Several weeks ago Ryan and I decided a fall trip was in order. We discussed options closer to home than our previous trips that have taken us as far south as Georgia. Without too much searching we zeroed in on Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania. Consistent reports of fast, flowing trails solidified our choice destination.
Our plan is a three day weekend of driving, riding, camping, riding, camping, riding, and driving. The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake consist of about 33 miles of bi-directional trails. I figured most of the trails could be covered, in at least one direction, in three days of riding. This morning we kicked off the trip with some driving.
After loading Ryan's gear into the car and securing his bike to the rear rack, we left Apple Creek at 8:05 this morning. This was the first road trip in the Mazda3. We made the most of the hatch and rear seats, filling both with camping gear, cycling gear, food, and a cooler.
The sun was low in the sky as we drove east.
We took 250 then 22 to Pittsburgh in about 2.5 hours. It's the first time I've been through Pittsburgh, at least as an adult, and I thought the city looked pretty nice as we passed through. We saw evidence of the bicycle friendly reputation the city is gaining. There were miles of bike paths visible along the highway.
Bridges and high rises on display.
Now the question was how to get to Raystown. We chose the PA turnpike for the outgoing drive. $10.15 later we exited the turnpike, backtracked west on 30, and turned north on 26. It was almost exactly 5.5 hours after leaving when we rolled into the campground at Raystown Lake.
Warp speed through a tunnel. I was loving
this picture as soon as I took it.
Prior to the trip I had done some research to learn the Ridge Camp section of the campground had the quickest access to the trails. Upon arrival it also seemed to be one of the more nicely wooded sections. We setup camp at site 14.
Getting ready to ride.
After some mid-afternoon lunch we saddled up and head out to ride the southern trails. It didn't take long to discover the trails are very well marked. We were using a pamphlet from the campground office which split the map of the trail network between front and back sides, but this was very usable for route guidance. Every trail intersection had a 4x4 post with the trail names displayed. At strategic points throughout the trails there were full blown maps on the posts. Many posts had a two letter code on the top that could be looked up on the map.
Strangely enough, there was absolutely no
"you are here" type of indicator on the map.
We rode the Shade, Alleghany, and Barrel Bay trails. In short order we understood the reviews and commentaries we had read about this place. Lots and lots of flow, like riding a roller coaster. There were no technical challenges to speak of but fast trails with dips, bumps, and berms to put a smile on your face.
Our first good view of Raystown Lake.
To add some more miles to our ride we turned around and rode the loop backwards. I always like how a trail feels completely different ridden in reverse.
There were some rocks to be found.
In our final couple miles of the ride, coming across the Hollow Trail, Ryan abruptly stopped ahead of me and announced he had flatted up front. We speculated about whether or not either of us had every flatted while on a mountain bike ride together. I think the answer was no and this was the first. The flat was changed in short order and we rode back to camp.
One ride, one flat.
The shower house was a short walk from our campsite and offered a seemingly endless supply of hot water. Showered and refreshed we cooked some dinner. Spaghetti piled with sauteed vegies and meat sauce got the job done. The sun was dropping fast as we cleaned up camp for the night. Fleece pullovers and stocking caps were in order as the temperature dropped to the low 50's. We sat out beneath an overcast night sky listening to the cicadas sing, looking forward to some more riding tomorrow.
Winding down for the day.
No comments:
Post a Comment