The 37th annual Bike Tour fundraiser for San Mar ’ s family and community services supported 135 riders for a 4-day adventure that traversed the entire length of the C & O Canal .
and out-of-towners , the 90-minute ride flew by . When we arrived in Cumberland , the bikes were organized in tidy rows and there were coolers ready to fill our water bottles . We snapped a few photos at mile marker 184.5 and , all of a sudden , we were off !
The C & O Canal is familiar to me ; I ’ ve walked , run or biked most of the canal towpath in Montgomery and Frederick Counties over the nearly three decades I ’ ve lived in the D . C . area . But Washington and Allegheny Counties were new and surprisingly different . The trail there was quiet , less travelled and felt wild compared to the sections farther south and east . We cruised through the first rest stop and then lunch , taking in the sights and sounds around us .
The highlight of Day 1 was the Paw Paw Tunnel . Constructed over 14 years , beginning in 1836 , the tunnel burrows through the steep , rocky and now aptly named Tunnel Hill . Its 3000-foot length must be traversed on foot , pushing the bike with a flashlight or headlamp to
guide the way . I dismounted my bike , switched on my light , and stepped in . Walking toward the spot of light at the far end , I didn ’ t think it would take more than a few minutes to go the distance , but eyes can lie , and the tunnel went on and on . We walked slowly , rolling our bikes around dark puddles of water and letting the damp , dark air cool our sweaty skin . It was undoubtedly the coolest air we would enjoy over the next four days . We took our time , enjoying the break from the intense sun of the day . After exiting , we mounted our bikes and continued on , eager to finish up the last 15 miles .
The Paw Paw Tunnel on the C & O Canal
When we rolled into camp , people were arriving every few minutes and starting to get their campsites set up . I followed suit , erecting my tent , filling my camping mattress and fluffing up my pillow . The best thing about having your gear transported for you is being able to take along a few small luxuries . With traditional bikepacking , you carry all your gear on your bike , so there ’ s no room to haul anything but the basics . This was a supported ride , and something as simple as a pillow was a real luxury at the end of a long day .
San Mar provided lots of other luxuries as well . In addition to all of our meals and snacks , they had massage therapists to keep us loose and limber , and had reserved campsites with swimming pools . I took a shower and hit the pool until dinner , then caught up with some friends before a heavenly massage . What a treat to have my tight , sore muscles loosened up after a long day of riding ! By 8 p . m . I couldn ’ t keep my eyes open a second longer — it was bedtime .
28 plenty I autumn harvest 2024