Matt and I were up early after a restful nights sleep at the Fairfield Inn in Cumberland, MD. We had a good breakfast compliments of the free breakfast with a wide selection of deliciousness. Then we reloaded our cooler with ice and goodies for the 22 mile climb to Big Savage Mountain. Soon we were at the beginning of the GAP!

When I stopped to take the picture of Matt entering the GAP, I suddenly realized I had no Rosie… my heart stopped and I frantically looked for her. I caught a glimpse of her tail swishing in the flowers.

She had jumped off my bike into a flower pot full of statice and black eyed susans’.

Matt was waiting up ahead. When we caught up to him, we made a beeline to his favorite downtown Cumberland coffee and donut shop! Coffee and donuts are good anytime if you ask me.

We left downtown Cumberland and got back onto the GAP. A light rain had started and the clouds hung low as we started up the mountain. The steep cliffs of Lovers Leap were lightly visible through the clouds as they floated by. Matt briefly shared the history of Lovers Leap as we pedaled through the clouds.

https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2016/05/lovers-leap.html

We stopped under an overpass to readjust some gear, when Matt pointed out the art on a concrete pillar.

Matt and I were stopped for a water break, when a slow moving train was approaching.

A fellow cyclist warned us of a tree down up ahead. Matt assessed the situation and then decided it would benefit us all to just move it.
So that’s what we did.

The GAP trail is in immaculate shape. I found myself just in awe of the conditions of the trail and the views. During the climb, in a drizzly rain, the temperature range was 64 to 76 degrees. We found ourselves just so thankful for the great weather conditions. On sunny days there isn’t much shade on this climb out of Cumberland to Big Savage Mountain.

As we pedaled our way up mile after mile we took breaks every couple of miles. After discussing how the right attitude can make it a great ride, we decided to take turns naming all the things we are thankful for, in between breaths of course.

Thankful for the support of our friends, family and clientelle, Coffee, the Buy Me A Coffee link on our blogs, the fast delivery of our click stick kick stands, our hydroflasks and ice mule that keep our ice frozen for days, our sea to summit quick dry XL towels, the thermacell, the hammocks with bug netting, the B&B discount grocery store, thankful for each other and how well we compliment one another. The list went on and on for miles as we pedaled up the mountain. This helped us stay in Type 1 Fun mode.

We were both pretty depleted of calories when the we arrived at Frostburg.

We were ready for lunch and a bench to sit down on. What a beautiful area! As we devoured our lunch, compliments of the Fairfield Inn, we rested a bit and refilled our waters. Soon other cyclists arrived, some kept going and others stopped to rest. There were two sets of tandems that arrived at the same time. One couple was riding the GAP on a bnb tour. The other couple Dave and Stephanie were on a long tour and had started in Oregon. They had been married for 41 years and have been on many tours together. Kudos to them! Its always encouraging to see other couples doing adventures together!

Soon we were back on our bikes grinding out the miles to the top of Big Savage Mountain. Stopping for breaks along the way. Matt knew the location of some cold water natural springs. He filtered us 8 liters of cold water during on a long break at a beautiful mountainside spring. I am truly thankful and blessed to be on adventure with My Best.

Back to the bikes with all the platypus bladders and hydroflasks full. We were on our way to the top! We averaged a speed of 6 to 7 mph on fully loaded bikes. Loaded with 80-85lbs of gear each. Bicycles weighing 40 & 43lbs and then add ourselves to the equation. You get the picture. We were pedaling heavy.

As we crossed over the Mason Dixon line we left Maryland and entered Pennsylvania. Our third state in 2 days. Matt briefly explained the true history of this area as we pedaled along. Just a few more miles to go!

We made it to the top of Big Savage Mountain mid afternoon! The views were amazing!

We decided to set up camp and get started on dinner with the pending clouds and rain rolling in late afternoon. Dinner was well deserved and we enjoyed cooking it together.

Dinner for two under $7. Winner winner chicken dinner!

We cleaned up after dinner and hung our hammocks.

Soon the sun began to set on this epic day and we had an amazing view. It was worth every pedal stroke on the climb up, up, up to Big Savage Mountain.