Reno Comes Alive with Bicycle Energy

Pam and I rode down the hill from our hosts home on Mt. Rose, 18 miles to downtown Reno. We arrived a half hour before the scheduled time of our meeting with Dave Aaizzi, Vice Mayor of Reno. The weather was already warm and we were out in the sun in a plaza across the street from city hall. As I made some adjustments to Pam's bicycle several people started to show up.

First was Mike Damon, President of the Reno Wheelmen. Terry McAffie of the Procrastinating Peddalers came in with a couple of his fellow members. Jerry Hughes, Executive Director of High School Sports for the entire state of Nevada, and our host during our stay in Reno showed up. Tim Healion, owner of Deux Gros Nez, Marnee Benson, Event Goddess of Tour de Nez, Janet Carson, of Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway, and Pete Menchetti, from Sticker Guy and owner of the Conference Bike were also all in attendance. A cameraman from channel 2 TV came on the scene to capture the moment on film. I took 5 minutes to answer some questions while he filmed me and the action in the plaza.

We moved the whole proceedings across the plaza to the edge of the Truckee River so as to have a more appealing back drop. Mr. Aaizzi asked everyone to introduce themselves and state what their affiliation was. Then he pulled out the mayor's proclamation and began to read it aloud to everyone present. He did an excellent job reading the proclamation and even adlibbed a few lines for more emphasis.

After receiving the proclamation I thanked everyone for coming and talked with several people about how we could all work together to add strength to our separate causes. We all enjoyed the comradery and I got to make suggestions for solutions to problems each was encountering in their projects. The air was filled with a buzz and great enthusiasm.

Shortly after most everyone had disbursed a lone cameraman from channel 4 TV showed up to film our event. I gave him an interview and made him feel like he hadn't missed a thing.

Afterwards Pam and I went to have lunch at Deux Gros Nez. They serve many vegetarian items and have some of the best fresh-squeezed lemonade I have ever tasted. We left with our stomachs full and our minds set on getting up into the cool trees.

Good to go!,
Scott

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Boulder Mayor Rox for NBG Scott & HiWhel Steve

This report found its way into my email box late Friday and I am not getting it posted until now because I have been getting ready for our final push into the SF Bay Area in under three weeks time. Besides riding the San Francisco Critical Mass on Friday and doing podcast interviews of bike messengers up there and etc, I have also been getting my HiWheels ready for the Folsom to Sacramento river run (45 miles), one of the best rides that I have ever done anywhere, that takes place on Sunday July 23rd. To join us!

Nor is getting a HiWheel ready like any other garden variety bike fix. As the legendary Steve Stevens below can tell you, one cannot just run out and buy a replacement part if something should break. I have, for example, been replacing tires which involves procuring, then learning how to use, a Weideman Tool, using math formulas to get the rubber and inner wire lengths right and, get this, running a MAPP gas torch at 5000 degrees to melt the silver solder that is needed, among other things.

That said, here is the indefatigable Scott Campbell who is headed now for Salt Lake City and then the desert ahead. To see where he's been, all the excitement his ride from Boston has created, and what's ahead, see our schedule/scorecard !!

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Chris Krieg led us on a tour of Denver to show the group some of his work on the sides of a couple of buildings. The first was a mural with a bicycle theme by an artist named Ortega and the second was a large scale Renoir. It is my opinion that Chris does very good work.

Afterwards the group biked 19 miles to Steve Stevens' home in Golden to see his collection of early era bicycles, bicycle accessories and art. His whole house is filled with bicycles from the 1800s. There are dozens of photographs taken in the 1890s of scenes in and around Denver. He has collected high wheels, trikes and safeties from all over the world. One of the most impressive pieces in his collection is a harp that once stood in the White House in Washington, D.C. It was used up until President Nixon took office.

Steve prepared a meal fit for a king while we all wandered through his home/museum. Everyone ate until they were stuffed. After the meal we got to take a look at Steve's collection of modern bicycles hanging in the garage. Then, it was time to head off to Boulder for the ceremony there. We said our goodbyes to Chris and David and headed up the hill towards Boulder, 30 miles away.

As we passed through Golden's downtown area Sabrina Henderson, Communications Manager for the City of Golden, was standing in the middle of the street with her camera. She took several photos of us as we rode past her. She also handled Steve a bag of Golden lapel pins to hand out to the riders.

The climb to Boulder was not too steep but the wind had picked up considerably and this made the ride really tough. Once in Boulder we met with Greg Miller, a past rider for the NBG, and several of the staff from the mayor's office. We rode the last mile on a bike path to a very nice park next to city hall. Shortly after our arrival, Boulder Bike Coordinator, Marni Ratzel came over with Chris Jones, the coordinator for Bike to Work. The Mayor, Marc Ruzzin walked over with his son in a stroller.

Mayor Ruzzin had the proclamation all ready and he made his presentation. We had some time to talk afterwards about the efforts the city is making to add more bike paths. Boulder already has an extensive system of bike paths. I told Mayor Ruzzin cities around the country need to focus their efforts on making the path systems transportation corridors and not recreation facilities. He then handed me a map of the city with all the paths shown on it. Boulder is doing a very good job of putting paths where the population centers are so people can get from home to work or school without using a car.

I shook Mark's hand, said keep up the good work, and goodbye. We needed to get some food before we headed over to the garden party we were invited to.

That is all for now.
Good to go!,
Scott
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Scott Sells NBG Plan to Omaha Media and Govt

After racing over the river from Council Bluffs to Omaha, Stephen Schnitkner and I met Gary Gebhard, an architect and the President of Eastern Nebraska Trail Network, at Lewis and Clark Landing. This is a beautiful park along the Missouri River in Omaha where the bike bridge to Council Bluffs will leave Nebraska soil.

Donald Thorson, the Deputy Chief of Staff from the mayor's office, Howard Grant, President of Bellevue Bicycle Club, Kerri Peterson, Executive Director of Our Healthy Community Partnership, and Tammie Dodge, Project Coordinator for Activate Omaha all were in attendance for the proclamation ceremony. The ceremony was video taped by two television crews, although I didn't notice which stations they were representing.

Don Thorson apologized for the absence of bike riding enthusiast Mayor, Mike Fahey, who was out of the country on business. He then read the proclamation to us and presented it to me. I had an opportunity to speak of the benefits of a trial system connecting cities and my experience on many of the trails throughout the country.

The TV reporters asked some questions and then I went to lunch with Gary, Tammie, and Kerri. We discussed what each of their organizations is doing for cyclists. Gary told me ENTN works with the Nebraska Dept. of Roads to get funds for trial projects that will benefit low-income minority groups, such as the Hispanic community in Omaha so they can commute to work or school by bicycle. Kerri and Tammi work together on programs that encourage people to become more active and eat healthier foods. Bicycling is a big focus in one of the programs they have for getting people to exercise.

After lunch I went to the Omaha World-Herald to speak with Kevin Cole, a reporter for the newspaper about what I am up to. We talked for 20 minutes about what the NBG mission is. Kevin said he would write a story for the paper and pull a picture of me from the NBG website. I felt very good after all the meetings, a real sense of accomplishment filled me. I celebrated by getting an ice cream cone.

Good to go!,
Scott

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Here is the Omaha Herald article:

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1636&u_sid=2188665

Cross-country biker praises plans for bridge
Halfway through his 5,000-mile bicycle ride across America, Scott Campbell said he is impressed with the efforts of Omaha and Council Bluffs to create safe cycling routes. Campbell, a 54-year-old graphic designer, is cycling from Boston to his home in Santa Cruz, Calif., as part of the National Bicycle Greenway's fifth-annual "Mayors Ride" to promote the connection of communities via bike paths. The trip began April 28, with other cyclists joining Campbell for stretches along the way, and is scheduled to conclude July 28.

Council Bluffs Bike Riding Mayor - TV work for Scott

Stephen Schnitkner and I rode down the hill from his house to the town fountain for the mayor's ceremony. We arrived at the Council Bluffs downtown at 8:45 with the sun shining brightly and not a breath of wind. It was a perfect day for a ceremony. After a short time a couple rode up on a tandem. Joe and Cindy Connolly are long distance cyclists that ride almost everyday.

A reporter, Phil Rooney, came over from The Council Bluffs Nonpareil to interview me and get information on my ride across the US. A few minutes later Mayor Tom Hanafan showed up. He is an active cyclist. In fact he led a short ride this past weekend called Tour de Bluffs with 70 riders. Nick Kurt, owner of the Endless Trail bike shop also came by to get in on the action.

At 9:00 we got started with the mayor reading the proclamation. He then told me about all the trail projects that Council Bluffs has in the works. These include a 22 million dollar pedestrian/bike bridge that will cross the Missouri River. Earlier in the day, I had seen pictures of the proposed bridge. It is a cable stayed bridge that snakes it's way from the levee trail in Council Bluffs to the Lewis and Clark Landing in Omaha. At this time the only way to cross the river on a bike is to do so illegally, on Interstate 480. However, when the bridge is complete, it will connect cyclists to two states and two important midwest cities.

After the event, we stopped in at Nick's bike shop. Just as Stephen and I were preparing to head over to Omaha for their mayor's ceremony, a guy from the local access cable TV walked in. Perfect timing for us. He overheard what I was doing and immediately went to get his camera and in two minutes we were set up to do yet another interview. Eric Green from CBTV17 Hometown Information Station spent 10 minutes asking Stephen and I questions about the bike ride we did and what my mission is focused on. Then Eric filmed us leaving downtown Council Bluffs for Omaha.

We really had to pour on the speed because we only had 25 minutes to get to Omaha.

Good to go!,
Scott

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Despite Rain, Des Moines Still Impresses

I was met by Lorna Davros, the Mayor's Senior Aide, outside the City Hall of Des Moines at 11:30. A few minutes later Stephen Schnitker, past President of the Omaha Pedalers, showed up. The weather was cool and sunny but Lorna said it had rained earlier. She had invited several bike club members and advocacy groups to attend but because of the earlier weather none of them showed up.

She explained that we were standing at the back of city hall, the front of the building faces the Des Moines River. City hall was built in the days when everyone traveled by boat on the river. Everyone enters the building at the back.

Since there was construction going on, Lorna suggested we hold the ceremony across the street in the amphitheater. This is a beautiful place where concerts and other events are held on a large round stone stage with a sloped lawn area for spectators. With the river serving as a backdrop, it was a perfect place to hold the ceremony.

There were crews from two TV stations setting up cameras by the time we got on stage. Things started happening very quickly and I wasn't able to get all the names of the people in attendance. I did however have an important exchange with Lynnae Hentzen. Lynnae is Executive Director for the Center On Sustainable Communities and is an advisor to the mayor on all things Green. She is a big proponent of bikeways and advises the city council when any discussion about bike trails or bike facilities comes up.

After the ceremony I was interviewed by the people from the TV stations. For about 10 minutes each, they took turns asking me questions, which I was more than happy to answer (I never got to see the interview on TV so I have no idea if it was aired or how good it turned out).

Afterwards Stephen and I took a tour of the beautiful city hall building. The City of Des Moines paid for our lunch. Unfortunately Lorna wasn't able to join us. With the mayor out of the state, she had more work than normal.

After lunch Stephen and I went in search of a bicycle shop to buy a part for his bike. Sadly, there were none to be found in the downtown area. However, we were told of the location of a shop on the other side of the city. This gave us the opportunity to experience the city's motorists first hand. We found no streets with bike lanes but we were still able to move around the city without any problems from motorists. Everyone we encountered on our journey to the bike shop was very courteous. Stephen's bike was repaired and we were set to get on the road to Council Bluffs the next day.

Two thumbs up from each of us to Des Moines for their hospitality and great treatment of two strangers in their city by the motorists.

Good to go!,
Scott

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Cincinnati cyclists celebrate Scott

This year's NBG Boston to San Francisco Lead Scout, Scott Campbell, is doing a phenomenal job for us this year. He is in every way imaginable our Mayors' Ride dream scout. Not only does he non stop power the miles but he gets us the photos, reports and people we need when we need them as his report below shows. As well, is his writing crisp and clean. WoW and Thank you Scott.

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I rode down to the city hall of Cincinnati about 11:00 for a noon gathering because I wanted to make sure I could find it. I didn't want to be searching for it and make myself late. I was feeling a little hungry and thirsty from the hot sun beating down on me. So I ventured out in search of a cafe or deli. Unfortunately, every where I went was closed. All except a very nice bakery around the corner from city hall.

While I was inside enjoying a fresh fruit danish and a cup of herb tea I saw several cyclists ride up to the bakery. The first through the door was Jennifer Clippard, president of Cincinnati Cycling Club. A couple of more entered and they all greeted me and welcomed me to Cincinnati. Some had ridden 30 miles to be there.

We all rode over to city hall together and waited as more and more cyclists began to arrive. While we waited a couple of pedicabs showed up. All told there were about 40 cyclist in attendance. Cameras were flashing, people were smiling, and everywhere you looked you saw cyclists talking. It was like an invasion of people in lycra and spandex.

The Resers in 03 with Des Moines
Mayor Preston Daniels

Finally, Jason Reser rode up with the proclamation he had picked up the day before as the Mayor had been called away from town at the last minute. Long time readers of the NBG mailings will remember that Jason and his brother Jeff, who was also there, have done some long relay legs for the NBG in years past. While Jason owns nearby Reser Bicycle Outfitters, Jeff is the graphic artist whose Mayors' Ride logo I used to create this year's  Mayors' Ride T-shirt (Scott then gifted these to the cause and they can be had for only $10!, ed).

We were ready to start, so Jason read the proclamation and presented it to me. I spoke to the crowd about my mission and told them I had ridden some very nice trails (many with Kurt, who I talk about below) on my way to Cincinnati. I also told them to keep working to get more trails and fill in the gaps.

All the while the whole event and gathering was being filmed by a man I had met just the night before, named Sam Hill. Sam works at a cable TV station in Kentucky and agreed to be present and witness our event on film.

A couple of guys that attended the proclamation ceremony told me of their project to create a Bicycle COOP. Adrian Stucker and Chris Pohlar are two real mover and shakers. These guys took a group of us on a tour of their facility. Presently, they have a building with bikes, parts, tools, and clients waiting to move bicycles back into circulation. Their plan is to renovate bicycles and sell these at the Findlay Market. I gave them some ideas for fund raising and how to get abandoned bikes picked up from the streets by the city.

Adrian and Chris then took me on a tour of some of the city's more notable sites. We even rode over to Covington, Kentucky. Later, Sam had me do an interview with him and he filmed it for his TV show.

The next day I met up with Kurt Kleinschmidt and the two of us rode to Greensburg, IN.  How I met Kurt is an amazing story. I was riding on the Little Miami River bike trail outside Cincinnati. Kurt was also riding the trail, only in the opposite direction. He rides a recumbent trike made by Greenspeed. When he saw me ride by he recognized the name on the box attached to the back of my bike and quickly turned his trike around to catch up with me.

We got to talking and I came to find out that he helped design a route for the NBG riders in the past. Kurt then proceeded to lead me through the streets of Cincinnati to my final destination for the day. He has a wealth of information connected with the city and surrounding area. Historic as well as current information about the neighborhoods and goings on within the city. We discovered we have a lot in common and we got along very well.

We put in 82 miles before we stopped at the boyfriend of his step-daughter's house. It is there that I set up my tent for the night.

Good to go!,
Scott

btw: As for photos of the event he describes above:

At 7:27 PM -0700 5/29/06, Scott Campbell wrote:
Martin,

I'm enclosing some photos from the ceremony in Cincinnati. The report will follow. It is nearly finished.

The photos of the crowd of people in front of city hall didn't come out. I will try to contact the president of Cincinnati Cycle Club for some photos. Some one in there club has photos
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Columbus makes Scott the Toast of the Town

Well, after what Scott went through to get there, Columbus totally made it worth his while. Having to ride sixty more miles than he had planned for because we somehow had the wrong mileage numbers for this relay leg, climbing hills at dusk when he had nothing left in his legs just so he could lay his head down for the night as we showed you in a previous post and then the shoe difficulties he describes below, it is a wonder he made it at all. Much less on time. WoW! Special THX to Michael Schwarzwalder for making this such a happy experience for everyone. And to Maryellen O'Shaunessy for always being there for us! Here is Scott Campbell:

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I rolled into Columbus at 11:45 after spending the night in Sunbury, a little town 26 miles east of the city. There are a couple of things that caused me to cut it so close. The first is I had put in 107 miles the day before trying to get from New Philadelphia, on the eastern side of Ohio, to Columbus, but I ran out of sun light. After a long ride, the longest I've ever done on a fully loaded bike, I was feeling that my legs didn't have the normal amount of snap.

The other thing that slowed me down was the sandals I was wearing. I had brought along a pair of brand new cycling sandals and hadn't gotten the adjustment on the cleats dialed in. I had allowed myself 3 hours to get to the ceremony and spent the first half hour riding and stopping to make adjustments to the cleats. Now with only 2 1/2 hours left to make it I had to really hammer. But as I stated earlier my legs lacked the snap. I was really working hard to make the bike move. To top it off I was riding into the wind.

As I approached city hall, I saw a large group of cyclists standing in front of the building. They cheered my arrival and gathered around to talk to me. Many were members of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. COP is a 4000 member organization and about 15 of their members were present for the mayor's proclamation ceremony. I felt honored to have their group waiting for me. They gathered around me and my bike for photos and many questions and answers.

Michael Schwarzwalder, the Director of Environmental Stewardship, brought the proclamation down and read it to the crowd while I stood nearby listening and waiting for my turn to speak. Michael apologized for the lack of the mayor's presence, saying his honor had been called to Washington, D.C. I later found out that he wants to be known as the greenest Mayor in America and that is why he had established the department, that Michael, a former state senator, ran for him. Michael explained to the crowd that Mayor Coleman really regretted not being able to be at our event.

After more pictures and introductions to the other members of staff, I was greeted by Councilor Maryellen O'Shaunessy. Ms. O'Shaunessy is a huge bicycle advocate. I remembered seeing her with her bike in past NBG Day celebrations in her city.

As we were wrapping up, I was then invited to sit in on a meeting of a Development Subcommittee for Columbus. I felt more honored that these people wanted my opinion on matters that would affect their city. I was asked to make a statement concerning what I thought would make their city more bike friendly. Of course, I took this opportunity to tell them to build more interconnecting bikeways and add more bike lanes so people would start riding their bikes and drive their cars less.

I was asked what makes for a bike friendly employer. To this I said, "Showers and locker rooms, secure places to park bicycles, and incentives for those who ride a bike to work." They thanked me for my candor and agreed these would be a good model of a bike friendly employer.

During the meeting the discussion revolved around many issues facing the city including permanent farmers markets, creating green spaces out of brown spaces, and planting trees and landscaping. The idea that was thought to be most likely to be completed before the end of the year was valet bike parking at large outdoor city events with local service groups manning and benefiting from the proceeds generated by this program.

The meeting ended on a very positive, upbeat vibe.

I departed with a very good feeling that this city was moving in a very bike friendly direction.

That is all.
Good to go!,
Scott

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Destination Columbus: NBG Scout's struggle for a night's rest

Now that Scott Campbell is leaving the merry ground riding (as he described it) of his east coast part of the Mayors' Ride behind, he now has a wee bit of time to start telling us about the road. On Wednesday, he was much celebrated in Columbus  as the pictures at our schedule/scorecard show, but in getting there, look at the torture this mountain of a man had to suffer through just to lay his tired head down for the night. Do bear in mind that he always has to be up early the following morning to beat some of the cars to the road. He will be in Cincinnati tomorrow, Indianapolis on Tuesday and soon the 21 other cities between him and us here in San Francisco:

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After leaving Tim in Beaver, PA I headed for Beaver Creek State Park (BCSP). Tim and I had ridden 39 miles together and yet I still had another 30 to go before I reached BCSP. I was feeling good and had a belly full of protein bars so I was fueled and ready to tackle the miles still ahead.

When I finally got to BCSP I couldn't find the campground. It also looked like the ranger was done for the day. BCSP is down in a valley and the thought of climbing back up the hill to find another place to stay was hanging over my head. I asked several people walking around near the creek for directions to no avail.

Finally the ranger did show up so I got directions from him. My worst fears were confirmed when I was told I had to climb up a hill on the other side of the creek to get to the campground. I told my tired legs 'I'm sorry to ask you to do this but when this ride is over, I will reward you with a massage and lots of rest'. So off I went to climb 2 miles of 6% grade with my tired legs in tow.

Upon arriving at the camp site I was disappointed to find no water nearby and no animal boxes. I already knew there were no showers at this campground so I was prepared to heat some water and give myself a sponge bath.

It was starting to get dark and cold so I built a fire to warm myself and keep the wildlife at a distance from my tent. After setting up my tent I began to cook some dinner, which consisted of canned soup and hot raspberry tea. I had also brought some fresh fruit.

While sitting at the fire I started hearing animal sounds in the brush. It sounded like a couple of raccoons were having a disagreement. One brave raccoon tried to make off with a bag of food that I had left on the table. I was sitting only 10 feet away but that didn't seem to deter him. Luckily I was able to scare him away. As I prepared to go to sleep I could hear the little bandits walking around my tent. Soon afterwards I dropped off to a much needed sleep, secure in knowing my food and other stuff of interest to these critters were safely stowed inside the tent with me.

Good to go!,
Scott

btw: Don't be afraid to let Scott know home much you appreciate what he is doing out there. His road email is nbg_scout@pocketmail.com

Pittsburgh Mayor celebrates Scott, Troy and Nick

Martin,

I was met at the Venture Outdoors Festival by Michael Sobkowiak with great enthusiasm. He had arranged for Troy Bogdan, Nick Hien, and myself to be at the proclamation ceremony site in time for some photos. The ceremony began at noon with an announcement and introduction by Michael. He explained that we had ridden up from Washington, D.C. along the C&O Canal Towpath and The Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh. We were there to receive a proclamation from the mayor of Pittsburgh. Mayor Bob O'Connor stepped forward to read the proclamation to much applause. Each of us took turns making speeches all to encourage and enlighten the onlookers of our mission and each time to great applause. The mayor posed with us for photos while I held the recently received proclamation.

Mayor O'Connor was a great guy to talk with. He was very curious to know what we had done and what I was doing for the rest of my trip. He told us about the trails that exist with in the city and the plans for more trails in the future. He listened to Troy when he suggested that the trail near an amusement park be funded by the park and named the Kennywood Park Trail. The mayor is a very active guy. I was told he is seen riding often and the day before he was out on the river riding a hydrobike.

Afterwards, I was interviewed by a reporter from WDUQ a National Public Radio station from Pittsburgh. Later a videographer from WTAE-TV Channel 4 interviewed me and filmed me as I rode past him on the bank of the Ohio River. I toured the booths of the festival and spoke to many representatives of the various organizations there. I explained the mission of the NBG and what I was doing in Pittsburgh. I eventually came upon and spoke to members of Western Pittsburgh Wheelmen. I was encouraged to continue my quest for better cycling conditions all over the US. They also helped me with route suggestions that would take me to Columbus, OH. Even though I found a different course I appreciated all they had to offer.

The following day my host, Tim Kelly, rode out with me as far as Beaver, PA. We rode 38 miles through an intermittent rain storm. Before arriving in Beaver the sun broke through and greeted us with radiant heat. It felt good to finally dry out. I bid my new friend farewell and continued on to Beaver Creek State Park near Rogers, OH.
That is all.

Good to go!,
Scott

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Mayor's Ride: D.C. to Pitt, Trip Report, May 2006

This comes to us from the ever hard driving organic farmer, Troy Bogdan, who, like our lead scout, Scott Campbell, is another non stop iron man. Upon completion of the epic ride from Washington DC to Pittsburgh, he describes below, he added this:

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Hey Folks,
After a few days of rest, following the D.C. to Pittsburgh leg of the Mayor's Ride, I am leaving Pittsburgh today, to bike back to Meyersdale, PA for the Grand Opening Trail and Tunnel Ceremony. http://www.atatrail.org/BSTEvent.cfm This is my last big ride planned for the season (until Autumn).

I plan on biking today from my home in Bridgeville, to the Arrowhead/Montour Trail, and follow it to the end in Clairton. Ride roads through Clairton, cross bridge over the Mon River into Glassport, follow Steel Valley Trail to McKeesport. McKeesport to as far as I can go before rain or darkness sets in (Maybe Dravo Cemetary, Cedar Creek, Roundbottom or possibly Confluence (Only if I get an early start today)). From there I will bike to Meyersdale and on Saturday, participate in all the festivities (While wearing my special event t-shirt and wristbands).

I will leave for Confluence Saturday night after the ceremony, camp at the Yough Dam overflow, and first-thing on Sunday morning, do a Century Ride (with camping gear) back towards my home in Bridgeville. This will be my first ever attempted century ride, and am looking forward to the challenge. I hope to make it home before darkness sets over the trail.

Anybody who wants to ride with me, find me on the trail, and introduce yourself. I'll be on the vintage purple Trek 930 mountain bike, pulling a vintage yakima trailer with an orange flag on it. I am hoping to leave by noon today, or earlier.

Hope to see you on the trails . . .
Sincerely, Troy Bogdan
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2006 Mayors Ride: D.C. to Pittsburgh Leg

Wednesday, May 10th - Dennis Caffrey & Troy Bogdan arrive in D.C. area. Stayed in Arlington (Rosslyn) Hotel. Dropped off rental van at airport, took subway back to hotel. Walked around and explored Rosslyn and Georgetown (just across Key Bridge).

Thursday, May 11th - Explore D.C. area by bicycle. Troy rides on C&O Canal from Mile Zero to Great Falls, scouting out the route through the new Widewater Restoration. (BTW, the new Widewater area is AWESOME!!) Thank goodness, no more detour, and a beautiful area to ride through.

Friday, May 12th ˆ In the morning Dennis and Troy scout out the route between D.C. and the W&OD Trail (Failed miserably). We rode on the Custus Trail, The Arlington Trail, and the Four Mile Run Trail, and several bike routes on streets that ended mysteriously (very poor signage). Nowhere could we find the W&OD, so we decided to change the route back to the C&O, since this is too confusing for out-of-towners. Lunch at Dean & Deluca in Georgetown.

2:00 PM - Mayor's Ceremony in D.C. ˆ Jim Sebastian of the Mayor's Office presided. Phil from City Bikes stopped to show us a whole truck load of cop bikes (Smith & Wessons). Attendees included Scott Campbell (Trans Am Rider Boston to San Francisco), Dennis Caffrey, Troy Bogdan, Barry Childress, Brian Robinson and a fellow I think who was named P.J. who runs a bike co-op in Mt. Rainier, Md.

Biked from Mayor's Office on Pennsylvania past the White House and a few other monuments to Georgetown, where we pick up the C&O Canal towpath. Stop at National Park Service visitors center for bathrooms and a quick tour. Purchased dinner to go in Georgetown. Biked to Swain's Lock (Mile 16.7) campsite for the night. Brian Robinson left us in the evening to go home, and Barry stayed until the next morning, when he biked back to Baltimore.

Saturday, May 13th ˆ Bike from Swain's Lock to White's Ferry for lunch (Troy had a burger and a beer) in the snack bar. After I drank 3/4 of the beer, the cashier told me that state law only lets them sell it for take-out, and I wasn't allowed to drink inside the building, ooops. Sorry Maryland!!

Continue biking to Brunswick (Mile 55) and cross over railroad tracks into town. Visited Brunswick RR Museum/C&O Visitor Center. Note: Brunswick still has no amenities of great mention, but the Dollar General has some limited grocery items that are inexpensive, and we stocked up on a few food items to take into camp that night. Immediately after leaving Brunswick, we find David Kennally (from Carlisle, PA), who has ridden from Williamsport down to meet us. It was good luck finding him, since minutes before, we were in Brunswick, and we could've easily missed him. Great timing!! (David rode and camped with us for the next several days up to Friday morning, and then he turned around, and biked back the other way towards Confluence.) Continue biking towards Harper's Ferry. Later we find out that Scott got his first flat tire, and fell a little behind near Brunswick. It didn't take him long to catch us. Camping for the night at Huckleberry Hill Campsite (Mile 62.9). We shared the camp with about a dozen boaters, who were in training to be Christian Camp Leaders. They were nice campmates, and were very friendly and courteous, so we didn't mind sharing the camp with them, although one port-a-john for 16 people may have been a little much (too little?). 

Sunday, May 14th  (HAPPY MOTHER's DAY) - Bike back to Harpers Ferry (Mile 60) Cross over pedestrian bridge)) for breakfast. Talked to a young Lieutenant from the Virginia Militia, and he said they were encamped for the weekend, and included lots of civilians. We saw numerous reenactors in civil war garb, but couldn't find breakfast anywhere in town, so we biked several miles (of large steep hills) to Bolivar, West Virginia, where we ate breakfast at the Country Cafe and had "The Hearty Breakfast". FYI, Bolivar is named after Simon Bolivar, the South American revolutionary leader from the very early 1800's, and his statue is in town (Not too far from Appalachian Trail Headquarters in Harper's Ferry). Went back to camp and broke it back on to our bikes, and continued our riding. Found the old lime kiln and wooden building (Mile 68.5); Explored Killiansburg Cave (Mile 75.61); Stopped at Barron's Hiker/Biker Store/Museum (Mile 76.7) but it was CLOSED, looked like it was shut down?? I hope not, this is the first time I ever saw it closed in three years. Continued biking to Williamsport C&O Visitors Center (Mile 99), where Dennis tried hitting on the pretty Park Ranger, and I thought he might get an invite to dinner, but alas, no luck for him. We all ate dinner in Williamsport at a Mexican/Italian/Pizza Joint. From here, I called my wife & mom to wish them a Happy Mother's Day!! Continued on trail to Mile 112 (Ft. Frederick); Optional trail choice: We chose to leave the towpath, and get on the  paved Western Maryland Rail-Trail (22 total  paved miles) to Hancock. Lodging. showers, campfire and ice cream in Hancock's, "C&O Bike Shop & Bunk House" (Mile 124). RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN, all night long. NOTE: C&O Bike Shop in Hancock is still, IMHO, the best bargain on the trail, $10 for lodging and a shower (with towel included). Dennis Hudson, the owner, lowered the rates to accommodate more families with children. Dennis is a great guy too, he shuttled us to breakfast and back because of the heavy rain at no charge. THANKS DENNIS!!!!

Monday, May 15th -  "Hearty Breakfast" in Hancock (Shuttled by Dennis Hudson, C&O Bike Shop Owner, due to major, heavy rains).  Visited C&O Visitor Center (It was closed) in Hancock. Waited out the rain at C&O Bike Shop.  W.MD trail (Paved)) to Pearre, where we got back on the towpath. Somewhere we lost Dennis, so we waited in Little Orleans for him to arrive. Lunch was at Bill's Place in Little Orleans. We were glad it was open, since we heard Bill has been feeling under the weather lately, and he was closed periodically. He did seem a little under the weather, but the lunch and beer were as good as usual. (Dennis later told us that Bill was cheered up and feeling better by dinner time). Still no Dennis after lunch, so Scott goes back to find him (while Troy and David rest on the Aqueduct - Troy plays with a black snake in a tree) . . . and finds major tubeless tire problems on Dennis' bicycle, so Dennis goes back to Hancock for repairs. Continue to PawPaw tunnel, where we see numerous waterfalls pouring out of the sides of the gorge. The trail is wet, and flooded in some spots. I've never experienced these type of waterfalls in this area before. It was awesome and beautiful to see the power of water. We go through the tunnel, and I find it quite interesting that the floor was wet and dry and wet and dry, and continued all the way through the tunnel that way. After marveling at the tunnel,  we continue onward to Potomac Forks Campsite, where we set up for the night. Note: The Potomac forks were spilling their banks, and the area was experiencing major flooding. We were fine on the high ground above the lock at the campsite. 

Tuesday, May 16th - "Hearty Breakfast" in Oldtown's School Cafeteria (Mile 166). Saw the Cresap house (1700's era). Noticed a debris boat in the canal, scooping up flood debris. This is an interesting machine. Bike to Cumberland (End of C&O Canal Mile 184.5) ˆ Visit Canal Place (C&O Visitor Center), & Cumberland's old Western Maryland Railroad Station. Lunch in the station at Kramer's Deli. Biked through Cumberland to the bike shop, where David and Troy bought T-shirts (Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland) and Scott bought brake pads. Continued on roads through the Narrows . . . 

Small off-trail detour (9 miles on roads). . .

DETOUR: Follow Rt. 40 North out of Cumberland (go through The Narrows), then Rt. 36 to Georges Creek and then up to Woodcock Hollow.

http://shawweil.com/linkup/detourwoodcock.htm - for map

. . . to Woodcock Hollow, Maryland get on the Allegheny Highland's Trail (After a very steep long Woodcock Hollow road ride).  Rode past Frostburg, crossed the Mason-Dixon Line; went through Big Savage tunnel, over the Keystone Viaduct, and into Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Lodging at . . .

Allegheny Trail Hostel
215 Main Street
Meyersdale, PA 15552   
http://www.meyersdalepa.org/trail/hostel.html

Wednesday, May 17th -  Hearty breakfast at the G.I. Dayroom in Meyersdale. Visited the Train Station/Visitor's Center, and had a private tour from "Coach" Dennis Stahl. THANKS COACH!! Continue from Meyersdale to Yough Dam Overflow Campground (Showers were still closed for the season). Dinner at Sisters Cafe. Checked e-mail at the Lucky Dog Cafe. (Biked Approx. 31 miles today).

Thursday, May 18th Breakfast (not a hearty one) at Sisters Cafe. Bike from Confluence to Ohiopyle for lunch at Firefly Cafe and visitor's center in old train station. (MORE RAIN, and then sun and then MORE RAIN). Cruised right over the Ohiopyle High Bridge (Saw no detour, and no construction after all). Lunch at Rockwood Opera House. Stopped at Bikes Unlimited in Connellsville (Picked up green bracelet for the "Light at the end of the Tunnel" Celebration). Bike to Cedar Creek Park (Scott gets another flat tire, this time he replaces the tire) - Newly built camping area was very nice. Troy got to sleep in the Adirondack Shelter, while the other pitched tents in the group camping area, because they didn't like all the mud in the hiker/biker spots. Campfire tonight with two visitors, Betsy who brought us Hot Chocolate and Cookies (THANKS AGAIN BETSY) and Tim Kelly, who brought us good tidings from Pittsburgh.

Friday, May 19th ˆ Camp Breakfast. David leaves for Ohiopyle/Confluence, while the rest of us bike from Cedar Creek to Pittsburgh ˆ (Approx. 36.5 miles today). 21.5 on trails to McKeesport, 15 on roads to Pittsburgh. Note: Stopped at the former Korber's Bike shop in West Newton, but they didn't have a tire for Scott. Ate lunch at the Little Boston Diner. Arrived in Pittsburgh city limits approx. 1:30, stopped at REI around 2:00. Scott buys new bike tire. Dennis takes the incline up to his home in Mt. Washington, Scott and Troy bike to Greentree on Rt. 50, where we part ways for the evening. Scott stays at Tim Kelly's place, and Troy bikes home to Bridgeville, where his loving Wife is eagerly awaiting his arrival!!!

Saturday May 20th ˆ Venture Outdoors Festival ˆ on North Shore (In-between Heinz Field Football Stadium, and PNC Park Baseball Field (Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the 2006 MLB All-Star Game)). Noon-time Ceremony on stage with Mayor Bob O'Connor and the riders (Including Nick Hein who biked from Morgantown to bring the proclamation from Morgantown Mayor Ron Justice). Venture Outdoors Director Michael Sobkoviak was the Master-of-Ceremonies, and a nice crowd gathered around the stage. Mayor O'Connor issued a proclamation to Scott and the National Bicycle Greenway, and gave a short speech. Each rider then spoke about the ride, and then the ceremony ended. Media coverage included radio and television (TV crews arrived after the ceremony, but filmed Scott biking around the Venture Outdoors Festival). We enjoyed the Venture Outdoors Celebration, which included thousands in attendance. The End.    

Reported by Troy Bogdan, 3-time D.C. to Pittsburgh, National Bicycle Greenway Scout

Look for a picture show soon at http://www.bikeroute.com or additionally http://www.bikeroute.com/NationalMayorsRide2006 where you can track Scott's progress on his 90 pound, 99 day bike ride from Boston to San Francisco, and all points and people in-between!!! Go Scott, GO!!!!!!!