Day 7 Cumberland to Rockwood PA

May 18, 2023

Said my goodbyes to Peter and Henry and took off. I’m very excited to be on the GAP! GAP stands for Greater Allegheny Passage and is a remarkable 148 mile rail trail that starts in Cumberland MD and goes all the way to Pittsburgh PA. After the initial paved section in Cumberland, it turns to crushed limestone. Ran into Randy and Annie the Newfoundland out for a stroll. What a sweet dog!

The trail rises gradually for about 24 miles to the Eastern Continental Divide at 2,392 feet. Initially, it passes through pastoral landscape as it rises. The train tracks cut a sharp curve around the Helmstetter’s homestead such that people on the front of the train could see those on the back end.

There were three tunnels on today’s route: the Brush tunnel (914’ long), the Borden Tunnel (957’ long), and theSavage Tunnel (3,294’ long).

One of the lights was out in the middle of the Borden Tunnel and it went completely black just as a young man started to pass me. Kind of scary. Neither of us had lights.

The climb went on relentlessly. The grade isn’t bad , it was just wearing on my poorly trained legs. Did I mention my rear by end is still sore from the C&O?

I’m trying really hard not to break the speed limit while climbing

At the famed Mason-Dixon Line I ran into Bill who was enjoying the trail on an E-bike. A rather loquacious fellow, I enjoyed the break and the company.

Bill from the Pittsburg area doing a day trip

I meant to get a picture of the Savage Tunnel but I didn’t think of it until I emerged and saw this beautiful vista:

View just above the Savage Tunnel. The photo doesn’t do it justice.

There quite a few Amish families and young couples enjoying the trail today. I was so impressed that the women could ride in long skirts. No helmets, just those pretty bonnets. I would be a fiasco in a long skirt on a bike.

Finally reached the Continental Divide Then it was all downhill of course. I tried unsuccessfully to get a panoramic photo of the mural, so this is the best I could do:

On the Meyersdale PA which is and was a major producer of Maple Syrup. I had to include this for my dear friend Mary Lydolph who for years made the best maple syrup with her husband in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin.

The Meyersdale Visitor Center contained a charming little railroad museum complete with miniature trains.

They don’t make trains with dining cars like this anymore

And you don’t see china like this in the dining cars.

While continuing to descend gradually to Rockwood, I crossed the Salisbury Viaduct; at 1,908 feet it’s the longest pedestrian/bike bridge I’ve ever experienced !

I stumbled on this interesting Meyer family graveyard right next to the trail.

Just before Rockwood, I encountered these chickens(?) who gave me a piece of their mind. Do chickens have curse words?

Peter and Henry picked me up and we drove to our campground up in the hills. We were entertained by this little guy who must’ve put in some miles.

Overall, a great day. No catastrophes.

Today's ride: 44 miles (71 km)
Total: 228 miles (367 km)

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