Ride the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal: Day 4

Well I finally got “my act” together. No, that’s not an accurate statement; just ask any of our group. Since I FINALLY got high-speed internet service, I went back and “edited” the last two days and added pictures and captions, so check them out.

Last night everyone (but Carol and I) were in Bed & Breakfasts. They both served breakfast at 8:00 and we all started riding at 8:45 AM and rode together all day.

We had 20 miles of upgrade to the high point, The Eastern Continental Divide. Water behind us (after arriving) flows to the Gulf of Mexico (by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers). Water in front of us flows to the Atlantic Ocean (by way of the Potomac River), but I am ahead of myself.

First, we arrived at the Salisbury Viaduct, a 1900 ft. long bridge that is 101 feet above the valley. It crosses the Casselman River, CSX RR, US 219 bypass and old 219. It is one of two “signature” structures on the GAP. Two miles later, we arrived at the depot in Myersdale, PA (water, restrooms and shirts for sale). Next is the Bollman Bridge, is a beautiful old historic wrought iron bridge that was moved from near Meyersdale to replace a dangerous county road tunnel under the trail.

The next rest stop/picture opportunity was at the Keystone Viaduct, a long, curved bridge over the valley and CSX RR. Next was Deal, where the donor plaque honoring the persons, groups and businesses that had donated money to help refurbish the Big Savage Tunnel. (It is a ¾ mile long lighted former WM RR tunnel that cost $12 million to restore.) There was “extra credit” given, if you could find Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County, Ohio’s name on the donor’s plaque. Yes it is there! Soon (noon) we were at the Eastern Continental Divide for more pictures. (Any excuse to take a break on an upgrade on a hot day. From here, the trip is all DOWNHILL! In 2 miles we were at the (lighted) Big Savage Tunnel and were able to enjoy a long cool ride thru. The Big Savage is the other famous structure on the GAP. Then just out of the tunnel we took pictures of the “narrows” where Cumberland is at the end. It is perhaps 14 miles “as the crow flies” but 20 miles, as the trail follows the side of the mountain around the long way.

Now it was 20 miles of downhill to Cumberland. If you pedaled slightly, you were going 12-13 miles per hour. If you pedaled steadily (as we were) you went 15-16 miles an hour. On the way down, we went thru Borden Tunnel unlighted but fairly short), stopped at the trailhead for Frostburg, and went thru Brush Tunnel (lighted and shared with the tourist railroad the goes from Cumberland to Frostburg). The train runs Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday.

It had taken us 3 ½ hours to the top (22 miles) and only 2 ½ hours down (22 miles). We were flying. We were at the hotel by 2:30 in the afternoon. The pool was one option, as well as the C&O Visitors Center and an optional ride on a short railtrail just below Cumberland, though relaxing probably was the “main event”. We had chosen to only eat energy bars for lunch, since the options were ride down into Meyersdale and then UP after lunch or UP at Frostburg and then back down to the trail. So we opted for fewer miles and no more climbs, instead of lunch. Some at lunch soon after arriving and cleaning up and some just ate an early supper. Everyone was glad for the downhill and to arrive early.