Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 4, 2002

Day Three (66 miles) Bedford, PA to Gree
Another great day of riding! Very tough, but our bodies seem to be holding up and adjusting to the new work very well. More huge hills: Elevation going through the Alleghaney mountains reached 2600+ feet. Looking out from high on a mountain back over the many miles we had already covered was absolutely gorgeous, and very motivating. Everyone was discouraged at lunch by a tough morning ride, but afternoon was notably easier. The beautiful views and exciting descents make the climbs well worth the sweat and blood. We’re all very exhausted, but things seem to be getting easier rather than harder-the big hills make the regular ones look and feel smaller. Hopefully we’ve made it through the worst of the hills for a while.

Road kill sightings thus far include the usual squirrels, raccoons, possums, deer, as well as more exotic animals such as turtle and snakes (not including things too flat to make out.)

We’re staying at a YMCA in Greensburg and even got a small welcoming committee coming in. After a great dinner of pizza and ice cream we met a team of Special Olympic bikers and talked with them about our experiences so far and our plans for the trip. It was a lot of fun for all of us. It felt really cool to be treated like bike experts; we definitely appreciated the confidence and encouragement.
We’re all looking forward to an easy half day into Pittsburgh tomorrow before the 97 mile ride into Akron : ( Oh well, we’re all having a great time, and I for one am loving every minute of it! Hopkins 4k for Cancer signing off to sleep.

-Travis Snow