Today started bright and brisk. Riding east into the sun was an interesting challenge. But the sky was cloudless, weather was cool, and the road was smooth. But the route started as a climb first thing.
I started the day climbing up to two summits. It was a bit brutal, especially carting up 30 pounds in my panniers. But the weather was cool and most of the road in good shape. Once I got the two out of the way, most of the rest of the day was about 50/50 rollers or flat. Yes, I enjoy the flat the most!
Many, many years ago, while living in New Jersey, my older brother Jim and I hiked the Appalachian trail for many miles with our Boy Scout troop. I’m not sure if we hiked this stretch.
US 30 is called “Lincoln Highway”. Old US 30 was used by General Lee in Chambersburg. As I rode the route on a bicycle, along with cars and trucks, I had to wonder how Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia navigated to Gettysburg via this route.
I’ve visited the Gettysburg battlefield several times. The most recent around seven years ago with Jim. It is truly one of the most reverent sites I’ve ever visited.
Thoughts from the Battle of Gettysburg. It was fought about 159 years ago. American fighting American over differing opinions and ideals. I found it saddening in my ride today as I thought how we Americans are still fighting over differences of similar opinions from 159 years ago. And we’re still killing each other. If you do ever get the chance, spend time at The Gettysburg National Military Park.
Tomorrow I’m headed to Lancaster. It looks like I’m still not out of the Appalachians, but I am out of the “summits”. It looks like a day of rollers.