Well you couldn't ask for a more perfect day to bike 65 miles. The day started out foggy and chilly- 55F to start and got up to the mid 70's and that's where it stayed with a lovely breeze.
We had a good-sized crew to start, with a few new riders added to the mix, including DJ's awesome niece, Chrissie.
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Uncle DJ and Chrissie |
The riding in western Maryland was gorgeous as we rode around Deep Creek Lake. We climbed 4800 feet today, but most of that was backloaded on the last 30 miles. The first part of the day we rolled.
Keeping my roomie Jack safe was the mantra today for the whole crew since Jack has had some nasty falls the last two Anchor Houses. He's back stronger than ever, but we are all looking out for him! Elton John's song "I'm Still Standing" was a popular one today in honor of Jack.
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Jack, upright and looking good! |
For Jack's sake we did our best to avoid the town of "Accident" (presumably named when two surveyors met up there when they were exploring western Maryland), but our sag stop at the Country Acres Retreat was in Accident. But, it was amazing as the owner of the Country Acres, Ida Moss,
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SAG stop in Accident Maryland |
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Ida Moss and her daughter (left) and deliciousness on the table |
arranged to have daughter bake an impressive amount of crazy-delicious home-made donuts and sticky buns, all donated to the House! Much better than the Fresh Oil and Chips being served up down the road. We crossed over the Maryland border at mile 37.5 (man the biking in Maryland was lovely) into Pennsylvania. DJ marked the spot, or at least the Mason-Dixon Line.
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Really wondering what the chips were about |
The scenery in PA was pretty spectacular too, much more wide open with lots of dairy farms and great windy roads with much more up and downs. We all thought the downs were worth the ups. Very fun riding.
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These guys were too cute to pass up |
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Not as cute as the cows clearly.... |
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Not clear what this head cover was we were posing with... |
We finished strong, rolling in around 2:30 after a tasty lunch and the final ten miles into Somerset. All around a great first day. Ready for a repeat for Day 2!
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Chrissie did great on her first Anchor House Day |
As great as the day was, we always try to bring it back to why we are here on this ride. To raise needed money for the Anchor House kids.
I think the "chips" has something to do with those cows! xo
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