This trip started with my then 12 year old that she would like to do part of the GAP trail after my adventure on it and the C and O trail. I told her we could do anything and we decided together to do two days from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle this year. That was until I came across this article about a 13 year old and her dad doing the Great Divide route:
So I did what any other dad would do, I told Sarah if a 13 year old can 2700 miles with her dad, I think we can do 150 on the Great Allegheny Passage, without blinking an eye, she said, “sure, whatever you think” and with that, it was on.
It was decided that logistically and weather wise, that Fathers Day weekend 2023 would work best. For the best experience for a first time long distance experience, it was decided that we would stay in hostels and bed and breakfasts.
Training commenced mid spring 2023 with Sarah quickly moving from 20 to 30 and then to 40 mile single day rides. A two day training ride of 80 miles was planned and we were able to complete 70 of this due to time constraints.
To make the adventure more adventurous, I decided to dust off my twenty five ish year old vintage Bike E recumbent bike. Check out this link to find out about this now defunct bike brand:
https://bicycleman.com/brands-we-dont-stock/bikee-recumbents/
Day 1- Pittsburgh to West Newton, Pa – 36 miles
No epic adventure can happen without a hearty breakfast from Flips Cafe in Edinboro Pa
After a rough night of sleep, I was up early and then Sarah was up and soon we were tucking into breakfast and then on the road.
We made into Pittsburgh around 0930 and were on the go by 1000. There was a bit of a detour in Pittsburgh this year, but it was pretty easy to get around. Some people don’t like all the city noise and industrial views, but I really like the juxtaposition of the noise and the eventual calm of the woods.
Day 2- West Newton to Ohiopyle – 44 miles
Day 2 started at 0630 with the usual chores of getting water bladders filled, applying sunscreen and repacking bags. We would take our bags to the front porch of our B and B and await breakfast. I had coffee with one of the other guests and we talked bike touring until breakfast at 0730. Today would be our longest day.
Breakfast was hearty and it beat trail food and instant coffee. I could get used to this kind of bike packing. Blueberry pancakes, mixed fruit and a sausage and egg scramble washed down with coffee.
We would get on the trail around 0830 and again I learned about trusting trail provided bike pumps. I had one, but it was old and did not work that well. I almost flatted my front tire and memories of last years ride came haunting back. Fortunately, another rider let me use his and I was back in business.
If you have never ridden the GAP trail before, from about West Newton to the Eastern Continental divide, it is a solid, long wall of climbing. Yesterday, we were riding around 10 miles an hour, today, being a day tired and with an old, recumbent, I was pushing 6-7 by the end of the day. My 13 year old pushed me all day.
I have made a point in this trip to take different photos when possible. Here ate a few:
GAP day 3- Ohiopyle to Meyersdale, Pa 42.41 miles
Today would be a long slog. Sarah was tired, my bike was heavy and was not real fabulous at maneuvering. The long climb continued. Not a lot to see, just a lot of green and lot’s of wildflowers. The mountain laurel was in bloom. We made a pit stop in Confluence at the only store on the trail licensed to sell GAP shirts, it was an inconvenience, but nothing too hard.
GAP day 4- Meyersdale, Pa to Cumberland, MD- the end of the trail. -32.33 miles
I will never claim to be the world’s greatest dad. I have made more mistakes and I unfortunately spent too much time as an authoritarian parent. Once I became a therapist, I learned how to parent better, from the authoritative model, a statistically proven way of parenting.
It is my belief that it is the parents job to create meaning for their children. If you don’t create meaning, the children will create their own meaning, often resulting in trouble.
Thirteen is a pivotal year of development. The job here is to begin to formulate a stronger sense of self and move towards actualizing oneself. This hopefully for Sarah was a journey of self discovery.
For me, I confirmed that a 25+ year old recumbent bike that went out of business because of warranty recalls was not the greatest idea. Unwieldy and heavy, it made it through and I am glad to have done it.
Shalem Consulting 