012: Day 16, April 24: Cumberland MD to Meyersdale Pennsylvania: 33 miles (m166.1)

We tried to start early today, but Ben has so many small things to pack - Christine is shaking her head every morning. Anyway, we had a change in plans, rather than wait out the rain in Cumberland, we decided to use the good part of the day and cycle to Frostburg before the rain arrives.

Just a word about the trail ahead. The first 24 miles is a continuous uphil to reach the Eastern Continental Divide. Cyclists from the front are therefore cycling with no worries in the world.  

Just as we passed Mile "0" we came across this mural and started with the Great Allegheny Passage. We were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the riding surface. I could easily maintain speeds between 6.5 and 9.0 miles per hour with the trailer going uphill. Needless to say, the 28,5 pounds that we offloaded along the way, helped a lot. 

Soon we passed the first bridge and reached the open fields and mountains outside Cumberland.

At Helmstetter's Horsehoe Curve we met up with passers' by and we could not stop chatting. I am sorry that we did not take down all the names, but Larry Brock will remain with us. He cycled with us for a while and gave us a lot of info on the construction of the original trail - the negotiations with the railroad company, etc. 

He had to turn around at the Brush Tunnel to pick up his car that was in for a windscreen replacement. Larry, I am certain we shall meet up again along the trails somewhere. 

We had to stop at Mountainview Station to take a photo of the new Station Mistress. 

One thing about Spring is the different greens that pop out. The trees were gorgeous as we cycled on. Christine by now had a response for cyclists coming from the front. On their "How are you's?" she would respond, "Great, we are on the way up ...in this world." I kept on giggling every time she used this greeting. 

Larry told us about the "Speeder" Convention in Cumberland. The members have these small rail inspection trolleys and once a year they get together somewhere interesting for their Annual Meeting. They visited Frostburg today and we had the privilege to see them pass us - more than 40 of these trolleys. The truck in front is their protection, as it acts as the "head" of the train. 

We made great time to Frostburg - without the assistance of the Speeders." :):):)

When we got to Frostburg, we decided to push on to Meyersdale, PA. We changed our booking and kept on cycling uphill.

Frostburg rest stop.

We reached the Borden Tunnel with a couple of rests along the way. By now the legs have cycled for about 18 miles uphill. This tunnel is lit with lights linked to motion sensors. 

At mile 20 we crossed the Mason-Dixon Line, the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. This is also the place where we said goodbye to Maryland on this trip. 

Beautiful scenery from close to the Big Savage Tunnel.

At Mile 22 we went through the Big Savage Tunnel, about 1 km long. The interior has been extensively repaired since we passed through here in 2010 with Roz.

We were very happy to have reached the Eatern Continental Divide. From here onwards it was downhill all the way to Meyersdale. 

The trail remained in great shape. 

We crossed the Keystone Viaduct while a train carrying containers passed below. 

We came across an interesting steel bridge designed by a self-taught Carpenter, Bollman. The bridge design focused on its construction by labourers. The bridge parts all have their specific numbers cast as part of the members. This helped with construction on site. 

We checked in at the Morguen Toole Co's Bed and Breakfast and immediately liked the room decor.

Outside Meyersdale was abuzz with the Annual PA Maple Festival. We stopped for Italian Sausage Hoagies. 

We walked a bit and had to finish off our meal with "calcium."

An interesting old building in Meyersdale, now also turned into a Bed and Breakfast.

We are again ready for an early night.  Outside the rain started and the bed is even more inviting.