Leaving Meyersdale:The final 8 miles of climbing brought us to the Eastern Continental Divide. It was all downhill from this point – yay!
The Big Savage Tunnel, built in 1911, 3300 feet (2/3 mile) long.
About halfway through, it got foggy, the rider ahead disappeared at about 30 feet. Clear weather on the west side of the tunnel, fog on the east side.We felt a few sprinkles as we left Frostburg. With just 9 miles to go, we had to stop and put on rain covers.All our stuff stayed dry, but we were soaked and filthy from head to toe. But none of that mattered, we had arrived in Cumberland MD!As we ate lunch at the Crabby Pig, we realized how lucky we were to arrive when we did. There was a torrential downpour with thunder and lightning for about an hour. The bike shop let us use a hose to get most of the mud off the bikes and our legs. Then it was time to say goodbye to Donna, who had to drive home to Roanoke. This was Donna’s first multi-day bike tour and she had a great time. There will definitely be more bike tours in her future.

Miles = 33. Total miles = 161.

It wasn’t as hot today, but we were up early and ready to ride by 7. We left the Youghiogheny River to follow the Casselman River as we approach the Eastern Continental Divide. After the trestle crossing, it really looked like a dark tree tunnel was ahead.Last year we had to take the bypass because the tunnel was being lined with corrugated metal. Rest stop.The only place in town to get a bite to eat.Another huge trestle across fields of corn, a freeway, local roads and railroad tracks. In the distance, windmills on the ridge.We stayed at Yoder’s Guest House … on the third floor. Check out these original glass mailboxes in the entry.Innkeeper Denise was great, so friendly. We all went to dinner together at The White House Restaurant – Denise drove – the only way we would have made it.Another fun day, but we are getting tired and in need of a rest day.Miles = 30

Another early start today. There were 3 guys – from Seattle and Virginia – who also stayed at the Connellsville B&B. We ALL wanted to get on the road as early as possible.A wonderful morning: overcast, cool, riding through Ohiopyle State Park!There aren’t many places along the trail where you can actually get a good view of the river, so this view was a must to capture.Earl, John, and Mike caught up with us and it was dueling photo time.From the bridge into Ohiopyle, I spotted a slew of rafters getting ready to run the rapids. Last year, we saw lots of people tumble into the water then scramble to get back aboard. This year, there seems to be a team of people ready to assist. The first rafter is the leader. There are 3 kayaks stationed at critical points.All but one made it through easily, but we could hear yelling in the distance as the kayakers tried to get the last raft unstuck.On their way downriver.Almost. Double-stuck.We pulled into Ohiopyle and promptly parked in the WRONG place while we rested and had a snack.Lunch at Sisters in Confluence.Our B&B for the night.Miles = 29

We were on the road at 6:30, it was going to be another hot humid day. The innkeeper packed us a traveling breakfast (because we refused to stay until 7 am when the kitchen officially opened). Six miles down the road at Dravo Cemetery, we took our first break and had a bite of food. The oldest grave dates back to the War of 1812. A Methodist church was built here in 1824, destroyed by fire in 1920, and never rebuilt. At about the halfway point, we stopped at Jeff’s house. He has a sign on the trail to attract riders and a refrigerator stocked with all kinds of goodies which operates on the honor system.Jeff first brought us, freshly picked from his garden, watermelon. Then cucumbers. Then picked 3 ears of corn and soon brought us hot, buttered, salted corn on the cob. Delicious!Further down the trail were old abandoned coke ovens.The arch into Connelsville was a welcome sight. We had 3 hours to kill before we could get into our B&B for the evening, so we hung out at a local park. It was hot, but better than riding and being even hotter.Once settled in and showered, we headed downstairs to Greenhouse Winery – a wine bar. After tasting a few samples, we bought a bottle and went back to the B&B patio to enjoy itbefore walking to the nearest restaurant for dinner.Miles = 41

We were up early, it was going to be hot. We sweet-talked Laverne who was in charge of setting up breakfast in the lobby if we might be able to get some hot food early. She fixed us 3 big plates and asked us to sit far away to avoid other guests making the same request. We were on the road by 7, riding through almost-deserted downtown city streets – beautiful. At one point, I heard some popping. Maybe someone hitting something with a hammer? Then I heard Billie shout for me to stop. She also heard the popping sound, turned to look, and saw flames coming out of an old electric panel box on a row house. We called 911, but the fire truck was already on its way.An exciting way to start the day!We rode toward Point State Park. Ahead, four (Pittsburgh Steelers) yellow bridges and the lights at PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates). Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice Italy.Donna really needed to see Bicycle Heaven, but it only opened at 10 am. I was worried about how hot it was going to get, so I continued along the trail by myself while Billie and Donna went to Bicycle Heaven. I rode along the Monongahela River and crossed over the Hot Metal Bridge and a final view of Pittsburgh.On the other side was the actual beginning of the Great Allegheny Passage. The river was on my left and trains on my right. We crossed over the tracks a couple of times. Crossing the river, McKeesport ahead. But it’s so hot! Now the trail will follow the Youghiogheny (yock-uh-HAY-nee) River.Relief ahead! As I crossed the blue bridge into Boston PA, the first business I spotted was Trailside Treasures: cold drinks, ice cream, a lovely deck, and blessed shade. And the friendliest owners ever! Ralph and Barb.I sat there for four hours waiting for Billie and Donna. It was still hot, but at least I was off the bike. At last, there they were crossing the blue bridge. I knew their ride was longer and way hotter than mine.We sat and visited for another hour. As we were trying to figure out which nearby restaurant might deliver food to our lodging place, Ralph and Barb offered to go out, pick up 3 meals, and deliver them to us at about 6:30. That was so kind – they definitely fit into the Trail Angel category. Thank you Ralph and Barb!

Miles = 28

Packed up and bikes loaded, we got an early morning start.We drove to Cumberland MD which will be the end of our ride on the Great Allegheny Passage.It is sooo hot. A “heat dome” is sitting over most of the country. We walked a few blocks to downtown and found a place for a cool drink. We sat only for a few minutes before going inside. We unloaded only what we would carry for the next weekand met our shuttle connection. Billie made sure the bikes were properly secured.We were ready to roll … except the left side door wouldn’t close. Four guys from the bike shop tried to push it closed, but instead broke it completely. They got the other van out. An hour and 10 minutes later, we were finally on the road.Checking into the hotel, our bikes went to the room with us:We walked to a Mediterranean cafe called the Casbah for dinner.Billie and I sang the chorus of “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash for Donna, but for some reason, she didn’t recognize the song. Our singing perhaps?