17 April Montreal to Toronto
Present : Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 5 km (within Montreal)
Map of ride
Present : Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 5 km (within Montreal)
Map of ride
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Mile A Minute Murphy and A.T. Lane prepare to depart to Central Station for the train from Montreal to Oshawa. In their excited states, they did not notice that they were in the wrong wait line!
Nonetheless they managed to meet Disreali on time at the Oshawa station. That night, in Toronto, the members resolved that because of the length and difficulty of the planned excursion they must approach this task with a high degree of military precision if they are to be successful.
Nonetheless they managed to meet Disreali on time at the Oshawa station. That night, in Toronto, the members resolved that because of the length and difficulty of the planned excursion they must approach this task with a high degree of military precision if they are to be successful.
18 April Toronto to Pittsburgh
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disreali & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 5 km (Within Pittsburgh)
Map of ride
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disreali & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 5 km (Within Pittsburgh)
Map of ride
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Disreali had planned out the route to Pittsburgh, and after spending the night in Richmond Hill the three members had breakfast together at the 3 Coins. They then picked up the final member of the team, Louis Rubenstein.
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The first stop after passing through customs was at North East Pa, in the heart of grape country. Here the members dined on local fish from lake Erie.
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Before starting the bicycle portion of the trip Louis wanted to add to his collection of baseball memorabilia.
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Once on their trusty steeds, the members cycled through downtown Pittsburgh, then posed together near the starting point of the Great Allegheny Passage.
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Trouble soon followed as they had to navigate mud from recent floods, construction of new ramps and fences.
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However the group persisted and crossed the Hot Metal Bridge and then proceeded to the South Side Travellers Rest. Dinner followed at Fathead's
19 April Pittsburgh to Connellsville
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 75 km
Map of ride (Failed to record after West Newton)
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 75 km
Map of ride (Failed to record after West Newton)
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The weather started out with snow and ice pellets, but the members headed out on the path, saw signs of former steel mills and made it to Rich's in Boston Pa before stopping for lunch and a hearty greeting from local residents. After warming up again, they headed out, noting waterfalls coming from old underground mines, looked at potential lodging near the Darr Mine Disaster, and finally arrived in Connellsville in time for supper.
20 April Connellsville to Rockwood
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 75 km
Map of ride
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 75 km
Map of ride
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After a delicious breakfast at the Connellsville Bed and Breakfast. they did a short tour of the town. It was the first time any of them had seen coal used on a children't playground.
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Addition: by Disreali
In the photos capturing our cyclists by the waterfall one can notice the State Flower of Pennsylvania, The Mountain Laurel, which stays green throughout the year but was not in bloom (white). It is a cousin of the Rhododendron, a popular flowering garden plant. (Being a dog, Disreali has a nose for details such as this)
In the photos capturing our cyclists by the waterfall one can notice the State Flower of Pennsylvania, The Mountain Laurel, which stays green throughout the year but was not in bloom (white). It is a cousin of the Rhododendron, a popular flowering garden plant. (Being a dog, Disreali has a nose for details such as this)
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Continuing on over bridges, past waterfalls, we made our way to Ohiopyle.
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While stopping for lunch, Louis had some small repairs made to his bicycle. Mile A Minute Murphy gave some beer purchasing advice to the local pub. Louis also entertained the local residents by offering some colour comments.
After lunch Mile A Minute Murphy set off to visit Falling Waters while the rest to the group continued on directly to Rockwood via the Pinkerton Tunnel.
After lunch Mile A Minute Murphy set off to visit Falling Waters while the rest to the group continued on directly to Rockwood via the Pinkerton Tunnel.
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A chance encounter between A.T. Lane and Bryan Perry of the GAPtrail.org
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21 April Ohiopyle to Falling Water side trip
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy Minutes by Mile A Minute Murphy
Length of bicycle ride: 20 km
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1937 for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh as a summer retreat from the steel mills, railroads, and pollution of Pittsburgh. Family members and employees would take the Western Maryland Railway to Ohiopyle and enjoy the pleasures of nature at the Kaufmann estate. What made the Fallingwater design possible was the introduction of Rebar and reinforced concrete in its construction. Large terraces, which are 40% of the square footage of the main house, literally "float" over Bear Run, because they are cantilevered into the core of the house, without the need of any other support. The other cool thing about the house is that it is built around the stone of the hillside, such that the first floor terrace, where the waterfall descends, is the actual stone as it was found before building began and the floor of the living room is uneven because the it is also the natural part of the hill. What is most striking is that you hear water all the time, whether you are inside or outside. Wright wanted its occupants outside, so low ceilings, narrow hallways, and terraces off of every bedroom encourage you to go out. You can actually descend down a cement stairwell from the living room and jump right into the water!
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy Minutes by Mile A Minute Murphy
Length of bicycle ride: 20 km
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1937 for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh as a summer retreat from the steel mills, railroads, and pollution of Pittsburgh. Family members and employees would take the Western Maryland Railway to Ohiopyle and enjoy the pleasures of nature at the Kaufmann estate. What made the Fallingwater design possible was the introduction of Rebar and reinforced concrete in its construction. Large terraces, which are 40% of the square footage of the main house, literally "float" over Bear Run, because they are cantilevered into the core of the house, without the need of any other support. The other cool thing about the house is that it is built around the stone of the hillside, such that the first floor terrace, where the waterfall descends, is the actual stone as it was found before building began and the floor of the living room is uneven because the it is also the natural part of the hill. What is most striking is that you hear water all the time, whether you are inside or outside. Wright wanted its occupants outside, so low ceilings, narrow hallways, and terraces off of every bedroom encourage you to go out. You can actually descend down a cement stairwell from the living room and jump right into the water!
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21 April Rockwood to Cumberland
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 70 km
Map of ride (Partial)
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 70 km
Map of ride (Partial)
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After breakfast the group headed out from the Gingerbread House B&B.
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More waterfalls, bridges and tunnels before arriving at Meyersdale.
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Lunch at a coffee shop then a visit to the train museum located beside the trail.
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Some notable bridges and people we passed before reaching the Eastern Continental Divide.
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After pedalling up a gradual incline uphill since Pittsburgh, the group paused for a few photos, knowing the rest of the trip was downhill.
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Quickly following the Eastern Continental Divide, we passed the Big Savage Tunnel,
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the Mason & Dixon line,
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Frostburg, and finally the eastern end of the Great Allegheny Passage in Cumberland.
That evening in the Cumberland Inn and Spa, a special meeting of the members was convened to discuss tactics for the final assault on Washington. Reports from authors as early as Karl Kron in 1887 tell us that the path can be difficult because it may be soft and muddy. It was decided to split the group. An elite band of volunteers would move forward, acting as an advance guard, collecting intelligence by taking a train directly to Harpers Ferr. The rear group will follow behind on the towpath using information gleaned from them . The combined forces would be used for the final assault on the Capital. Louis Rubenstein and Disreali bravely volunteered as members for this advance guard.
Disreali and Louis Rubenstein discuss the potential dangers of the mission before deciding to accept.
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Disreali and Louis Rubenstein entering tunnel to Amtrak Station.
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April 22nd (Cumberland to Harper’s Ferry) – 200 km via train
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
As the scouting mission's primary objective was stealth, as well as the health and safety of visiting French President Macron, an elite SWAT team was dispatched - code named Rubenstein & Disraeli, who, disguised as middle-aged cyclists, would slip unnoticed down the spiral staircase at Harper’s Ferry to access the C&O towpath. They ultimately managed to uncover its elusive Mile-0 marker in Georgetown.
After sharing breakfast with Mile-a-Minute and A.T. at a popular Scottish restaurant named McDonalds in Cumberland, Louis and Disraeli set-out on their advance scouting of Harper’s Ferry and the C&O towpath from Harper’s Ferry to Washington DC. Together they boarded the eastbound Capital Limited train at Cumberland arriving three hours later in Harper’s Ferry. The train trip was uneventful and most relaxing. Indeed, Disraeli slept.
The afternoon was spent enjoying beautiful weather and touring the historic sites and museums of Harper’s Ferry. Louis was unsuccessful on his quest to taste peach pie.
A single report was issued to the trailing party. After 100 km of trail riding and reaching Harper’s Ferry, they would face two last challenges: 1) climbing a circular staircase to reach the pedestrian walkway which crosses the Potomac; and 2) climbing a long steep hill from the historic Harper’s Ferry townsite to the Teahorse hostel.
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
As the scouting mission's primary objective was stealth, as well as the health and safety of visiting French President Macron, an elite SWAT team was dispatched - code named Rubenstein & Disraeli, who, disguised as middle-aged cyclists, would slip unnoticed down the spiral staircase at Harper’s Ferry to access the C&O towpath. They ultimately managed to uncover its elusive Mile-0 marker in Georgetown.
After sharing breakfast with Mile-a-Minute and A.T. at a popular Scottish restaurant named McDonalds in Cumberland, Louis and Disraeli set-out on their advance scouting of Harper’s Ferry and the C&O towpath from Harper’s Ferry to Washington DC. Together they boarded the eastbound Capital Limited train at Cumberland arriving three hours later in Harper’s Ferry. The train trip was uneventful and most relaxing. Indeed, Disraeli slept.
The afternoon was spent enjoying beautiful weather and touring the historic sites and museums of Harper’s Ferry. Louis was unsuccessful on his quest to taste peach pie.
A single report was issued to the trailing party. After 100 km of trail riding and reaching Harper’s Ferry, they would face two last challenges: 1) climbing a circular staircase to reach the pedestrian walkway which crosses the Potomac; and 2) climbing a long steep hill from the historic Harper’s Ferry townsite to the Teahorse hostel.
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22 April Cumberland to Hancock
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 96 km
Map of ride (Partial)
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 96 km
Map of ride (Partial)
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Starting in Cumberland, the rear guard set out on the C&O canal towpath.
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Passing old canal locks many of the present residents were seen wearing shells or sunning themselves on trees.
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By lunchtime they had reached the Paw Paw Tunnel.
Comparing notes with fellow travellers.
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Carnage on the towpath from another mule - turtle collision
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Then rested that evening in Hancock. Staying overnight at the Riverrunbnb.
April 23rd (Harper’s Ferry to Leesburg) – 45 km
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Beautiful weather with a cool morning led to a day of pleasant and easy riding along the C&O towpath which was sprinkled with stops to aid other travellers. They learned about towpath history and had lunch on the shores of the Potomac. Louis and Disraeli exited the towpath at White’s Ferry where they crossed the Potomac to cycle through historic Leesburg VA to reach their evening’s accommodations … the Hampton Inn at Leesburg. No worries about bicycle theft: Louis and Disraeli were encouraged to take their bikes to their room.
Not forgetting their mission, the trailing party of A.T and Mile-a-Minute were forewarned of excellent trail conditions between Harper’s Ferry and White’s Ferry.
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Beautiful weather with a cool morning led to a day of pleasant and easy riding along the C&O towpath which was sprinkled with stops to aid other travellers. They learned about towpath history and had lunch on the shores of the Potomac. Louis and Disraeli exited the towpath at White’s Ferry where they crossed the Potomac to cycle through historic Leesburg VA to reach their evening’s accommodations … the Hampton Inn at Leesburg. No worries about bicycle theft: Louis and Disraeli were encouraged to take their bikes to their room.
Not forgetting their mission, the trailing party of A.T and Mile-a-Minute were forewarned of excellent trail conditions between Harper’s Ferry and White’s Ferry.
23 April Hancock to Harpers Ferry
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 100 km
Map of ride Not Available
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 100 km
Map of ride Not Available
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The following morning, after breakfast, we discovered that both our steeds had suffered damage form the rigours of the towpath. Indeed, the same thing had happened to fellow breakfast mates. Fortunately an expert in steed repair was quickly available for all of us.
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The rear guard pushed on along the towpath, past locks, rocks and ruins.
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Eventually resting at a pleasant eel spotting dam.
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A few more snakes were seen, more discussion with locals, and finally lunch in Williamsport.
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After Wiliamsport, we headed inland from the towpath to visit the Antietam civil war battlefield.
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The side trip to the battlefield took us away from the towpath and we entered Harpers Ferry via a highway bridge. This historic town is also where North-South hikers on the Appalachian Trail share accommodation and swap stories with East - West travelling Wheelmen of the C&O towpath..
April 24th (Leesburg to Washington DC) – 55 km
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Because of the strong threat of rain and coolness of the morning, Louis and Disraeli could not help but remember a similar circumstance just six days and 500 km earlier. But in the military traditions of the Montreal Bicycle Club, they girded themselves for the day ahead. The rain held off until the last hour of riding when the two wheelmen were in Washington’s western suburbs.
Just before lunchtime, Disraeli’s bicycle lost a bolt supporting one leg of the rear carrier. Salvaging one bolt from a water bottle cage allowed a full repair. For the second time during this trip, Louis Rubenstein’s clever Swiss Army Allen key set was used to execute a critical fix. We were lucky that Louis chose to include this handy tool among the eight items he packed for the 10-day trip.
After cycling 380 km and by then in Washington, Louis and Disraeli passed the Mile-1 marker of the C&O towpath. Shortly thereafter the trail ended abruptly at the wall of a building. Where was Mile-0? Was their mission’s success now in jeopardy?
The Tidewater Lock, which allowed boats to enter the C&O canal from the Potomac River, is the location of the Mile-0 marker. Louis and Disraeli travelled to the Thompson Boat Center to find the Tidewater Lock and officially complete their scouting assignment. Mission accomplished! But, because their cells phones were by that time fully discharged, a digital confirmation of this auspicious scene is not available.
Leaving Mile-0 Louis and Disraeli set off in the rain to find what is reported to be among the best hostels in America. Duo Housing near M Street and 11th was a happy sight. In less than 60 minutes Louis and Disraeli were able to provide sufficient identification and proof of payment to be allowed passage through the two locked doors leading to the hostel's inner sanctum. And boys, “no shoe allowed”. Now they had arrived in Washington and could wait patiently for the arrival of their Montreal Bicycle Club compatriots, A.T. and Mile-a-Minute. Several hours later there was a happy reunion complete with heart-felt congratulations at the entrance to the Duo Housing lobby.
Louis Rubenstein and Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Because of the strong threat of rain and coolness of the morning, Louis and Disraeli could not help but remember a similar circumstance just six days and 500 km earlier. But in the military traditions of the Montreal Bicycle Club, they girded themselves for the day ahead. The rain held off until the last hour of riding when the two wheelmen were in Washington’s western suburbs.
Just before lunchtime, Disraeli’s bicycle lost a bolt supporting one leg of the rear carrier. Salvaging one bolt from a water bottle cage allowed a full repair. For the second time during this trip, Louis Rubenstein’s clever Swiss Army Allen key set was used to execute a critical fix. We were lucky that Louis chose to include this handy tool among the eight items he packed for the 10-day trip.
After cycling 380 km and by then in Washington, Louis and Disraeli passed the Mile-1 marker of the C&O towpath. Shortly thereafter the trail ended abruptly at the wall of a building. Where was Mile-0? Was their mission’s success now in jeopardy?
The Tidewater Lock, which allowed boats to enter the C&O canal from the Potomac River, is the location of the Mile-0 marker. Louis and Disraeli travelled to the Thompson Boat Center to find the Tidewater Lock and officially complete their scouting assignment. Mission accomplished! But, because their cells phones were by that time fully discharged, a digital confirmation of this auspicious scene is not available.
Leaving Mile-0 Louis and Disraeli set off in the rain to find what is reported to be among the best hostels in America. Duo Housing near M Street and 11th was a happy sight. In less than 60 minutes Louis and Disraeli were able to provide sufficient identification and proof of payment to be allowed passage through the two locked doors leading to the hostel's inner sanctum. And boys, “no shoe allowed”. Now they had arrived in Washington and could wait patiently for the arrival of their Montreal Bicycle Club compatriots, A.T. and Mile-a-Minute. Several hours later there was a happy reunion complete with heart-felt congratulations at the entrance to the Duo Housing lobby.
24 April Harpers Ferry to Washington DC
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 100 km
Map of ride
Present: Mile A Minute Murphy & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 100 km
Map of ride
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Exiting Harpers Ferry the following morning on the normal foot bridge to the towpath, they compared it to the highway bridge used the night before.
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We continued along the C&O canal, admiring the old engineering and machinery, and met a woman doing a pilgrimage along the same towpath.
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They crossed the Potomac and headed for Leesburg Va
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Had lunch and made new friends at Delirium.
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As they continued to Washington, it started to rain. They met again their Pilgram friend, some fellow Canadians, and admired the rapids on the Potomac. They tried to stay dry under bridges.
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In Washington they reunited with the elite advance guard, and prepared for our final assault.
25 April Final Assault on Washington DC and Victory Parade
Present: Louis Rubinstein & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 10 km
Map of ride (Partial)
Present: Louis Rubinstein & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 10 km
Map of ride (Partial)
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Best Quote from Excursion: "Montreal Bicycle Club, cool. It's all about beer, fake names and bikes. I like that."
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Final plans were discussed with agents who had the latest local intelligence, and the assault commenced after drying our clothes from yesterday's rain.
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The final assault team posed in front of the White House then passed by flags honouring the visiting French President. Suddenly, on way to the Lincoln Memorial they witnessed a motorcade of cars fleeing the White House. This event was verified by two visiting Albertans.
The Victory Parade
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The parade route was carefully planned out in advance, passing by the main sites of the Mall, a visit to Union Station, a photo op at the Capitals and finally the Victory Dinner.
April 26th (Washington DC to Pittsburgh) – 10 m ride in Washington
Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Mile-a-Minute, Louis and A.T. left the hostel early that morning to catch their train to Vermont. Disraeli would be alone to dine on yet another hostel breakfast of pancakes and simulated maple syrup. Note to self: “bring maple syrup on the next trip”.
Outside it was gorgeous. The lone wheelman looked forward to his ride to see the White House and cycle the length of the mall from The Lincoln’s Memorial to the Capital Building. After lunching from a truck on Afghan fast food, Disraeli ended his tour at Washington’s immense Union Station. There he would board the Capital Limited for an 8-hour train ride back to Pittsburgh.
Disraeli spent much of the rail trip in the observation car which afforded full views of the rivers below to the peaks above. Nice!
Disraeli chose to spend his final night at the Hampton Inn in Pittsburgh. For the promise of spending a single night at this fine hotel conveniently located near the Pittsburgh Amtrak station, Disraeli could leave his car, free of charge, in the hotel parking lot for the duration of the nine-day bicycle tour. Thank you Hampton Inn.
Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Mile-a-Minute, Louis and A.T. left the hostel early that morning to catch their train to Vermont. Disraeli would be alone to dine on yet another hostel breakfast of pancakes and simulated maple syrup. Note to self: “bring maple syrup on the next trip”.
Outside it was gorgeous. The lone wheelman looked forward to his ride to see the White House and cycle the length of the mall from The Lincoln’s Memorial to the Capital Building. After lunching from a truck on Afghan fast food, Disraeli ended his tour at Washington’s immense Union Station. There he would board the Capital Limited for an 8-hour train ride back to Pittsburgh.
Disraeli spent much of the rail trip in the observation car which afforded full views of the rivers below to the peaks above. Nice!
Disraeli chose to spend his final night at the Hampton Inn in Pittsburgh. For the promise of spending a single night at this fine hotel conveniently located near the Pittsburgh Amtrak station, Disraeli could leave his car, free of charge, in the hotel parking lot for the duration of the nine-day bicycle tour. Thank you Hampton Inn.
April 27th (Pittsburgh - Toronto)
Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Disraeli departed his hotel in Pittsburgh at 10:30 am arriving in Toronto about six hours later.
Disraeli; Minutes by Disraeli
Disraeli departed his hotel in Pittsburgh at 10:30 am arriving in Toronto about six hours later.
26-27 April 21 Epilogue, The Return Home to Montreal
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 120 km for Mile A Minute Murphy
The three Montreal riders took a train from Washington to St Albans VT on the 26 April arriving about 9 pm.. They were met by C.J. Sidey who graciously invited them to stay overnight at his house nearby. The following morning Mile A Minute Murphy upheld the club honour by returning to Montreal by bicycle.
Present: Louis Rubenstein, Mile A Minute Murphy, Disraeli & A.T. Lane Minutes by A.T. Lane
Length of bicycle ride: 120 km for Mile A Minute Murphy
The three Montreal riders took a train from Washington to St Albans VT on the 26 April arriving about 9 pm.. They were met by C.J. Sidey who graciously invited them to stay overnight at his house nearby. The following morning Mile A Minute Murphy upheld the club honour by returning to Montreal by bicycle.
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