The 2010 version of PMVC Spring Training Camp was held Memorial Day weekend a mere 100 miles east of Pittsburgh. Participants included Eric Schaffer, Steve Loevner, Ed Gelman and Dusty Baker.

DAY 1

The first of what would have been 6 covered bridges along the route had the skies stayed so blue.

Things started off well enough with a 10 am Friday start from Fat Jimmies Bike shop just north of Bedford. Warm, but not oppressively humid air and partly cloudy skies gave little hint of what was to come as our intrepid team was led by Dusty along a pleasant, mostly rolling, route through covered bridge country. After a less-than-charming rest stop in the less-than-charming town of Claysburg, the big climb of the day was confronted to the ski station of Blue Knob. Eric led the charge up the thickly wooded 1500’ ascent amid crackles of thunder and a few raindrops. Frequent bolts of lightning and a torrential downpour greeted the riders at the mostly deserted summit. A series of maneuvers in search of warmth and shelter included a stay under a picnic shelter, several naps on golf carts and finally warm coffee in a bar right out of ‘The Shining’. Three hours later after finding ESPN’s ‘The NFL’s 10 Most Controversial Calls” not so interesting after all, a controversial decision was made to head back on the road despite a lingering drizzle and dense fog. A long treacherous descent was capably handled by all, but valley flooding required some shameless pleading with a pickup truck to ferry the riders across the road. A mile later a second encounter with the same unruly stream led a shivering Dusty to lift his bike and walk through the calf-deep waters only to see his companions commandeer another pickup for a cleaner crossing. With dusk approaching, spirits dampened, and Eric’s bike short one cable (no doubt snapping under great tension on the downhill), a quick beeline was made back to Fat Jimmies.

Dusty taking in the view from the top of Blue Knob, Pennsylvania’s second highest peak at 3126 ft.

Bob’s Run gone wild.

Would Oscar have even dismounted before crossing this creek?

Ed Crossing Bob’s Run

Bedford-Reynoldsdale-Osterburg-Queen-Claysburg-Blue Knob-Pavia- Pleasantville-Bedford 65 miles, 4600ft, 8+ hrs. A late seafood buffet dinner at Rocky Gap Lodge.

DAY 2

Saturday also began well with clear skies and a hearty breakfast. Eric led the ride from Rocky Gap beginning with a brutally steep climb over Martin Mountain. The route then meandered south along several rough roads to historic Oldtown. Steve attempted to recite one or two historical markers but no one paid him much heed. A one-lane wooden toll bridge ($10.00 for cars) was used to cross the Potomac River into West Virginia finally leading to surprisingly, pleasant, smooth and picturesque roads. By midday however, the heat and hills began to take their toll and when the group, now short on calories and fluids, found themselves at an unmarked intersection with no idea how to get back over the Potomac, they did what any lost lycra-clad cyclist would do in these parts. They followed the sound of a chainsaw, walked onto the property of its Confederate flag-flying owner and asked for directions.

‘Civilization’ was reentered in the form of the Paw Paw, WVa Memorial Day parade where an ugly scene would unfold. Normally well-mannered Ed Gelman would be seen on all fours fending off young locals in pursuit of various candies thrown from the parade vehicles. A long lunch stop served to calm nerves, but it dawned on the other riders that some grave miscalculations had occurred, as what Eric had advertised as a 50 mile ride had already reached 55 and they were still at least 30 miles from home. Eric’s pocketful of maps were consulted and the decision was made to avoid some hills by using the C+O canal trail towards Cumberland only to abandon this after 5 miles due to the rough surface and lack of meaningful conversation. After, a long slow stretch of hilly, but quiet, smooth roads and a brief cooling thunderstorm, they eventually made their way north to the town of Flintstone, Md. (passing Dino Drive and the Stone Age Café) for much needed refueling. The odometers read 87 miles, but the riders were buoyed by the knowledge they were only 5 miles from the lodge. Unfortunately, 4 of the 5 consisted of one relentless uphill back over Martin Mountain. Eric again led the assault followed by Ed with Steve and Dusty in ‘survival mode’ bringing up the rear.

Rocky Gap-Old Town, Md.-Green Spring, WV – Points, WV-Paw Paw, WV-Old Town, Md. (not so interesting this time)-Flintstone, Md.-Rocky Gap. 92miles, 7300 ft.

Outdoor pizza dinner overlooking Lake Habeeb. Ed would be seen sneaking chicken wings from Dusty’s daughter’s plate.

DAY 3

Heading toward the Mason-Dixon Line in the aptly-named Pleasant Valley – Eric’s Reed-Smith jersey would soon attract several rabid dogs.

A wiser, less ambitious ride early Sunday heading north along Pleasant Valley with one long, steep climb over Tussey Mountain. The ensuing steep descent was followed by a long gradual descent on a very smooth, shaded, gently curving road back to Flintstone. Just the sort of road we had been searching for all weekend. Eric took the sprint at the Mason-Dixon Line on the way north. Steve claimed it on the way South, though it being unmarked there was some minor dispute over this. The huge climb out of Flintstone was ascended for the second time in less than 16 hours with Eric again getting the points.

Rocky Gap-Beans Cove,Pa-Flintstone, MD- Rocky Gap 32miles. 2800ft. A hasty retreat was made back to Pittsburgh by all except Dusty who spent much of the next 24 hrs geo-caching. Totals 189 miles. 14,700 ft.

The Final Day Podium (sans Podium Girls ) overlooking Lake Habeeb and Rocky Gap Lodge.