Biking across the U.S.: Tues.,May 17, Warrenton,VA

It is now Thursday, May 19, and we have been here in Cumberland, Maryland since late Tuesday afternoon when we arrived by taxi (yes, taxi!) from Warrenton. We had a big change of plans because of the unceasing rain that has been falling in this region for the past five days. Our concern about the condition of the C&O Canal towpath trail because of all the rain turned out to be justified. We sat in our motel room in Warrenton after waking up to low thick gray skies that were spewing out rain - sometimes quite heavy, discussing what to do. After learning from an official person at the C&O Canal office that there would be a lot of muddy water puddles and just plain mud on the trail, and the forecast was for more rain and thunderstorms through the week, we reluctantly and sadly decided that we would have to skip the trail and get a ride to Cumberland, which is at the end of the C&O trail and the beginning of the GAP trail (Great Allegheny Passage). We were able to do that (our driver said this was the longest distance he has ever taken anyone), and now we have been waiting out the weather since. BUT - tomorrow we ride again! The weather is improving, and we have reservations on the steam train that operates on weekends from Cumberland to Frostburg, and runs almost parallel with the bike trail for the 15- mile trip. Then we start riding our bikes again on the GAP for the next 100 miles or so. almost up to Pittsburgh. The GAP is in good shape because it is covered with crushed limestone so there is no mud and water puddles. AND WE THOUGHT WE WERE LEAVING THE RAIN BEHIND IN SEATTLE!!! This rain is worse - it's the kind that actually get you wet.

In the meantime, we have been strolling and biking the streets of Cumberland, visited a bike shop where I looked for a pair of bike shorts to replace the ones that Bill had to patch up with duct tape because the seat wore out and just ripped almost from top to bottom, and that are now in a dump somwhere in Virginia, found a good spot to eat, talked to some other cyclists and local people, etc.etc. Today we rode about 4 miles up the GAP starting through the famed Cumberland Gap and learning about the geological features and the history of it through informational signs along the way. Cumberland is in a picturesque location, nestled between the hills (mountains?) of western Maryland, and has a lot of old restored buildings - some with interesting architecture, and a very nice main street that has been made into a walking area only. It has a number of empty buildings however, and has the look and feel of a town that is a little economically depressed and worn around the edges.

We may not have internet access or phone service for the next several days, so I don't know when my next post will be. I'll try to post a few pictures.

Riding on = and STILL looking forward to FLAT!,

Carol