I was really happy to get into bed early last night. Fitness trainers will tell you that a great night of sleep is the best performance enhancer you can get. I got a great night of sleep and I could tell.
When I woke this morning it was very foggy. The air temps had dropped over night into the 40s and it definitely felt like fall outside. I anticipated chilly weather so I brought my heavier coat and I’m glad I did.
After a delicious breakfast at the B&B, I slathered on some sunblock, put on my warm-wear and pointed down the trail. It was chilly for the first couple of hours of riding, but it felt great. Tomorrow looks to be even a touch cooler. The one thing I didn’t bring were warmer gloves, so I stopped this evening and bought some full-fingered gloves liners to keep my fingers a bit warmer tomorrow.
The next town up the trail is Confluence, named after the joining of the Youghiogheny river, Casselman River, and Laurel Hill creek. I usually make Confluence a place to stop in along the way. I was going to just pass through town but ended up spending a little while there. Why? Because of Pumpkin Fest 2024! Pumpkin Fest is the town’s big shindig for the year. I rolled into town and was met with food trucks and tents, lots of vendors of various crafts and stuff, and a music tent. Although it was only a little after 10A, I decided to have early lunch. I got a nice serving of Pad Thai from one of the vendors. For fair food, it was pretty good!
The people of Confluence are very nice. Every time I’ve stopped in town, someone has been kind to me. Today was no different. As I wheeled my bike around the vendors, people were friendly and welcoming. This town probably sees a zillion cyclists every day, but they still asked me a little about my trip and where I was headed.
After making a lap around the various vendors, I decided it was time to get rolling. I made quick time to Ohiopyle. Ohiopyle is a neat town, mostly supported by tourism and whitewater rafting. I had originally planned my lunch stop for there, but since I had already eaten, I just took the time to replenish water and get rolling.
There are many places to stop and take in the views, but there is one particular overlook where I always stop because it is perhaps the nicest view of the river in the general area. There was a young lady there doing an out-and-back loop from Connellsville. We chatted for a few minutes while I took in some calories to power my last 10 miles.
The last 10 miles went fast. I arrived a little ahead of schedule but the Comfort Inn was happy to allow me to do early check-in. I wanted to get cleaned up in time to walk to mass at St. Rita’s in town.
After mass, I wandered to a nearby restaurant and grabbed a healthy dinner of pasta, veggies, and salmon. Nothing went to waste … or my waist, I think.
Tomorrow’s ride is a bit longer. It will be about 60 miles to finish out the ride. I’m going to get an early start since I also have a bit of a car ride when I get back to Pittsburgh.
Overall, a wonderful day on the trail.
Peace!
— Dcn. Matt
Today’s stats: 46.4 miles, no problems, 53°F at start, about 73°F at the end. Back-to-back days of epic weather.
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