Traveling at Mach 0.012

Start – Hancock
Destination – Frostburg
Day total miles – 72
Journey total miles – 393

Hard day and lots of mud. Cumberland did not come soon enough. Need to cut off about 2 inches of the front fender and then I can raise it up to get more clearance. It got old fast clearing the wheel.

Up early at the bunkhouse, aka the chicken coop. We renamed it, but with only kind and thankful thoughts that it was there. Overall a good place to stay. Breakfast at the Park N Dine. Peddling up to the restaurant noticed that the rain must have been pretty intense last night. There were several places on the Main Street that had water flowing out onto the street, but we did not think much of it. At the diner, the conversation among the locals and wait staff centered on those who were stranded away from work and the local flooding. Looking out back, the Western MD rail trail, our starting point (paved and smooth rolling), the trail was under water. One of the waitresses told of the struggle to get to work and that she did not think we could make it too far.

Headed out, not raining anymore, but still overcast. Heading up the path not knowing what we would encounter, we found lots of evidence of flooding. However, nothing over our path, so on we went. The Potomac looked impressive and the canal full. Saw lots of water and mud. Closer to Cumberland, the mud got worse but passable. Oh, and the PawPaw tunnel was interesting. There were puddles to ford, waterfalls to the left and slick looking path into the tunnel. Walked my bike through the tunnel to be on the safe side.

Once in cumberland, pulled up to the local bike store. Refueled with gatorade and an ice cream sandwich. The bike store/beer making supplier was great. He pulled out a hose so we could clean off the bikes.

Onto the Greater Allegheny Passage Trail and a much better surface (not paved, but almost). About 15 miles up the trail and we were in Frostburg. The closest place to stay, the Trail Inn had a bunkroom that included showers and warmth. Clean up and off to dinner. Had to hurry, the recommended restaurant was closing soon. Got in with 15 mins to spare and, although I am sure staff wanted to leave, we were treated to a great meal. Met the owner – third generation running the Princess Restaurant. Seems to be getting tougher for small businesses like the Princess, glad to see the tradition is still going. A must stop when in Hancock.

Slept well in the warm bed.

I have pictures, I promise to upload.