This
is the trip that started it all. I had just bought my first bike
about two months before this trip and the longest ride I had done was
about 18 miles roundtrip. Ryan McClain and I knew the trail ended
up in Ohio Pyle, so we grabbed sleeping bags and a tent and headed out.
There was not much training that went into the trip either, so 60 some odd miles one way was quite a workout. It was the first weekend of November and the weather was perfect for riding; in the low 60's. Also, the autumn leaves had pretty much all fallen, but they provided us with a trail carpeted with color.
I can remember how starved we were 40 miles into the trip before reaching Connellsville. Once there we devoured a meal at Pizza Hut. A large pizza, breadsticks, and an appetizer sampler gave us the energy for the rest of the way.
Since it was November, day light was quickly leaving us. As we rode the trail through Ohio Pyle, I can remember the bats darting at us as we made our way towards our destination. As soon as we got to the town of Ohio Pyle, it was completely dark, but our journey was not yet done. We decided to venture to the top of the mountain where the state park campground resides. After riding 60+ miles, pushing your bike up steep mountain roads is not the activity of choice, but tests such as that help build mental toughness. The body can do some amazing things as long as the mind is willing to take it there.
After a nights rest, it was back on the trail the next morning. We had the remarkable pleasure of riding along with some deer who were trying to out-gain us so that they may cross the trail. The morning rain soon cleared up, and it was smooth sailing back to our beginning/finishing point.
It is funny to look back on this trip and think of how far I/we have come. As I write this, Ryan McClain and I are preparing to ride cross country. I guess that speaks volumes for the trip that inspired it all!