So last night I didn't actually talk to Neil until I was about to go to bed, so I wasn't sure if I could keep my eyes open long enough to post. And by the time I got here tonight, Neil had already posted a bit. But let's see if I can fill in some of the back story.
The big issue yesterday is that Neil got a flat. He had spare tubes -- so no problem, right? Well, actually, since this is a new bike, neither Neil had checked to see if the pumps they were bringing on tour with them worked with the valve. After going through two tubes, they called a guy from bike forums to come meet them. Neil had one tube left, but he also had a rip in the tire sidewall. So they planned to go to a bike store to get him a new tire and another tube. (And a pump that actually works with his bike, I assume.)
So during the day, they crossed the Mason-Dixon Line at the same time that they crossed from Pennsylvania into Maryland. And before they did that, they passed Deale, PA, which is the highest elevation on the trail. They went through the Big Savage Tunnel, which is an old railroad tunnel that's been converted for the trail. It's about 7/10 of a mile long, and it also represents the divide between water that drains to the Atlantic and water that drains to the Gulf of Mexico. (Neil called it the continental divide, but that's in the Rockies.)
After that, it's all downhill from there. Literally -- they got past the highest point. They stopped in Frostburg, MD for the night, and stayed in a dorm at Frostburg State University.
I'll post more for Neil once I actually talk to him. (We've been leaving each other messages all day.) You can also see below for more info.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
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2 comments:
Hi Martha -
Actually it's the Eastern Continental Divide, so Neil is somewhat correct.
I got a text message from Neil at 8 pm letting me know they were 42 miles out of Cumberland - which puts them around Little Orleans. If they stay at Fifteenmile Creek, they should be able to get cell reception on Bill's front porch... if not, don't expect a call much before they get to Hancock tomorrow.
I wish I had gotten your telephone number so that we could chat.
Judy G
starvingmusician_at_comcast[dot]net
Nice entry, Martha, you made the usual harrowing experience of a flat interesting.
Neil, I really recommend getting CO2's. They're inexpensive and you can get a cheap inflator. You can save your energy for the road, not pumping.
Just remember to refill them at a service station at the end of the day.
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