Renaissance Riders Memory Book

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How it all began...

How it all began….

      Several weeks have past and I now have time to reflect on my grand bike adventure.  So many have asked how it came to be.  I guess it all started when nearly four years ago my husband of almost 29 years separated from me while we were living in Turkey.  I was not able to return to the States until 10 months later.  During that time while I was reeling from a broken heart, I clung to my relationship with Jesus Christ.  I received his comfort and compassion in such deep and surprising ways.  During a time of prayer, I was reminded of the verse from the Gospel of John 10:10 where Jesus said, ” I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”.  I got the sense that this promise was still for me, even though the world I knew had changed forever.  It gave me much needed hope.

      Fast forward to my 55^th birthday, last August.  I had rediscovered the joy of bike-riding on the C and O Canal and other trails around the DC Metro area.  A growing idea of trying something that I have never done before---something that makes me happy---began to take shape.  Could I really ride around 350 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC in my 55^th year?  It became my way of proclaiming the reality of John 10:10 in my life.   As I shared my dream with several of my friends, they caught the vision and wanted to celebrate with me.  This is how the saga of the Renaissance Riders began.  

...and ended!

...and ended!

Chris and I are pouring over all the photos sent from everyone's cameras, deciding which ones best convey the ride of our lives!!!!  I have to tell you even now that I didn't want it to end.  There is something so simple about carrying all your stuff on the back of your bike with nothing to worry about except making it to your next stopping point.  Oh yeah, there was the rain, the uphill on the GAP, the flat tires and sore body parts....but, there was also the camaraderie, beautiful nature, passing mile markers, and charming examples of Americana along the way.  I'll never forget the 22 downhill miles into Cumberland, Dave's 8am sharp "breakfast presentation" at the Hill Top B & B, lunch at the Oldtown School Cafeteria, or Ric's kind rescue of mango sorbet(thanks, Bill) and fresh watermelon.

It was delightful to share this experience with such an incredible group of amazing women.  Even those who didn't ride but helped out in so many ways (you know who you are) made it all the more special.  The advanced planning of all the details was great fun, especially when it all turned out right.  Stay tuned for more in the future, because this trip just whet my appetite for more.  Let me know if you want in the next time around.  You would certainly be welcome!!!  :)

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

On Day 3 we were treated to a lovely tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater at Ohiopyle and then we got on the road at 1:30pm. to travel to Meyersdale.

Chris at the entrance to Fallingwater

Waiting to take our tour of Fallingwater

Betsy displaying one seriously expensive bottle of water

Chris, Betsy, Karen, Jeanne, Donna, Blanche and Nancy

Fallingwater from the overlook

The water flows right UNDER the house!

After we returned from our lovely tour we left on a long bike ride to Meyersdale. It was a rainy afternoon and we were soon thoroughly soaked to the bone. A very long hill awaited us, and I had a very hard time keeping going. It was only through Nancy's amazing encouragement that kept me going.

A beautiful viaduct on the way to Meyersdale

The closed Pinkerton Tunnel - forced us to take the bypass

Muddy legs and filthy feet

A very muddy bike

Covering the bikes with trash bags

Stopping to regroup by the ubiquitous port-a-potty

We stopped at a wonderful restaurant and they tolerated our muddiness really well. As we walking towards the building I heard Betsy say - "only a duck would love this weather!" - then I turned around, and voila', this is what I saw!

After we sat down for a lovely meal on the porch I wandered around and took photos of some of the lovely scenery. Right when we were leaving they held a wedding in the garden...

The beautiful garden at the River's Edge Restaurant

The beautiful side view of The River's Edge restaurant

Sitting on the porch waiting for our meals

A wide angle view of the garden wedding that occurred as we were leaving

Seeing the Greatness of God in His Creation

The Desert Rose Cafe'

We had a wonderful breakfast in Williamsport, MD at the Desert Rose Cafe'. It was a really fun experience, complete with great food and a super interesting ambiance.

Securing the bikes - I kept hoping someone would steal mine!

They sold all sorts of fun pastries, and Chris couldn't resist buying a butterfly cookie complete with an edible butterfly on top!

After we had some tasty breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal we wandered around the shop, enjoying the homemade candles and intriguing war decor.

Terry, Jeanne, Nancy and Karen plotting the day's journey

One of the many whimsically named homemade candles!

I really liked the idea of making a wreath from the pages of a favorite book!

Helping others along the way

On our second day along the C&O Canal Towpath trail we encountered a young man changing his bike's tire - we stopped to offer our help and we were introduced to Jeff, an avid cyclist cycling the entire distance from Cumberland to DC nonstop - in about 26 hours! There is, we have been told, a group of cyclists that do this each year on the summer solstice. Well, Jeff had just experienced his third flat and was frantic because he didn't have any more inner tubes.

Jeff changing his tire quickly and efficiently

Chris had the same size tire, a 26", due to the fact that she had mountain bike tires on "The Beast", so she was able to give him her spare inner tube. It felt so good to be able to help another cyclist along the way. We were able to get another inner tube the next day.

Jeff's friend Ken who is biking the trail with him

Jeff working on his bike