Rythym

Each night after dinner, we have a debrief to discuss the three goals and a briefing to discuss the next day. We’ve done pretty poorly at getting out the door in a timely manner, so in our briefing last night we’d given specific instructions on when to get up and what each person would do to prepare for an early departure. By early, we didn’t want to set the bar too high; we meant 11.

It is difficult to say what exactly slows us each morning. We obviously had some bike procurement problems with Mike, but even taking those into account, there wasn’t a clear explanation for why we were slow. That’s especially shocking, when one considers that other than our bikes our belongings fit in about two shoe boxes.

My job was to locate food. We were staying in an Airbnb so there was nothing served like the bed and breakfast the day before. There was a local bakery and I was to be there when they opened at 7:00. I arrived even a little early after Rising early and doing my yoga. I quickly purchased breakfast sandwiches and headed back to the house. I was greeted by silence. I enjoyed one of the breakfast sandwiches. It was still silent. I packed my bags in silence and eventually decided to wake everyone about 8:00.

We left around 9:00 and felt very proud of ourselves . Instead of always just riding, we decided to try and experience some of the local beauty. We pedaled out of town on a local road towards Cucumber Falls. As we headed up one of the hills, we realized that riding a rail trail is wonderful on so many levels and not the least of which is the grade. Rail trails are never steep, but the Alleghenies, although not high, are very steep. Falls were beautiful, although with little water. Fortunately, we were able to follow a dirt Trail through the state park and reconnect with the GAP.

From Ohiopyle we continued along the Youghaheny River for miles and miles. There were beautiful hardwood forests around us and a lovely stream flowing below us. The trail was perfect and the grade never too steep. It was difficult to not stop frequently and just sit contemplting and enjoying what was so lovely around us. But we did need to make it 42 miles to the town of Meyersdale.

We did stop to enjoy the river. In the process we completed goal number two by engaging with a 74-year-old man named Richard as he walked out of the river having been fishing. He told us some hilarious stories and some great fish stories including how he caught some 16 and 17-in trout just that morning. It was fun and interesting to chat with him. I think all of us have become increasingly comfortable with Goal number two and more importantly enjoying it.

One of the things I’ve tried to share with Caleb and Ridge is the rhythm of riding. Both of them are a bit used to riding BMX like. They pedal fast, coast until they slow and then pedal again. This is painful to follow when you’re trying to set a consistent speed. And also limits the meditative value of paddling. I’ve tried to help teach them how pedaling rhythmically and persistently lets you slip into an almost meditative state. You lose track of the body, in other words your butt stops hurting so badly, and you just keep moving along. It’s a powerful way to move forward.

Just before Meyersdale, there is an incredible trestle. I think it must have been near a half mile long. It sweeps over a valley seemingly hundred feet above it. It makes for a spectacular finish to the day. We found our house without difficulty and unloaded. Then we were off for dinner at the White House, but not with trump. Overall it was a beautiful day