Confluence to Frostburg; Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide

[This post covers Monday morning to Tuesday morning]

Enjoyed a great and filling breakfast from Mitch's Fuel & Food on the deck before packing up and heading out shortly before 11. I think we all anticipated earlier starts, but it's been nice to sleep in, enjoy coffee/breakfast, and wait for it to warm up a bit as overnight temps have been cool.

Our Airbnb host, Diana, graciously snapped a pic of our motley crew before we headed out

As anticipated, Monday was the toughest ride so far - 38 miles uphill, followed by 10 down. We also had a couple bike mishaps in the group - a broken toe clip and a pesky flat tire repair - that slowed us a bit, but were definitely manageable. Another perfect day for riding - cool, cloudy with sunbursts - though it seemed to get colder as the day went on.

The trail was just as enjoyable as the previous days - tree-lined and smooth as we followed the Casselman River, frequently crossing over historic (and a few newer) bridges, and through a couple tunnels.

Casselman River

Pinkerton Tunnel

Tree-lined trail

At the 38mi mark, we reached the Eastern Continental Divide, which separates the Gulf of Mexico watershed from the Chesapeake Bay watershed - remarkable in its own right, but particularly special as it marked the beginning of a long decent toward our destination in DC!

Continental Divide

Elevation changes - DC is the left-most point on the chart

The last 10 miles were fun, if chilly, as we pedaled with downhill, crossing the Mason-Dixon line, and reaching top speeds of 21mph, before arriving in Frostburg. In a cruel twist, the town - and our Airbnb - were up a steep hill, about half a mile from the trailhead, requiring us to ride a series of switchbacks, then along a steep street through town. It was definitely tough after a 48 mile ride.

Scott and Rick before entering the 3,294' long Big Savage tunnel, built in 1911

Markers at the Mason-Dixon line crossing

Checked in to our Airbnb, a nice spot right on Main Street. A couple of the guys volunteered to go pick-up beers and dinner - a well-earned and delicious feast from the Toasted Goat - which we enjoyed along with a round of manhattans. After dinner, we celebrated Richard's birthday with party hats, noise makers, apple pie (with candles) and gifts(!) which Rick's wife (and Richard's cousin), Victoria, had graciously dropped off on her way from Belle Vernon back to DC. It was a fun celebration, that inspired more beer drinking and story-telling. A fun night.

Birthday boy!

A good sport

Up around 8. About to enjoy the breakfast provisions our Airbnb host provided - bagels, bacon, cereal, etc., before (hopefully) getting on the trail by 10 (although Scott just mentioned it's 38 degrees outside, so maybe we'll linger a bit). Forecast says we may reach 70 degrees this afternoon. Going to be another great day!