Being up and moving by 5am gave me a good chance of getting today's ride in prior to it raining in Cumberland. After having most of my gear packed up, Jeff and I chatted for a bit before I got back to the trail. Following one final trip of going down the steep hill with loose gravel, I was back on the much more manageable GAP. Elsewhere throughout this trip, I had enjoyed earlier starts, as this usually translated to fewer motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The business along the trail yesterday made me wonder how many people would be out and about along the GAP today. At this time of day, it was too early to tell. A few bridges and tunnels along the route made today's route fairly unique compared to the journey thus far. The first tunnel was the Pinkerton Tunnel, which was made very unique by what was at both ends. Two bridge spans before and after the Pinkerton tunnel cross the same body of water: the Casselman River. Crossing the river the first time, going through the 849' tunnel, and crossing the river a second time all happened within the span of 2000 feet. All of this was really fascinating! I continued onward down the GAP and stopped along the trail in Rockwood. Most towns along the trail had an information kiosk or a small visitor's center. This stop was of the latter variety and was frequented by no fewer than eight feral cats. Their fickle manner of resting and periodically battling one another made for decent entertainment while snacking. Just before leaving, Jeff rolled up! We had a brief conversation, and he headed into Rockwood while I continued on down the path. Shortly before Meyersdale, trail-goers crossed the 1908' Salisbury Viaduct, which spans the Casselman River Valley. At some points, it was 100 feet above the valley below, and this made for some great photography. Being on this bridge reminded me very much of the old railroad bridge in Valentine Bridge from a few weeks ago in Nebraska; that seemed like such a long time ago now! After Meyersdale, it was only a short six miles until the path became exclusively downhill. Before passing through another noteworthy tunnel, the trail passed across the Eastern Continental Divide, which was a reassurance of the downgrade to come. Shortly after crossing the Eastern Continental Divide, the Big Savage Tunnel came into view. A distinct cool breeze synonymous with long tunnels swept out of Big Savage Tunnel, and could easily be felt from over 100' away! This nearly 3300' long tunnel was also unique in that there was overhead lighting inside which made for riding through feasible. As I was riding through, it felt as though I wasn't moving quickly, and I think this was due to fixating on the light at the end of the tunnel. Once at the opposite end, it was a remarkable view to behold. This part of the trail was high on a ridge that overlooked a valley along the Pennsylvania and Maryland border, and one could see for miles. This was a great place to stop for snacking. From here, it was a quick descent to Cumberland. It has begun to drizzle intermittently, but this rain wasn't heavy enough to put on my jacket just yet. Not long after beginning this descent, the trail passed over the Mason-Dixon line. A few more miles down the trail was the third tunnel of the day: the Borden Tunnel. This tunnel was approximately 900' in length and seemed much wider than the Big Savage Tunnel. While it was a bit cooler inside the tunnel, the Borden Tunnel lacked the impressive cool breeze that flowed from the Big Savage Tunnel. About two miles from my destination in Cumberland, a steady rain picked up and I finally had to put my jacket on. All in all, this wasn't bad timing for hitting rain as I only had a short distance to go. The accommodations for tonight were unique, in that the bed and breakfast was one that catered to cyclists. It was in an older home that was very clean, well decorated, and above all welcoming. Staying here was a great choice. Rather than venture out into the rain for dinner, I opted to order a pizza instead. Staying in gave me some time to study tomorrow's route, which would be on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. The ride tomorrow would be a lot more rural, as the towpath seldom passed directly through any towns. I was also in store for rain, as the forecast indicated that it was inevitable.
