Ever since completing my spring trek across New York I’ve been feeling a bit restless and wanting to get out for a few more quiet days on the bike. Work has been very rewarding but also taking a lot of my time. I’ve also been pulled in a lot of directions with helping family loved ones lately. All very good things and I’m blessed to share my time and talents – but even Jesus needed time away to regroup and spend time in prayer. A few days an opportunity popped up to schedule a few days off between some important commitments. I decided that I would take a short three-day adventure on the Great Allegheny Passage.
I’m very familiar with the 150 miles of the GAP. I did a quick count and I’ve done 7 full lengths of the GAP in the past 12 years; this will be my eighth trip. It is probably my favorite off-road bike trail. The trail offers great scenery, quiet surroundings, and nice towns to stop in along the way. The trail itself is well maintained and easy to ride.
I’ll be riding it by myself over three days stopping in familiar spots. This ride won’t be about new discovery, but rather about taking some quiet time away and enjoying the woods that the trail goes through. I’ll begin by leaving my car in Pittsburgh, taking Amtrak to Cumberland MD, and then riding back.
When planning a trip more than just a few days in advance, you can’t anticipate the weather. So far the forecast looks dry, crisp, and cool all three days. I hope the rain stays away – but even if it rains, that’ll be OK.
I arrived in Pittsburgh today and am ready to ride tomorrow morning. Hoping for a good night of rest before heading to the Amtrak station around 4:20AM to catch the Capitol Limited train eastbound. Yawn.
Peace!
— Dcn. Matt
Deacon Matt's Blog 