It’s All Downhill from Here
Short and sweet, the best way to summarize today’s ride is that it’s all downhill from here.
Looking at the ride’s elevation chart on my Garmin, it was similar to the polls’ approval ratings for the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. The difference? That downhill slide is celebrated on the bike.
As a matter of fact, it was much easier than I expected. The miles went by pretty quickly. Let’s face it, I was revisiting places I’d been just days before. Combine that with a chilly, overcast morning and a threat of rain. I was focused on making miles rather than making memories.
New Perspectives
The Levi Deal Mansion in Meyersdale is an outstanding stay. My room was luxurious, and the innkeeper served an amazing breakfast. Two women from Arizona and Colorado invited me to join them at their breakfast table. Our conversation turned to their first experiences as bike tourists. Before long, I suggested their next one had to be the Ohio to Erie Trail.
It’s funny how fast the seasons and weather change on any given day. Just a few days ago, I crossed the Salisbury Viaduct under bright sunshine, casually soaking in the sweeping views of the valley. Today, it was cloudy, overcast, and chilly. I pedaled without stopping for a picture.
Fall colors were definitely at their peak. I saw them from a different perspective. I usually snap a photo from the bike, with the camera pointed ahead. Riding in the opposite direction gave me a fresh view of familiar places. The same scenery, seen from a different angle, reveals something missed the first time around.
I didn’t stop as often as I had during my uphill slog a few days earlier. Today was about keeping the wheels turning.
The Weather Set My Pace
The miles on my Garmin passed quickly, reminding me that riding the GAP from east to west has its advantages. Instead of spending days climbing, you get to enjoy an easier pedal and more time taking in the scenery. That depends on your cycling perspective, your appetite for a challenge and climbs, and what you want to get out of a tour.
With the miles disappearing, I’d reach my B&B in Connellsville well before check-in. I settled into the same pedaling rhythm of my Big Savage Mountain descent. With the e-bike assist set to the lowest setting, I casually pedaled, let gravity do some of the work, and cruised along at about 12 miles per hour.
I stopped for lunch at Ohiopyle. The threatening weather forecast clearly changed the atmosphere of the town. Just a few days earlier, Ohiopyle was bustling with visitors. Now, it was quiet. The GAP, usually filled with people, dogs, bikes, strollers, and all sorts of activity, had very few people on it.
The highlight was a couple walking their eight golden retrievers. The man had five, while his wife managed the other three on leashes. That sight definitely brought a smile to my face! That didn’t last long as I felt the first raindrops.
The sprinkle turned into light rain, a steady shower, and finally a downpour on my last six miles into Connellsville. Soaked, I turned up the power knowing I would arrive well before the B&B check-in time.
Staying warm and getting indoors was more important than stretching the ride time. Up went the assist level, and I rolled into Connellsville almost an hour before check-in.
My innkeeper had a strict no-check-in-before-3 rule. I parked my bike and ventured around the corner to a small local coffee shop. The atmosphere and aroma welcomed me in for the next hour.
The place was full of other cyclists seeking shelter from the weather. A hot skinny vanilla latte and cranberry biscotti hit the spot. I caught up on email, edited today’s photos, and relaxed, hoping to dry off. I made a little progress on that front, but not nearly enough.
Worth Hitting the Brakes
Early in the day, I also stopped to record a video short reflecting on how my life changed after my heart attack and cardiac surgery. My message was simple: it’s never too late to embrace a new life.
At 72, I’m aware that I’m in the autumn of my life. That doesn’t mean I’m done discovering new interests or imagining what comes next. I recorded a similar video a year ago and thought, why not do it again? I found a colorful spot along the trail, set up the shot, and was happy with the results.
My advice? Live life to the fullest. You never know what the next chapter might bring.
After checking into the B&B, I enjoyed a hot shower and hung my clothes to dry out. Dinner was on my mind. I hadn’t had many proper sit-down dinners during this trip, and tonight seemed like a good time to change that.
A few years ago, some friends and I stayed overnight at the Connellsville Bed and Breakfast, where the innkeeper recommended an Irish pub. I remembered it and decided O’Donnell’s Pub would be tonight’s destination.
I’m not usually one to write a Yelp review or dwell on a meal, but O’Donnell’s was terrific. The food and the bartender serving me were wonderful. It was a welcome end to a wet, chilly day. If you find yourself in Connellsville around mealtime, put it on your list.
Memories Riding Home
The rainy day gave me time to polish and publish the post marking the 21st anniversary of my heart attack and cardiac surgery. It also gave me time to reflect on where my writing might take me next.
Writing has become more than a hobby. It brings me joy and purpose in retirement. As I continue growing on Substack and Medium, I’m exploring video as another way to share my thoughts.
I haven’t settled on a platform or style yet, but I’m enjoying the process of experimenting and discovering what feels right. Retirement has given me the freedom to explore new passions. Why stop now?
The Wheel Deal
Today was uneventful, unless you count the dropping temperatures and rain at the end. It was an enjoyable day with plenty of time to think and reflect. I’m glad I had the chance to slow down and let my mind wander. Sometimes, the best part of a bike tour isn’t the scenery or the miles. It’s taking stock of where you’ve been and imagining where you might go next
Miles: 58 miles from Meyersdale to Connellsville.
Views: Fall foliage, familiar but from a new perspective, shaping new ideas
Unexpected Win of the Day: A schedule that gave me time to look back, at the present, and what the future may bring.
Quote for the Day: Sometimes, the miles give us time to reflect on where we’ve been, appreciate where we are, and imagine where the road ahead might take us.
Happy Trails!
Tom on the Trails
A very thoughtful post! ☺
And honestly, Tom . . . You are looking great! Some people look gaunt after shedding many pounds. But you look like you were always meant to look.
btw, i know it can be hard at at times . . . but worth it. Whatever you're doing, keep it up! ( for MANY more years!)