Pittsburgh to Washington DC by Bicycle

My last post was at the first of the year and I discussed the fact that I am planning a bicycle trip that will have me peddling from Pittsburgh to Washington DC with Michael Arnold, a friend of mine. Well, Spring came just a couple days ago and our trip is now just one month off. In preparation for this adventure, I had big plans about exercising, training and eating right. None of that has happened. What has happened is a gradual process of getting the gear needed. I purchased a new bicycle, since my old one is a road bike that would not work very well with the two trails we will be traveling on.

2013 Kona Dew with rear rack, fenders and handlebar extenders.

 

I just received my new Avenir Panniers and Avenir Handlebar Bag in the mail today. They look to be even better than expected. I'm excited to get them mounted and start packing. At this point, I only purchased rear panniers, until I see if the front panniers are going to be needed. There are other items that have been acquired. Camping equipment, such as camp cook set, camp stove, and tent, are waiting to be utilized on this 336 mile adventure, as well.

April 27, 2013 is when we plan on arriving at Point Park in Pittsburgh. We will unload our bikes, mount the panniers, sleeping bags and tent, then head on our way. Again, that is only one month off and there is still more preparation to do. If I were talking to Mike at this moment or Mike were talking to me, the first thing you would overhear out of our mouths is... "I can't wait!!!" Rain or shine, hot or cold, we will be traveling the Great Allegheny Passage and the C and O Canal Towpath by bicycle from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.

Though the winter weather has lingered beyond Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, we shall not be hindered or set back. April 27th is coming and "I can't wait!!!"

2013 Bicycling Preparations

This past December 2nd (2012), I posted on my Facebook account that I will be bicycling from Pittsburgh to Washington DC by way of the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail and the C and O Towpath bike trail. The ride will be entirely on those two bike trails, which connect to each other in Cumberland, MD.  Other than any side trips off the trail, the trails will be eliminating the need to ride on any roads. I have tentatively scheduled this trip for the end of April and beginning of May.

When I initially posted about the trip I asked if anyone was going to go with me. I had one solid response from Mike Arnold, a friend I use to work with, and another response from my younger brother, Mike (Don) Mathews, who is seriously considering it. Since that time, I have been getting more excited as each day passes and the time draws near. During this past month, watching YouTube videos, reading web blogs and visiting web sites about these trails and the people who have done it in the past have been the bulk of my time online. Now the holidays are over and it is the first of the year. I have just under four months to go and need to start my preparations.

One of the first things I need to do is trim down my personal weight. This morning I weighed myself to look down at the scale and see 180 pounds even. By the start of the trip my plans are to be at a prime weight of 155 pounds. Portion control, drinking strictly water, and exercise will be the start of this endeavor. For those that know me... a regular exercise routine, outside of riding my bike, will be the biggest challenge.

There are many other things on the agenda for preparations, but this is the first post of many to come. This blog will be the place to follow me during these preparations, the trip itself and afterwards.

I look forward to the challenge. Here we go...

A poem by my daughter.

Books and Roller Coasters

I quickly grabbed the book

Like the thrill of sitting into the coaster's car

The title drew me in
Like the heights of the tracks to ride

Starting into the story

Or riding out of the gate

Either one I picked

The anticipation increased greatly

The plot intensified

Like riding to the top of the Millennium Force

I thought I knew where the story was going

Like looking over the first major hill

But people in the story did things unimaginable

Like the twists and turns of the Phantom's Revenge

After all calmed down

Gliding into the ending stretch

The book closed out leading into a sequel

Like finishing the Gemini Racer and waiting in line for the Corkscrew

The book and the coasters

They both took me on a ride

by Sarah Mathews
English Assignment
11th Grade, McDonald High School

McDonald High School Girls Track - District Champs