After a night of heavy rain and being woken up every 20-30 minutes by another train going by and sounding it's horn we faced the prospect of biking 42 miles in rain.
The B&B was comfortable but the only one I have ever stayed in where we never saw the owner, only sticky notes stuck to things to guide us. Sort of like a treasure hunt. Even at paying time there was no sign and, of course, no way to get any change when we did not have the exact amount available.
We set out at 9:30 with the knowledge we had to get to Falling Water in Ohiopyle by4pm for a 4:30 tour. Soon after leaving West Newton we found that a packed stone dust trail becomes like wet cement after heavy rain. Speed was down from 10mph to about 6 and very heavy going. Demoralising but fortunately a condition that improved after about 5 miles.
Rain continued for most of the day, mostly drizzle but thoroughly wetting. The bikes accumulated a large amount of sodden grime around the gears and brakes from the soft trail.
By midday hunger had set in and we wasted valuable time looking for somewhere to eat in Dawson & Vanderbilt. No luck there, so we had to press on another 10 miles to Connellsville where we eventually found a Wendy's that was open.
By this time it was becoming apparent that the slow going was making it very tight to get to Falling Water on time.
I tried but was unable to match Jim's pace, falling further and further behind. Long story short, by the time we were approaching Ohiopyle at 3:55 I was done. My right thigh had given up and was hurting enough for me to try and work out how to pedal with one leg. There was no way I was going to be able to even contemplate pedalling the additional 4 miles uphill to get to Falling Water in less than 30 minutes.
And then we found a spot on a bridge where we got the first phone signal of the day. Jim made a few phone calls and secured us a car ride up to Falling Water. Rabbit out of hat moment.
We dumped the bikes and gear at the guest house and got to Falling Water at 4:28. The 2 hour tour was great, the house fascinating and I was able to keep my legs moving and prevent them seizing up completely. As Jim commented, it all worked well ..... Being late forced us to get a car. If we had been early we would have tried to bike there and, after seeing the hills, that would have been a very bad decision at the end of a 42 mile day.
The day was rounded off by a plate of Chili and cheese over Fries in the local cafe.
Watching me try to get out of bed and walk tomorrow will be one of the comedy moments of the trip. I just hope I will be able to bike the 40 miles uphill. At least the sun should be shining.
Tony.
The B&B was comfortable but the only one I have ever stayed in where we never saw the owner, only sticky notes stuck to things to guide us. Sort of like a treasure hunt. Even at paying time there was no sign and, of course, no way to get any change when we did not have the exact amount available.
We set out at 9:30 with the knowledge we had to get to Falling Water in Ohiopyle by4pm for a 4:30 tour. Soon after leaving West Newton we found that a packed stone dust trail becomes like wet cement after heavy rain. Speed was down from 10mph to about 6 and very heavy going. Demoralising but fortunately a condition that improved after about 5 miles.
Rain continued for most of the day, mostly drizzle but thoroughly wetting. The bikes accumulated a large amount of sodden grime around the gears and brakes from the soft trail.
By midday hunger had set in and we wasted valuable time looking for somewhere to eat in Dawson & Vanderbilt. No luck there, so we had to press on another 10 miles to Connellsville where we eventually found a Wendy's that was open.
By this time it was becoming apparent that the slow going was making it very tight to get to Falling Water on time.
I tried but was unable to match Jim's pace, falling further and further behind. Long story short, by the time we were approaching Ohiopyle at 3:55 I was done. My right thigh had given up and was hurting enough for me to try and work out how to pedal with one leg. There was no way I was going to be able to even contemplate pedalling the additional 4 miles uphill to get to Falling Water in less than 30 minutes.
And then we found a spot on a bridge where we got the first phone signal of the day. Jim made a few phone calls and secured us a car ride up to Falling Water. Rabbit out of hat moment.
We dumped the bikes and gear at the guest house and got to Falling Water at 4:28. The 2 hour tour was great, the house fascinating and I was able to keep my legs moving and prevent them seizing up completely. As Jim commented, it all worked well ..... Being late forced us to get a car. If we had been early we would have tried to bike there and, after seeing the hills, that would have been a very bad decision at the end of a 42 mile day.
The day was rounded off by a plate of Chili and cheese over Fries in the local cafe.
Watching me try to get out of bed and walk tomorrow will be one of the comedy moments of the trip. I just hope I will be able to bike the 40 miles uphill. At least the sun should be shining.
Tony.
Sorry about the pain Tony! I could have warned you about trying to keep up with Jim...better you than me though. Hope you make it.
ReplyDeleteI'm rooting for you Sweetie!!!
ReplyDelete