I’m Home

The Maryland, Pennsylvania State Line

This morning we left Glyndon, MD after I had a terrible night’s sleep. Because we were in a small fire hall the sleeping quarters were cramped. I slept near the speaker that broadcasted all of the nightly dispatches. Also I was near a number of sick people who coughed all night and a number of snoring individuals. It was “Hell Night.”

At the PA State Line

Artwork on the trail

However, today’s ride was beautiful. We had about 15 miles of rolling rural Maryland hills before we hit a well maintained rails to trails byway. This trail took us into Pennsylvania where the trail became even more amazing. Kudos to Pennsylvania for our well maintained trails. The MS riders were blown away by the incredible beauty of the trail and our state. I felt proud of our great state. It was an easy ride to York, Pa where we’re staying just east of the city.

Southern Tier Alumni, Cindy, Dale, Christin, Dick and myself

It’s a special day for all of us who had done the Southern Tier in 2017. Dale Johnson and his wife Christine with their friends, Fran and Tom, prepared a delicious Italian meal. Dale was on the Southern Tier with Dick, Cindy Martin and myself. Dale and Christine have also helped organize our Pittsburgh to DC ride in 2018 and our most recent Buffalo to New York City ride last year.

Dale, Christine, Fran and Tom

Fran has MS and it was insightful talking to her about how MS has effected her. She was a middle school music teacher and in her early 40s she was diagnosed with MS. She retired from teaching after 20 years of dedication. She is able to maneuver a little with a walker but many days she is in a wheelchair. She said she usually only has three good days a year. She didn’t elaborate but I believe she probably meant three days where she feels like she doesn’t have MS. Knowing this helps me on hard days. I have a bad day once or twice on a three month bike ride and she has only three good days a year. How can I complain or give up just because a day is hard.

Tomorrow we ride to Conshohocken where I’m going to meet up with Dave Baker, a riding buddy.