Monthly Archives: September 2010

Westward from Ohio

Posted on September 30, 2010 by john

“New Mexico’s not gonna work.” “Why?” Mike asked. “Way too far between motels, altitude’s gonna screw up our daily mileage until we get used to it and it’s too far between motels. Like sometimes a hundred miles or more.” “Okay, … Continue reading →

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Short of 700 miles But We Made It

Posted on September 28, 2010 by john

Well we made our first-stage (eastern) objective, despite two days of threatening skies and intermittent rain. We were greeted by friendly faces, the first home cooked meal in four weeks and my wife Marilyn, who showed up to surprise me. … Continue reading →

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Seeing the Halls

Posted on September 26, 2010 by john

Ken and Clare Hall, my brother-in-law and his wife, have been an integral part of my life for a long time. And not only are they family, they’re close friends as well. One of those nice twists of fate that … Continue reading →

Posted in Ohio, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 4 Comments

Changing Plans

Posted on September 24, 2010 by john

Ever since we left New York, crossing the Appalachian Mountains had been a big milestone. We knew the range had nothing like the height or reputation of its western siblings, but this gnarly, weatherbeaten series of ridges was intimidating. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Ohio, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 4 Comments

The 500th-Mile Day

Posted on September 22, 2010 by john

The lightening flashed and the thunder boomed. There was still some space between the two, and it wasn’t raining yet, so we kept on moving. Then the wind started blowing. In the lee of the houses there was a false … Continue reading →

Posted in Pennslyvania, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 2 Comments

Down Day in Bedford

Posted on September 22, 2010 by john

Bedford, Pennsylvania rings a bell with me, but I can’t figure out why. Maybe it’s the hometown of some sports figure or movie star or just possibly something famous happened here. So far I haven’t had the energy to Google … Continue reading →

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Shanksville, PA

Posted on September 19, 2010 by john

Shanksville wasn’t our destination, nor were we even planning to go by it, but on a beautiful September afternoon there it was. The sign on PA State Highway 31 said the town and the United Airlines Flight 93 memorial was … Continue reading →

Posted in Pennslyvania, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 2 Comments

Well It Seemed Like a Good Idea

Posted on September 17, 2010 by john

Yesterday’s rain was over, our clothes were dry and the bikes oiled. We were all set for our first real mountain day of the trip. We left tiny Hancock, MD and its intermittant internet for what we had been told … Continue reading →

Posted in Maryland, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 1 Comment

Today’s Problem

Posted on September 14, 2010 by john

It would seem, given our recent experiences, that biking flat-free from Gettysburg, PA to Hagerstown, MD on the most flawless day of our trip would be sheer bliss. Right? Wrong.

Posted in Maryland, Pennslyvania, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 1 Comment

Tubes, Gum and Gettysburg

Posted on September 14, 2010 by john

York, PA had been a nice place. Friendly natives, a clean motel, plus a convenient bike shop only three miles from our abode. And we had needed it. Poor Mike was on his third flat in as many days, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Pennslyvania, Transcontinental Bike Trip | 1 Comment