BigTrip2011 - Day 13 - Riding West

It was a slow start to day 13 (August 10, 2011). I was in no rush to leave, and Jack wasn’t chasing me with away with a stick. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together, and then I packed the bike. This would be the first serious day of riding west back to Minnesota.

Jack and Leslie came up with a scenic route for me to escape West Chester with, and so I set out. I followed it as best I could. The directions were quite clear. For a few miles I was sure I missed the turn I was supposed to make, but then I realized I mis-read the carefully written note.

Jack’s directions took me through Amish country. I was a bit excited to see my first horse and buggy in PA.

Further down the road, I saw my first Mennonites. I was a bit confused at first, a woman dressed in Amish looking clothes with a giant leaf blower strapped to her back. A block later it was the similar scene with another woman in traditional clothing pushing a lawn mower. I didn’t stop to take a photo, but I did stop at this pig holding a hamburger statue.

When the directions ran out, I set my GPS for Chicago, IL and just rode. I enjoyed these neat looking railroad bridges. I didn’t make a note of the location. Jack?

The GPS took me on I-81 south and before I knew it, I was in Maryland again. I was a bit confused, but then I remembered I had configured the GPS to avoid tolls. I-70 has tolls.  In Hagerstown, MD, I started riding east on I-68. Wow. I wish all the interstates were like I-68. Long sweeping bends criss-crossing over 1500-3000 foot peaks. Hours and hours. It was much more enjoyable than say, I-80 across Nebraska. The other bonus of the “mountains” was the heat broke once I was past Hagerstown. It was over 90F most of the day, but afterwards, it kept falling the further west I rode.

I stopped at the rest stop near Sideling Hill. They call this one a hill and other smaller ones mountains. Go figure. A great view.

The view east.

Most of the late afternoon was spent enjoying the road which was surprisingly clear of traffic. The dark clouds on the horizon kept looming, but then the road would twist in a different direction. I could see the rain falling in the distance, but I managed to stay dry. I ended the day in Morgantown, WV. The final temp was 68F. I was a bit chilled since I was still dressed for 90s.

A good day of riding.

About 300 miles today. States: PA, MD, WV

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