Pedal Pittsburgh 2021 Stage 2

 

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Summary
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A recounting of my experiences riding the stages of Pedal Pittsburgh 
2021. This was my second Pedal Pittsburgh ride. I participated in the 2013
ride.  The weather was ideal. Below is a map and elevation of the stage.
I must comment that the RidewithGPS is not accurate, especially the gradients
of the climbs and perhaps even the total feet climbed.
Stage 2 had the most amount of climbing of any stage.


 
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Pedal Pittsburgh Stage Two: July 6, 2021

I decided to leave as early as possible (0730) from Hancock. I had brought 
my own breakfast consisting of a protein drink and a Belvita pack.
I wore my blue Mediolanum Giro Climbers jersey.

The first climb was on Old National Pike that went over Sideling Hill
just south of the I-68 'Notch' and welcome center.
Many riders caught up with me and passed me, including Drew. He paced 
me up the hill, Waited for me after descending on the other side, 
and was very patient in riding with me as I struggled to climb up
Town Hill.

All the riders had stopped by the Overlook area across from the Town Hill
Bed and Breakfast. To the east we could see Sideling 
Hill that we had just biked over on the previous climb.
Great vista of the Notch where I-68 went sliced thru. We could 
also see the Comm Towers to the south on Sideling Hill where we rode
on US 40 to go over the hill.

The descent from Town hill was very fast. As usual I was very careful
feahering my brakes. Several riders zoomed by me at full speed and I
caught them on my GoPro camera. See the film area below.

Third climb was over Polish Mountain. Along this stretch, several riders
had flats and were stopped along the shoulder fixing them.

Fourth climb included Warrior Mountain 

Fifth climb was over Martin Mountain. This was also thru a memorable
'notch' and a descent into Pleasant valley into Cumberland. 
As it happened when I got by a Sheets Station, I thought about stopping
and my Garmin turned off. So I had to complete the remaining segment 
of the ride without navigation. Phil's road markings were excellent.

I recognized the Cumberland area that defined the end of the C&O canal 
trail in the downtown Cumberland where I had ridden many years ago,
Completing the final segment of the C&O canal trail from Washington.

I did not like riding along US 40 out of Cumberland. It was a narrow road
with no shoulder and the traffic was heavy. I breathed a sigh
of relief when I reached the turnoff onto Rt 36 which followed a 
a valley that looped to the north and then came south towards
Frostburg.

Final climb on Rt 36 up to Frostburg was endless in the heat.
There was a memorable passage thru the town of Mt. Savage where 
there were several hills that really hurt.
I went by some special landmarks as Klines "Lovers Leap Lounge"
and the "Fruit Bowl". 
I had to stop at a deserted "Blanks Tavern" just past the town of
Mt Savage because I was feeling like a cramp was developing. 
I drank all the water I had and kept going. I then biked 
thru a picturesque one lane tunnel, before getting to Frostburg.
Excuse my tired comments on the final Frostburg climb video.

Phil drove by and checked on my progress. I arrived at the Hotel
in Frostburg around 1400. I stowed my bike in a storage room
downstairs, got my luggage and went to my room. I showered, then
went out to find a nearby Pizza place (that Laura had found) and
ordered a medium pizza with anchovies. I asked the attendant if 
they had arugula topping, and he looked at me like I was from 
Mars. I waited in the store (they had no AC) until it was
ready. I then took it up to my room and watched the Euro Semi final
between Italy and Spain. They had a weird TV provider that kept freezing
up the image claiming there was inclement weather. I finally went 
down to the lobby, ordered a beer from the bar and watched some of the
game. Italy ended up winning the match Spain on penalty kicks.

Photo Montage:




























































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Videos  MP4 :

Climb Sideling Hill

Townhill Overlook

Townhill Overlook 2

Townhill Descent w Fast Riders

Frostburg Finish


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Updated Dynamic 2021 /     
 Copyright © 2021, Max Prola 
 Music Pacific Rim