Neil called me tonight from his campsite approximately 15 miles from Confluence. (No, I have no idea where these things are. Apparently Confluence is near Cumberland, if that helps anyone. I think they're still in Pennsylvania.)
During the ride today, the Neils met up with Judy (from Bike Forums) and her 14-year-old daughter Libby. Judy and Libby took the Neils in their car from the trail to visit Falling Water, a famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Also joining them was a guy they met on the trail who is doing the same trip. (Sorry, but I forgot to write down the name of the other guy.)
After getting back to the trail, Judy and Libby took all the bags from the Neils and drove on, which meant that the Neils could ride unencumbered for a bit (although Neil says that the bike is holding up well with the load). Then all four of them went about 15 miles up in the mountains to a campsite, where they're going to spend the night.
Tomorrow is going to be what Neil thinks will be the toughest day -- 49 miles over hills. But both Neils decided to mail some stuff home (or in my Neil's case, to DC), including the guitar, which was making PA Neil feel unbalanced. That should make it easier.
Neil's been doing laundry about every other day, and he says that seems to work fine. But he also told me that the guy they visited Falling Water with is doing the same trip with just two panniers and a Solitaire tent. So maybe Neil could reduce his load even further for future tours.
As y'all can probably tell, I finally remembered to take notes tonight, which is why I have details about where they are and who they're with. I'll update again tomorrow night.
Monday, June 2, 2008
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6 comments:
Nice job with the postings; Martha. We had a good time with your Neil on the NYC ride.
I'm really thinking the guitar should have been with them all the way - that's the point! Neil F's their troubadour! We'll have to complain to The Historian later...
Anyway, pass on safe passage and best wishes!
...stevesurf from BF
Hi Martha - I'll fill you in. The Neils camped with my daughter Libby and me at Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground - on the mountain ridge above the Passage at Ohiopyle. Confluence is about 63 miles from Cumberland. The rest of the story can be found in the Neil’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll” post on bike forums. You can get there: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=6816580#post6816580
The guy we met our first night camping and went to Fallingwater with is named Dennis. ("Fallingwater" is actually how they spell it. That must be from the pre-interCaps days.)
Neil, your Blogger avatar is scaring me, kind of when Murray the Policeman (Al Molinaro) of Odd Couple fame stuck his nose through the door...oh but you are too young too remember, that's right!
While you guys are hopefully resting comfortably at a BFers, the NY crew will be pedalling through Central Park tonight on a nighttime Times Up! ride
Safe journey...
Neil, the best way to play guitar on a bicycle is on a unicycle. A folding unicycle.
Steve,
I did offer to haul it a little further. The problem was that it didn't fit well into the trailer.
Brushwood,
I think Neil F.'s next bike should be a unicycle. And a mountain bike. And a cruiser......
Neil B.
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