Full of excitement from yesterday and feeling better than expected after yesterday’s climb, Jason and I pushed off for a 60 mile day. The rest of the trip is just cycling but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to be excited about. Today has us going through the Big Savage tunnel that is over a half mile long, crossing the eastern divide, crossing the Mason Dixon line, and collecting another state (Maryland).
It was bleak outside. R2D2 gave us an “INTENSE FOG WARNING”. It was cool, misty, and rainy at times. The tunnel was fun and actually the driest part of the day. Shortly after we crossed the divide, wich means the remainder of the trip is downhill (seriously it is all down hill). It was steep enough for 20 miles after the divide that we mostly coasted not wanting to go too fast as the wet conditions warranted caution. The lack of effort left us both cold and wishing we were on the couch eating chili and watching football.
2 miles from Cumberland disaster struck. I won’t get too into details as it is his story to tell but wet conditions, a railroad crossing, and bad luck sent Jason to the pavement. It was hard to tell how bad it was from his stoic composure. Seriously, if it were me Jason would definitely know I was hurt from all of the screaming and crying. To be honest I thought he just got the wind knocked out of him as we were not going fast at the time. After a brief rest he said we should carry on to Cumberland and get some lunch. Gingerly we headed down hill the two miles into town. As we got close to the end of the Great Allegheny Passage trail and the start of the C&O trail he suggested we get pictures at mile zero. That is when I knew it was bad.
Over soup it was clear Jason would not be able to continue. I booked a hotel and he called his folks for a ride home. Jason has great and helpful parents too (they also come with the truck accessory). They were a couple hours away so we checked into the hotel and tried to make Jason comfortable.
In a flash Jason was loaded up and headed home. This was easily the saddest day of my trip including day three. It seems so unfair, particularly for Jason. Turns out he cracked two ribs. Thankfully they are not displaced but it will be painful for a considerable amount of time.
Boo is all I have to say!
3 responses to “Day 79 – Man Down”
What a sad day. I am so sorry to read about your friend Jason. I hope he heals up quickly.
Boo indeed. Wet railway tracks – cyclists’ curse. Hope you heal quickly! Stay strong, Erich! Almost done and what an amazing accomplishment!!
At least he has a cool story for the ribs and bruises. That’s the perfect hazing injury for a real cyclist! Hope he heals quickly. Try not to make him laugh.