggy and chilly at times. My arms were wet from riding in the clouds. I regretted not having the arm warmers that I had left in the car. My three riding partners wore jackets.
Our group
We descended off Skyline Drive on Rte 211 to Luray. It was a Sunday and many places were closed. I don’t remember being in downtown Luray before. Although the initial impression was gas stations and a strip mall, the main street presented quite a pretty and quaint place.
Cute store. They sold almost nothing though.
We made our way over to a bridge over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Two turns later we were on Fort Valley Road. That road turns up and goes over Massanutten Mountain. It is in a forest with an occasional view of the valley over the right shoulder, especially where a home on the side of the mountain has been built.
George Washington National Forest
The sun had come out and I was sweating heavily. My Whoop was showing my Strava segment from 14 years ago and was taunting me. Although I started first with another rider, once I went ahead I watched to see if I would lose more time compared to 2010 or keep the loss the same. I was losing time.
Luray
The climb is hard. It gets increasingly harder the farther up you go. It was 10% for the last kilometer,
Overlook
At the summit, I saw a paraglider jumping off the side of the mountain. I had slumped over my handlebars and was too tired and my hands were too slimy to get a photo. But the views were great.
Paraglider flying past the mountain
The profile appears to show a 33-mile downhill after the summit. There is a nice descent back off the mountain but while the road trends downhill it is extremely lumpy. We still had more than 1000′ of climbing (300m) remaining. Plus we were now going into a headwind.
Traffic on Fort Valley Road seemed to be heavier than a country road should be. It did have a double yellow line most of the way once coming off the mountain. One motorist in a convertible going the opposite direction yelled very aggressively while he passed, “GET OFF THE ROAD!”
Fort Valley Road
We stopped at Fort Valley Store for more drinks – and a Snickers. As we turned onto Mountain Road at Mile 73 (117 km), a Strava segment popped up. I decided to see if the legs had anything left. At first, I went, and then I paused. Then I went again. And I went full out and beat the 2010-self by one second. I will take that.
Fort Valley Store
Back at the cars, I pulled out apple cinnamon donuts from The AppleHouse restaurant in Linden. They were a perfect dessert for a full meal of climbing today.
*I say my bike fitness was less 14 years ago. I was recovering from cancer surgery and not riding daily as I was working full-time. In 2024 I ride every day although I undoubtedly am not as strong.
I found myself side by side with two horses pulling a couple riders in a carriage. The driver was dressed in period garb but the riders, well, they were wearing something from 400 years later.
Horse and carriage
The capitol flew the flag of the British Empire. And I, in my time-traveling machine, was on my bike.
Capitol
I began 90 minutes earlier in Richmond. I parked at Great Shiplock Park and rode one mile over to the Richmond Main Station. The train was scheduled to leave at 10:03 a.m. and I walked into the terminal at 9:50. A not-so-friendly employee “greeted” me with a greeting that was less friendly and more challenging. She sort of barked out “May I help you?” and I sensed that was more seeing what I was doing in the train station with my bike as opposed to actually wanting to help me.
Cobbles are for cars. Pave is for bikes. Richmond, Va.
I responded that I was headed to Williamsburg. She said, “Ok.” She could have, should have added, that the train was 38 minutes late. Is this really any way to run a train?
Low Line in Richmond
Despite a beautiful morning, the doors to the outside platform were locked. One couple had tried to go outside for fresh air while the rest of us were inside the terminal. At about 10:15 a.m. two employees opened the doors to the platform, signaling that the train would be arriving soon.
Richmond Main
On the platform I met two people who had bikes with them. This train is nice but they limit bikes to four per train. That may be one bike per car on a hook and hang system.
Richmond Main. Couple would be riding back as well.
I chatted briefly with the couple. This was their first time riding from Williamsburg to Richmond. The woman had a prosthetic foot and I was quite impressed that she, that they, were trying this. They looked to be both recreational riders. The man, and he was the only one I talked to, asked if he should buy a newer bike. He mentioned his bike is 30 years old. I told him for sure he should. I should have had him lift my bike.
Train approaching Richmond Main
He asked if I was riding back from Williamsburg and I told him I was. He said he didn’t know if they could ride seven more miles and told me they would take a bus from the train to Jamestown Settlement which is the beginning of the 52-mile trail back to Richmond. I saw them when I had offloaded in Williamsburg and hoped to pass them on my ride but I never saw them again. They may have eaten lunch in Williamsburg before beginning their journey.
Bike storage on Amtrak
The late arriving train messed up my schedule. I had just enough time to ride from Williamsburg to Richmond and finish with a climb up Libby Hill. I needed to get home in time to go watch my grandson play baseball at 6:30 p.m.
Williamsburg Station
I departed the station and was about to head to Jamestown. I saw one of the entrances to Colonial Williamsburg and decided to roll back into time. The signage was clear – no motorized vehicles. So bikes are welcome.
Williamsburg, Va.
I slow-rolled through the town which may explain my disappointing average speed for the ride.* Other reasons may be (1) I’m old, (2) It was windy, (3) Out of fuel, (4) I’m fat, (5) I suck.
Williamsburg
There were places for lunch in Williamsburg that tempted me but I thought I had everything I needed for the ride. I headed down Jamestown Road making two exploratory wrong turns along the way. I came into the Virginia Capital Trail at MP 0.5 (there isn’t such a MP though) and headed towards Richmond.
Capitol
Food options are scarce on the trail. The trail parallels Va. Rte 5 and food options are scarce on Rte 5. I didn’t use it but there is a nice trail map online. Near Jamestown at MP 2.5 is Spoke & Art Provisions. They are closed Tuesdays and Wednesday but the clock and not the calendar was my problem today.
Capitol in Williamsburg
I was fighting a strong crosswind all day coming from the southwest. And I was fighting the clock.
Entrance to Williamsburg
Near Charles City is a Citgo gas station where the trail crosses Rte 5 and takes the road for 1/2 mile. The gas station sells fried chicken. In Charles City is Cul’s Courthouse Grille (you know what the “e” means). That is probably the best place to stop, sit, and eat on the trail. I ate there once and it was good. The gas station does not have seating.
A new entry may be Breez-In Conveniene Store, just south of Charles City. It may be a Sunoco station that I passed. The trail is away from the road here so I did not check it out. But that was it for food and water.
Bridge near MP4
I carried two bottles of water and a few food packets. I would discover that was not enough. I was out of food by MP 42 when I went through the two parks. The first is Four Mile Creek Park. No facilities were open but a new restroom is almost complete. Two miles later was Dorey Park. It had facilities and presumably water fountains. But I would have to exit from the trail to go into the park and didn’t have the time. Or energy. I was bonking.
Four Mile Creek Park
I passed the Valero gas station at MP 43.5 and then doubled back. I knew I was just eight miles from start but also knew I needed something. I went into the Fast Mart, saw the water then opted instead for Gatorade. I went to the counter and there were two young women “working.” There were two registers and the one woman had a “Register Closed” sign on hers as she was checking her phone. The other woman, with three nostril rings, said “I’ll be with you in a second.”
I waited for one minute and she was still standing there. I think she was in mid-transaction with someone who left the store, maybe to go out to the car and get their wallet. Rather than pause or cancel the transaction she just stood there. I apologized and told her I didn’t have time to wait. I left with nothing.
I went another four miles and came to a 7-Eleven. At this point I was only two and one-half miles from start and all downhill. But I stopped. I needed water. And went for a Slurpy. I poured that into both bottles and I was great.
Chickahominy River
I was watching the time and wanted to ride Libby Hill. Three miles earlier I had no energy to tackle the famous climb used in the 2015 World Cycling Championships. When I go to my car I was ready to climb. I decided I would check Waze. If traffic going home was horrific and there was no chance of getting to Aiden’s game then I would continue my ride.
Berkeley Plantation MP30
I stopped at the car. I opened Waze and saw I could be home by 5:30 if I left right then. I ended my ride, took a “shower” with Chamois Butt’r Skin Wash, and headed home.
End of the trail in Richmond
It was a nice ride. Ultimately my ride didn’t end short because of a baseball game. It ended short because Amtrak can’t run a train on schedule.
*My average was just 15.1 mph. Knocking out the slow rolling part in Williamsburg it was more than 16 mph.
It’s like Happy Happy Pain Pain but with half the pain.
We climbed that
The need for more mountain training became obvious when on Sunday I rode from Myersville on my Happy Happy Pain Pain ride. I had one metric that day I wanted to improve on. That was the two-mile climb from Pen Mar to High Rock. And I failed. Miserably.
Bridge over Big Hunting Creek (Blacks Mill Road)
We didn’t time segments back in 2009 but I had the segment loaded on my bike computer on Sunday. I started out 1-2 seconds ahead of my 2009 self. After 3-4 minutes I was behind the pace. I fell off dramatically and finished at 17:08. I lost 3.5 minutes in 15 years. France is not looking good.
Catoctin Furnace
Today’s ride was planned for 45 or 57 miles but from Thurmont, Md., and not from Myersville. But the destination again was High Rock. I rode with my friend, Tim, and told him I would ride with him except at High Rock. There I had to go for a PR (personal record). This assumed that he couldn’t or wouldn’t want to stay with me as I went all out.
Roddy Creek – Thurmont
It was a gorgeous day as we arrived at Thurmont Community Park. The temperature would hover in the low 70s most of the day with bright sunshine obscured by forested roads for most of the route.
Catoctin Furnace – You only see this traveling at the speed of bike
We rode some flat country roads for about eight miles before starting the climbing portion of the day up Catoctin Hollow Road. I have ridden this road at least twice before, once in 2009 and once in 2012. Has it really been 12 years since I last climbed this?
Rocks. Lots of rocks.
I designed this route using a route ridden by three cyclists I met at High Rock on Sunday. They had ridden from Walkersville so I wasn’t going to duplicate their exact route as I wanted to ride out of Thurmont. But we would follow their route from Catoctin Hollow Road to High Rock and back to Thurmont.
Not for the faint of heart
The roads are beautiful. Most were shaded in the forest and it was hard to resist stopping on the climb for photos. We made our way over to Fort Ritchie and the beginning of the climb to High Rock. We went through an intersection at the High Rock Park. And I took off.
High Rock Park
I wasn’t sure where the segment on the climb began although Wahoo would show START. But from history, I also know that there is a delay in actually passing the start location, and by the time it shows up on the bike’s computer. So it was good to have some speed going at that point. In a few hundred meters I hit the start and was immediately up on my personal record (PR) by 2-3 seconds.
My goal, and it would change frequently over the next 15 minutes, was to set a PR. For that I needed to beat my 2009 time of 13:26. The time ahead went up to 20 seconds then 30 seconds. Then my goal was to beat 13:00. At one point I was 0:48 ahead and Wahoo also predicted a finishing time. That time was 13:28. Even Wahoo didn’t believe that I could hold a 48-second lead to the finish.
High Rock
I unzipped my jersey. The winds felt like headwinds but were cooling and weren’t hated. My wind map would show that those were crosswinds.
Winds from the ENE
At 400 meters to go I could see the opening at High Rock in the road ahead. I still had a 45-second lead. As I crested the summit it showed I still had 60 meters to go. But where? There was only a parking lot and an access road to the left. I stayed on the road. And then the display switched to my course map. There was no indication that I finished a Strava segment. I know I was ahead. Does it count if it’s not on Strava?
Loy’s Station Covered Bridge
I turned around. I descended 800 meters (0.5 miles) to find Tim and to ride the last section with him. He asked me if I got it (PR) and I told him I didn’t know. I mean, I killed it but Strava may not have it. I thought about descending and riding it again but doubted my second effort would match the first.
We took some photos. Saw some Methodists. I found a dad with his son and took their photo. Another woman climbed on the rock and I asked for her phone to take her photo. And then we left.
Taking photos of strangers Photo Credit: Tim
I missed a planned turn in Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., and we improvised. We found the Sunoco/Convenience store and Tim bought some Gatorade. The road out of Blue Ridge Summit was one I’d ridden 4-5 times during the Civil War Century and I should have recognized the sweet descent on Gladhill Road. I did but not until it was too late to get some real speed. I did hit 45 mph (72.4 kph) though.
Sabillasville Road near Thurmont
We made our way over to Sabillasville Road which trends downhill to Thurmont. Unlike most Maryland highways, there are no shoulders on this road but Tim and I would pull over when we passed an intersection to allow any following cars to pass. We’re nice.
Roddy Road Covered Bridge
The Roddy Road covered bridge became our decision point. At 43 miles we were two miles from where we parked. Or we could add a second covered bridge and 12 more miles. We pushed forward. We made a late decision to avoid Creagerstown Road and that added 3-4 miles.
I showed Tim their Trolley Trail and we were only 1-2 miles from a Metric Century. When we got to the parking lot I told Tim we could ride the park’s loop road and he agreed. I only needed two laps to get my 100 km but I rode a third one with Tim and he completed four laps. Century complete.
