The BoBs Did It!!!

Success!

On Saturday, October 4th, 2008, following the coolest bike parade in the history of the 'burgh, we, The BoBs, rolled shoulder to shoulder into Point State Park right on schedule in the best weather we'd seen all week. It has been one of the greatest adventures of our lives and I believe, with the help of a little Advil, we'd do it all again.

I believe now that there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who look at challenges and say "I'd like to do that someday" and never do, and those who bite the bullet, take the plunge, turn the cranks for 340 miles and then say "Yes sir. I did that one day. Let me tell you about what an amazing experience it was."

And was it ever. Ask a BoB. They will light up with delight as the story telling begins.

To my great friends Scott and Bruce: Good job. Good job. Good job.

One Final Test

We woke this morning to 41 degrees and rain. Not ideal conditions for
cycling (or packing up a tent!). The BoBs hit the trail at 7:30
following one final installment of eggs and pancakes (and Swiss Miss
for Scott - the last packet saved just for him).

About 12 miles into the ride I (Rob-BoB) had a flat tire. Following a
quick pit stop with another Bob (someone who is actually named Bob -
my new friend Bob Sutton from Castle Shannon) we charged on to
McKeesport for some grub and hot coffee. The plan now is to leave here
at 11:45 for our final procession into the 'burgh.

Glory is just around the corner!

BTW - We, The BoBs, got the award at last night's group meeting for
"The Best Camp Name" and received some groovy Adventure Outdoors t-
shirts. All the credit for the name goes to Nancy Moore (one of the
WoBBs) for the name BoBs (Bikers of Beverly). Sons Of Beverly and
Beverly Sons, our ideas, were voted down because the initials didn't
work out too well. SOB and BS. Go figure.

VaaaaMoose!

So here we are, Friday night in West Newton, PA, celebrating our
accomplishment. We've ridden our mountain bikes more than 300 miles
this week and are so close to Pittsburgh we can almost smell the
Primanti Brothers sandwiches (or maybe it's Scott's shorts.. or
possibly Bruce's now famous non-wicking headband). Regardless, we are
close. Tomorrow boils down to a 38 mile parade. A really fast one
because part of the ride will be on the roads with police escorts and
we have to maintain a 10-15 mile pace or risk being placed in the sag
wagon. Usually not a big deal. But with 300 miles in our legs already,
it could be one final test in our grand adventure. Anyway, we're in
West Newton at the Moose Lodge where the town has put together a big
dessert spread for our group and some live bluegrass music. Yeeee Ha!

So here's what we've learned on this trip:

When the tour leader says 48 miles, he really means 55.4!!!!!

Every piece in the tent bag is there for a reason.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

Every man has his own pace. And every now and then it's good to share
the pace of your friends.

It's okay to go a few days and not think once about work. Really.

I've learned that there are places as beautiful as western North
Carolina. (You have to see Somerset County!)

Scott really likes Swiss Miss hot chocolate.

West Virginia has nasty bugs.

Going to sleep after riding a mountain bike 65 miles is not a problem.

Showering with two small buckets of warm water is, unfortunate,
dissapointing, and it sucks... generally speaking.

The C&O Canal Trail needs work. Maybe some pavement, but just the
section between DC and Cumberland.

We need to get out more often and enjoy God's magnificent creation.

And finally, we've learned that no matter how wet, how muddy, or how
cold we may be, a few encouraging words from our families - even
through a little thing like a blog - can make for a bright sunny day.
We thank our Lord for each of you. Thanks.

Hello from Connelsville PA

The BoBs keep on knocking off the miles as we roll through
Connelsville on our way to West Newton, PA. Thinking about opening The
BoBs B&B in this fixer upper.

Friday Morning in Ohiopyle PA

OK. Now were back up to date with a chilly morning ride. I'll post
more notes tonight from West Newton PA - about 38 miles down the trail.

Rockwood to Confluence

Near the end of a 62 mile day and feeling good. The scenery is amazing.

Thursday Recap

Well, if you didn't figure it out, the posts are a little out of order
because of the bad network connection last night in Confluence. This
photo was taken at the Eastern Continental Divide looking West towards
the highlands. Absolutely beautiful. The biggest downside to the day
was the headwind (which made for a wind chill around freezing). Look
closely at the photo and you can see a windmill - one of 20 that makes
up a high country wind farm.

Heading North

Following a steady 22 mile climb, we crossed the Mason-Dixon Line and
crossed into PA. Then it was on to the Eastern Continental Divide.

We made it to Confliemce PA!!

The BoBs are safe and sound after a long, hard day. Unfortunately the
cell phone coverage is horrible so I'll post more photos and notes
tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday Muck

I just felt the need to post a photo in an attempt to give you an idea
of what we were riding through all day. I sure love my tent. And dry
clothes. And hot showers...

Onward To Cumberland MD

With about 190 miles behind us, this afternoon we successfully
completed the C&O Canal Trail, and in some of the worst conditions
I've seen in my life. We headed out around 8:30 and were greeted by
rain around 8:45. At the 15 mile mark we entered the Paw Paw Tunnel
where we were treated to a tour of the 3,100 foot marvel by Ranger
Rita of the NPS. Imagine one side of the Liberty Tubes (only taller)
being dug with hand tools and black powder. And it carries a canal.
AND built between 1836-50. Amazing.

We finished the tour wet and very cold from just standing and it was
back on the bikes for the remainder of our 48 mile day. Bruce, being
the polite one of the group, commented that weather was "discouraging"
and Scott just said "IT SUCKS!" I agreed with both of them.

The rain finally let up and we were left with horrible trail
conditions for the remainder of the trip into the town of Cumberland,
MD.

We are camping tonight across from the YMCA. Pasta and a hot shower
were heavenly treats after the day we endured.

I sprinted ahead at about the 35 mile mark or so to snap a photo of
Scott and Bruce. An hour later (ok, it was only 56 minutes) they rode
by and I captured the other BoBs in action. Wicked!

Testing the BoBs

Rain. Cold. Mud. Whew. 19 miles to go in our 48 mile day...the BoBs
will not falter.

Notes from the trail (and a few confessions)

So here we are at the end of day 4 camped at Little Orleans and the
weather is perfect. We had a short ride of only 28 miles today, most
of which was on the PAVED Maryland Rail Trail. A welcome break after
a pretty tiring Monday. We're waiting on dinner and wanted to post a
few random thoughts as we reflect over the trip this far...

Rob writes:
I was thinking about Saturday AM and how happy our wives were as they
sent us off. I realize now that Kathy was mostly happy that my pre-
trip shopping spree was over. Well, honey, I'm not finished yet as
today I had to part with 33 bucks for a replacement pair of gloves.
Surely you wouldn't want my hands to get blistered. I love you. Really.

Lyndsey & Sara - Tell mom it's really important for daddy to take care
of his hands.

Scott writes:
Lisa - My bike pants are a big hit ;)
Robert - The Steelers may need you to suit up.

Bruce:
Debbie - I went shopping today for a 15mm wrench for my bike. Happened
to be the last one in the state of Maryland (at least that's what the
man said). I really like it. We can discuss payment terms later, dear.
I love you. Lots!

From The 3 BoBs:
WoBBs (Wives of Beverly Bikers): You are the handle bars of our lives
- you steer us in the right direction.

When we all take a break

So what's it look like when 87 cyclists take a break at the same time?
A huge bike yard sale. Every bike rack slot and store front nearby
gets decorated with bikes. A pretty cool sight.

We started a very foggy morning with a short 12 mile ride to Hancock,
MD, where we stopped at the famous Weaver's Restaurant for awesome pie
(and finally a good cup of coffee! I guess I should have bought that
camping espresso maker afterall).

Now the break is over and it's time to hit the trail. Thanks to
everyone who's following the blog and especially leaving comments.
It's really encouraging and a fun way to stay connected from the trail.

Hello from Fort Frederick

At just past mile marker 112 we set up camp for the night at historic
Fort Frederick, the site of Maryland's frontier defence during the
French and Indian War from 1754-1763. We're literally camped right in
front of the fort. It was a long day in the saddle and everyone is
looking forward to a shorter and easier ride tomorrow.

Bruce's bags appear to be getting smaller at each campsite so Scott
and I suspect he's leaving a trail of dirty laundry behind us. Let's
hope he brought 7 days worth!

Now if I could just get Scott to stop asking the other cyclists if
anyone has a friend with a helicopter. It's really not that bad. There
he goes again. Gotta go.

Sent from my iPhone

Harpers Ferry to Antietam

After a very early morning start (ever tried to pack a tent in the
dark?), we rode a beautiful 15 miles to Antietam Battlefield, the site
of the bloodiest cival war battle where 23,000 died in a single day.
Seems appropriate after the horrific gnat attack last night. We've
just started a guided tour of the battlefield and Scott, the history
buff, is absolutely in his element. As you can see from the photo,
he's so excited he had to lay down (or at least that's the story he's
telling us). More later from our evening camp site.

Showered, Fed, and Ready to Rest

After our check point break, the trail improved a great deal with far
less mud and finally some sunshine. Nothing like the clay mud that was
like trying to pedal through wet cement. After 51.3 miles we arrived
at Harpers Ferry, WV (see photo below) under blue skies and puffy
clouds. Dinner was dominated by discussions of the mud. Now were
gathered for a presentation on the history of this area and looking
forward to a good nights rest before another 50+ mile day tomorrow.

Great Falls

We started our day with a short ride and walk to view the fantastic
Great Falls of the Potomac. The it was off to hit the trail which,
even with no rain quickly turned into a mud bath. We're at the first
check point now with about 26 miles - and more mud - to go. At least
it's not raining!

The C&O Towpath Begins

After sorting out all the bikes and transferring our bags ( boy, Scott
is prepared for just about anything) we hit the trail in Georgetown.
At mile 2.5 the trail merged into the actual C&O Canal tow path, the
same path used to tow bardges in the 1800s. Today was a pretty short
ride of 12 miles... but the humidity made it seem much longer.
Fortunately we only had some light rain and we have indoor lodging
tonight and nice hot showers. Now it's chow time as we carbo load for
our much longer ride tomorrow.

The Adventure Begins... On A Big Bus!

We caught a break from the weather this morning in Pittsburgh with
some sunshine to send us off on our grand adventure. The mass of
humanity (well, about 85 of us) and hardware has been packed on a
truck, a trailer, and two big busses. Now we get to sit back and
snooze and catch up on the sleep lost from staying up late getting our
stuff together.

The BoBs Make The News!

Our local newspaper here in the South Hills of Pittsburgh published an article this week about us and our upcoming grand adventure.
Check it out!

So why are we doing this ride?

Great question. I guess we all have our own reasons. If you ask Scott, the historical aspects of the country we'll be crossing and that it's basically the same route taken by George Washing on his first journey to Pittsburgh would highlight his response. Ask Bruce and he'd probably tell you that's it's without a doubt a "bucket list" item (which I'd have to agree with). For me, aside from the fact that it IS an interesting historical trip, and it IS a bucket list item, I'd have to say that it's simply the challenge of doing something I've never done before. I raced competitively on-road for years and ridden my fair share of trails off-road throughout the southeastern US, but not a multiple day, cycling/camping deal like this. So stay tuned. It should be a hoot of a bucket list, historical, challenging ride... and I can hardly wait to get started.
- Rob

Sara on the wall

Sara going solo on the wall at REI