Alternate title: Wheeling into Wheeling
After a refreshing rest day we are back with another report on our nation’s topology, this time along the route from Pittsburgh, PA to Wheeling, WV. The hills getting out of Pittsburgh weren’t as bad as expected; they gave us a chance to enjoy the riverside view of Heinz field. Go Steelers!
We picked up the Panhandle trail just west of Pittsburgh and took it all the way out to West Virginia. It was the perfect day to ride: mid 60s, sunny, and a beautiful blue sky. We were forewarned of the trail’s narrow gaps between poles, so we were extra vigilant on this ride.
About 40 miles into the 70 mile ride we had to climb a mountain to get to Wheeling. Our lowest gears got plenty of work today. We climbed 500 feet then coasted down the other side onto route 2, the main road running north to south along the Ohio river. For about 500 yards we biked in the shoulder going the wrong way until we could cross over to the right side of the road. Wellsburg’s Dairy Queen provided a much-needed break about 15 miles north of Wheeling. Maddie’s been dying to get to DQ on the trip so it was about time. She asked to be surprised with her order (it ended up being a Heath bar Blizzard), while I opted for the pecan caramel turtle Blizzard. From there it was supposed to be an easy ride down waterfront trails, but of course, a couple miles were under construction. We tried to just barge through, ignoring the “trail closed” signs, but the massive machinery in our way a mile down the trail forced us to turn around. We approached a gentleman at a gas station in hopes that he might throw our bikes in his pickup truck so we could avoid the busy road. He assured us the road was straight and if we just put our heads down and rode as far to the right as possible, the cars would surely see us. So we hopped back on route 2 for a couple miles, 18-wheelers whizzing by every once in a while. My nerves were shot by the end. Maddie was in great spirits though. She says “Days like this are the reason I wanted to do this trip. We got to spend all day outside in beautiful weather with nothing else to worry about.” Her positive attitude definitely picked me up after what I thought was a mentally and emotionally grueling ride. Maddie carried the team today! Once in Wheeling, we took a moment to sit by the river and enjoy the view of the water. The sun backlit the Wheeling suspension bridge perfectly. A fantastic end to the day. Until I fell and cut my knee open. (The clipless cleats strike again!) Luckily we were only a block from home for the night. Our ride concluded at a church here in Wheeling, where we are spending the night. We arrived just in time for bible study! They very generously offered us fried chicken, pasta salad, and vegetables, so of course we grabbed a bible and sat down with them. Marty regaled us with stories of his cycling days, which culminated in his near-death experience when he bashed his head in on a ride. Thanks for the encouraging words, Marty. The basement here has a DVD player, along with the full The Thin Man box set. The movies are all filmed in black and white, so maybe some of our older readers might know who he is. We are stretching, rolling out, and mentally preparing to see snow in April. Yes, there is snow in the forecast here. Wheel talk to you soon!
- Charlie