September 25 and 26: AND THEN THERE WAS ONE (rain dodger ); 36 miles

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 Some things in life are hard to explain. Sue and David Bladek, Betsy and I have been taking bike trips together for over 10 years and we have never been rained on. On many occasions we have arrived into our motel or a planned lunch spot under a pavilion only to have the sky open up moments later, but never on us.  We are the Rain Dodgers!

This epic adventure was unfortunately made without Dave. (and then we were three). But the magic held. All through the west and the mid west we had no rain on planned ride days. Sadly Sue had to leave us in St Louis. (and then we were two). But Betsy and I were able to carry the magic through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. 

This morning we awoke to cloudy skies in Dawson Pennsylvania and the threat of thundershowers .Betsy had to sag, so would not be riding today (and then we were one). But Lisa and I set out undaunted on the GAP trail because I was there to keep the rain at bay.  Well, clearly one rain dodger is not enough because 3 minutes into our ride, the heavens opened up upon us and we were soaked! We pushed on for 5 miles to the next trailhead where Betsy was there to save us. 

                                                                pouring rain on the trail

                                                      my reflection in a trail puddle!

 We loaded up and drove on to our overnight destination of Ohiopyle. By the time we arrived we were dry and warm and ready to explore this great little town at the junction of 2 rivers with beautiful waterfalls, bridges and cafes.




 With Betsy and I back together again, the sun came out  and so we rode backwards on the trail to where we started! Had a wonderful hot fudge brownie sundae (you really can eat whatever you want to when you are biking), and then turned around and rode back to Ohiopyle. We had a few sprinkles but no rain until we were safely in our house for a cozy and warm nights rest.

Monday again dawned with cloudy skies and a good chance of rain, but as Betsy and I were riding together, we chanced it. The magic returned. We had 2 downpour today, both occurring just as we were approaching covered pavilions on the trail. Rain Dodgers rule.

What we did notice was the change in the GAP trail from our trip 10 years ago. The vibrant little towns we remembered have given way to closed cafes and empty storefronts. Victims of the pandemic. The problem today was not finding shelter, but finding food. Lunch was a marginal hot dog and bag of Doritos from a gas station in Rockwood. Fortunately we arrived in Meyersdale to a wonderful chicken and pasta dinner made by Lisa .

What hasn't changed on the GAP trail is the scenery. Miles of beautiful trail beside a rushing river with amazing rock formations, tunnels and bridges to cross. Tomorrow we move on to Cumberland where we will rejoin with Stephanie (accompanied by Lance) for the final leg of our trip!.

                                                    view from Tall Bridge outside of Ohiopyle

                                                          Pinkerton bridge and tunnel

                                                                  Salisbury Viaduct                                                        

nite all

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2022 at 5:19 PM

    Hey Dude and Dudettes! I was wondering if the rain would eventually catch you. It has been raining for days here in the Mohawk Valley. I'm sorry you got caught in the rain...I hope the rest of your rides are full of sunshine!!!

    ReplyDelete

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