Day Seven: April 16, 2004

From: Mile 187: Laughlintown, Pennsylvania

To: Mile 198: Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Total Distance: 11 miles

Topography: High sloping mountain Laurel Hill Summit, with a deep straight away drop into the valley. Trucks and cars are warned to remain in lower gears during the duration of their descent.

Weather: Nothing but SUN, SUN, and More SUN!!!! Extremely warm compared to the previous days temps.

Major Landmarks: Laurel Mountain Ski Resort and Summit (elev 2684 ft) 3 1/2 mile drop after 2 mile climb to the State Park. Return trip to Ruthie¹s for a FREE TIBET T-Shirt signing party covered by Ligonier Echo¹s Rick Schwab. Unfortunately Ruthie could not be present, but in spirit she was present in each and every shot we took at her 18-year old establishment (at least her name on the Ruthie¹s sign was). Fort Ligonier and the town that at one point seemed to be the feudal kingdom of the Mellon family.

The Ride:
Start: 11am

End: 1pm Total: 2hrs

Riders: 14

Casualties: NONE !!!!

Update:
Sonam Wangdu: IS BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!! Consistently paced and loosely monitored, the man from the Big Apple trucked all the way up the summit as if he had never taken a pause. Congrats Sonam, good to see you with your Tibetan Helmet on!

Status: Off the DL Rapten Jamtso and Parzival Herzog¹s heads. The buzzer has claimed yet another pair of springtime victims. What a difference a shave makes!!!

Standouts: Of course Sonam for being able to ride again, but this effort to ride these 11 miles truly exemplifies their efforts as it cuts down tomorrow¹s 32-mile approach to Greensburg to only 21. Still a day ahead and looking to get even further!!! The NEW VAN, and I mean the NEW VAN. Only 4 miles on it at pickup. SMOOTH! Rating: Unstoppable!!! They have faced the tough country of the Pennsylvania foothills with grace and determination. It¹s going to be a real challenge keeping them to their intended distances for the remainder of the trip to TO. RIDE ON!!!

Host Family: Dr. Richard and Dorothy Raizman, and all their horses and canines. Such beautiful country here in Ligonier, PA. Rolling hills, blossoming foliage, ancient charm (town incorporated in 1727,) and a sprawling homestead populated by horses and dogs, that ITIM should seriously consider making their new headquarters.

Meal: Steak Dinners courtesy of the Raizman¹s. PA is nice!

Wake Up Time: Well its just 20 miles and since they seem to be able to do that in an hour lately, we¹ve decided to accept Dr. Richard¹s offer to go on a horse trail ride in the early morning before we head out from Ruthie¹s again. Next Stop Greensburg! Hey Tim we¹re coming for you!!!!

Presentations: University of Pittsburgh: Greensburg Campus Village Hall; 7:30pm 1150 Mt Pleasant Rd Greensburg, PA All the press is going to be there, will you?

Quote of the Day: "We¹re the poor folks on the block" Dorothy Raizman approaching their Homestead.

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