Tourney and thanks

The trip has been great. The bike tour was tough, but a lot of fun. There were a few days that I did not think I was going to make it to Pittsburgh, but figured the following day would be better and it usually was. I met a lot of great people along the way and saw a lot of great sights.

I want to thank everyone that followed along, and also thanks for the support by ordering calendars and donations. It was all appriciated.
I should get the calendars sent out mid September-October 1st. I have 8-9 pictures for it already picked out. I have a request for the big pile of bikes picture to be in the calendar and if anyone else would like to request a photo I will try to get it in the calendar.

The pinball tourney was a good time. The warehouse has around 400 machines. I played 20+ hours during the 3 days I went to the tourney. I ended up coming in 2nd in the C division. I won an awesome plaque and $500.

Pinball tourney

The tournament has started. I talked with a couple players and they said I should play in C division, because I have never played in a tournament and don't play in a league. Click here if you want to see the live standings.

Day 86

Pittsburgh here I come. The trail would take me to the city, but I would have to ride around 20 miles on the city streets to get me to the hotel.

I was on some sketchy roads and even sketchier sidewalks. Google bike directions came through for me and got me on a trail for the final 4.5 miles to the hotel.

Looks like the hard/fun part is done, now the easy/fun part begins.

I will touch back in a few days about the pinball tourney and some final thoughts.

Miles 49, total 4106, avg 9.9, max 24.4, time 4.57

Day 85

I would be on the trail again today. It was a short day so I wouldn't get to Pittsburgh early.

I rode a few over a few long bridges today. Other then that not much going on.

Miles 35, total 4057, avg 10.9, max 13.5, time 3.10

Day 84

I was looking forward to a nice relaxing day today. It was going to be a slight downhill on the trail today.
I was riding along the Youghioghenu River for half the day. The river is great for rafting. I saw at least 50+ rafts today and just about as many kayaks.

The town of Connellsville built a couple camp shelters on the trail, so I camped there for the night with a few other riders.

Miles 54, total 4022, avg 11.3, max 22.6, time 4.46

Day 83

Today I would be getting on my final trail and crossing into my final state.
Cumberland seems like a nice tourist town. Got some decent pics of the city from the trail.

The final trail is called the Great Allegheny Passage. It is 141 miles and goes right into Pittsburgh. The first 23 miles is uphill at around a 2% grade, not very steep but it wears you out. After about 11 miles there were many bikers coming down the hill. A lot of small kids were riding down. I did not think they would ride to the top. Sure enough I found out there was a train that took the riders up 15 miles. There was a nice rest stop just before the top and just before the Big Savage Tunnel, which is 3294 feet long. I also crossed the Eastern Continental Divide for the first time on my bike.

I found a great campsite called Husky Haven. They had dry firewood so I was able to cook a greay dinner of white corn and okra that I got at a farmers market in Cumberland.

Miles 62, total 3968, avg 9.1, max 19, time 6.38

Day 82

I was going to spend the day on the C & O Canal. I road 25 Miles to Paw Paw then back about 20 miles to the Iron Mountain Campground. Saw many deer and turtles today. This is a well used trail, I passed around 20 bicyclists today.

The canal ran from 1831 to 1924. It runs for 184.5 miles and has 74 canal locks. Some of the locks have houses right near them. The Paw Paw Tunnel is 3118 feet long.

Miles 47, total 3906, avg 11, max 22.9, time 4.18