Day – 78 Extra Curriculars

I have been impressed with how ready Jason has been for this trip. Since committing to meeting me for this stretch he got a new bike, has been going on training rides, and researched things to do and places to stay along the trail. Today would test all of that.

Since conceiving of my over all route I have had my eye on detouring from the trail and riding up to the high point of Pennsylvania. Today was the day for this. Since Jason was looking strong and feeling good (actually better than me at this point) so we decided to go for it.

To give Jason the full experience I thought it was best if he guest blogged his experience. Here are his words concerning the day.

Day 78 (my day 3) High Point

Today we left out of Confluence, PA and stopped for breakfast at the gas station diner. In keeping with the golf theme I had a surprise for Erich. I’ve been carrying 4 disc’s in my bag and I found a disc golf course a mile and a half out of town. Redneck Disc Golf is a 9 hole course complete with a few broken toilets and other debris scattered around. We had a fun round and I even had two birdies (Erich won). I met Erich over 25 years ago and since that day he’s been “encouraging” me into adventures. And I’m a better human as a result. Together we’ve climbed mountains around the world and had countless adventures. When he asked if I would like to join him on the last part of his bike trip, I said no. But then I thought about it, bought a bike and started training. Day 3 is our hardest day and included 2,800′ elevation gain and mostly road miles. We turned off the trail and up a 9% grade that I wasn’t expecting. But as Erich always says, go your pace and we’ll get there when we get there. I had a blast. The miles weren’t easy, it started raining about halfway up and I hike a biked the last quarter mile. But standing at the highest point in Pennsylvania (Mt. Davis) was always part of the adventure and marked the 4th state high point we’d done together. We were completely soaked and could only see 100 yards away but it was worth it. I love a good story and this trip is shaping up to be one I’ll never forget. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your 4000 mile adventure. On to DC!