Day Eight: April 17, 2004

From: Mile 198: Ligonier, Pennsylvania

To: Mile 221: Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Total Distance: 23 miles

Topography: Started out smooth and flat as it rounded the Loyalhanna River, but then a series of humpback hills presented themselves al the way into the heart of Greensburg. Generally a half to a full mile up on a gradual incline followed by the same stretch of a down grade. Weather: Extremely warm and sunny, with occasional gusts of winds heading southward as we passed stretches of empty roadsides.

Major Landmarks: Loyalhanna River Recreational Area. Although it was a beautiful ride, the fly fisherman and all the families playing by the riverside helped develop some jealousy. Once we arrived in Greensburg at the HempField Shopping Center on 30W to conclude the day¹s ride, we were lucky enough to be at our hosts weekly Trick Bike Trials. (see gallery below for all the pros and our own Rider¹s attempts at being fancy on the pedals)

The Ride:
Start: Noon

End: 2pm Total: 2hrs

Riders: 16 (including guest rider- Ananda Reed- from the Harrisburg events)

Casualties: Just a few tires and several parts of my body, which suffered from not stretching and riding the whole day without any warmup.

Standouts: Rating: Great day for a ride and a smooth transition from the mountains into the city.

Host Family: Tim Krupar and Kara (from Tahsilhunpo Monastery Monk Tour 2002, 2003 Lore) and Jeremy from Bike Line in Greensburg, PA. Thanks for the late night tech session on the bikes. 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: Eat N Park, Rt 30W Greensburg. Always a trip to take over an American roadside eatery at 11pm with 16 hungry mouths.

Wake Up Time: 7am but since we were split up between two houses across town from one another, and their were lots of bikes to repair, only got going on the road by 10am. Presentations: University of Pittsburgh: Greensburg Campus Village Hall; 7:30pm 1150 Mt Pleasant Rd Greensburg, PA

Quote of the Day: "How many of you can¹t go into Toronto because you won¹t be able to come back into America?" Response: Three hands stand in the air!!!

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