Shenandoah and Back
For my eighth year (but first time since 2015), and for the Ride's 40th consecutive year, riders and support staff spent last week traversing small towns and roads in the Northeast to raise money for Anchor House. Fair warning, consider this a somewhat detailed account! I’ve been helping out on the route planning subcommittee for the last three years, so a lot of my commentary will focus on the riding itself. Logistics and meals get some attention too.
In summary: 497 miles pedaled (don't worry, I got 3 more in Sunday morning on a Citibike). I personally hit my fundraising minimum, but the House still has a little way to go, so please, donate here today!
After a round trip on NJ Transit to Princeton Junction on Thursday night to pack away my new Cannondale bicycle onto a truck, I took another train on Friday night down with my backpack and duffel to stay overnight with the parents at a hotel.
Saturday, Day 0 – Trenton, NJ to Harrisonburg, VA
Early Saturday morning departure from Waterfront Park. Bus day! Tried our best to watch the England/Sweden match on our phones while service cut in and out. Made it to the hotel in time to watch the end of the Russia/Croatia match. Day 0 (as I like to call it) is a day of anticipation, especially once you arrive at the hotel. I spent a little time serving cold beverages from the Yellow Truck before dinner at O’Neill’s, where the owner’s partner made quite the impression on us.
Sunday, Day 1 – Harrisonburg, VA to Winchester, VA (RideWithGPS)
[80mi, 5:26, 14.7 avg, 40.9 max]
We began the week with a longer day, and while it did have 4,300ft of climbing, we still lost almost a thousand feet of elevation over the course. (Started at 1,500ft in Harrisonburg, ended up at approx. 675ft in Winchester) It was cool and chilly in the AM, so much so that I wore a long sleeve shirt under my bike jersey for the whole day. This year, I rode with my Dad, his long-time riding buddy Dick Curry, and Dick’s brother Paul. We usually leave around 6:30a to beat the heat (though I usually make it 6:40a). In years past, there’s been a younger crew that I had assembled for riding, but not this year. Maybe next.
A hard day for sure, but with the general decrease in elevation combined with fresh Day 1 legs, it felt good out there. Got my only nap of the week, and a pair of meals at the Glory Days grill.
Monday, Day 2 – Winchester, VA to Fredrick, MD (RideWithGPS)
[73mi, 4:38, 15.6 avg, 37.1 max]
The hardest day. Cool again in the AM, with generally descending terrain early on through Virginia and West Virginia. However, lots of climbing after we crossed the Potomac River into Maryland over the Appalachian Ridge. Four pretty tough climbs, with a slowly but surely escalating degree of difficulty, culminating on Teen Barnes Road and it’s ~19% grade in spots. Today marked the true beginning of the modest amounts of abuse I’d take from other riders on the ride for our road/route selections. (All in good nature. I think.) Feelings were felt.
Lunch was a glorious Wawa sandwich once we arrived at the hotel, and then we had the privilege of having dinner (and doing laundry) at my cousin’s house in nearby Hagerstown.
Tuesday, Day 3 – Fredrick, MD to Gettysburg, PA (RideWithGPS)
[58mi, 3:56, 14.7 avg, 38.5 max]
After the difficulty of getting over the Appalachian ridge the day before, we rode due north along the east side of that ridge for a much easier day. The shortest day, and the least climbing. Almost felt like a recovery day, except for the increasing heat. Hence, we still left early, not to mention the World Cup match at 2p. Had the pleasure of watching France v Belgium at Appalachian Brewing Company, across the street from the hotel. Today was the first of two consecutive pool days for me, with the heat being what it was, and the pool looking so appealing in the center of the hotel courtyard.
Wednesday, Day 4 – Loop Day around Gettysburg, PA (RideWithGPS)
[68mi, 4:50, 14.1 avg, 34.2 max]
This was the inaugural year of a loop day for the Anchor House ride. Riders who wanted to take a rest day were free to do so, but those who wanted to ride were to ride the route like a normal day. Same hotel in Gettysburg for two nights. Biggest benefits? No packing up in the morning, and everyone's rooms are ready.
I did my best to try to design the elevation out of this one... but we weren't quite done with that ridge just yet. About 10 miles into our loop day, we veered back into part of the Appalachians and hit Mt. Carmel, a 4.5mi 800 foot climb, with grades as significant as 10.5%. A little downhill and then back on up up up another 320 feet over 1.3mi. That'll wake you up! On the downhill, I learned all about what "Fresh Oil" means on roads-- it's a maintenance thing which essentially means loose gravel. Tough gliding downhill while also grinding the brakes. The rest of the day was much smoother sailing than the segment before the first SAG.
This was a fun post-Croatia/England, post-brewery day at the Yellow Truck in the hotel parking lot, hanging out with fellow riders, both cyclists and motorcyclists. The hotel also had a strange underground bar that I enjoyed for a bit too long that night.
Thursday, Day 5 – Gettysburg, PA to Lancaster, PA (RideWithGPS)
[84mi, 5:55, 14.1 avg, 37.5 max]
Go East, Young Man! No more looping, and no more mostly North directionality. Our longest day saw us cross the very wide Susquehanna River. A little “bumpy” and a little busy in spots, especially at the end. Had to climb out of Seven Valleys, and then again into Red Lion, a funny little town with literal Red Lions on all their street signs. A tough slog, especially on less sleep than ideal, but perseverance is key. The butt pain became a little bit realer today. (I'm over 1,000 words in at this point, seems like the right time to mention what you were probably already thinking/wondering.)
Took quite a while for a number of people to get into their Hotels this night, as the staff had a ton of technical issues. I heard as late as 7pm from some people, and the staff ended up even accidentally giving out the same room to groups of people in a few instances. Not great, Bob! We had the pleasure of getting into the room by 3:30/4ish, about as late as it got for us on this trip. Then got some homemade lasagna from the Currie boys at Paul's place, which is in Lancaster, of which I had three slices. Carbs.
Friday, Day 6 – Lancaster, PA to Lansdale, PA (RideWithGPS)
[69mi, 4:58, 14.0 avg, 36.9 max]
Further East! The lasagna and wine from the night before had me feeling streets ahead of my condition from the day before. A classic Anchor House ride day, as we rolled through Amish country for a large part of the day, hitting rollers here and there. The route traversed similar roads to the last time we went Lancaster to Lansdale, in 2014, so the sights and sounds were very familiar.
Banquet night in Lansdale, which is about 15-20 miles north of Valley Forge, in the reaches of the Philadelphia suburbs. Congrats to Dick on 25 years of riding and fundraising for the House, and Bon Voyage! Here's a look at the great t-shirt design in his honor, conceived in part by me, many moons ago, interpreted by my Father to Dick's brother, and then translated to final design by Paul's riding buddy.
Saturday, Day 7 – Lansdale, PA to the Quaker Bridge Mall (RideWithGPS)
[65mi, 4:45, 13.6 avg, 35.4 max]
Home stretch. More familiar roads as we get closer to home. Tired in the morning from the banquet, and the heat continues, but before you know it, we're crossing over the Delaware River on foot by pedestrian bridge, climbing those same ups and downs, and pulling in for the picnic. Red shirts, as pictured, and a 45 minute ride with police escort to the Mall in Lawrenceville, NJ for the grand entrance. And just like that, it's all over! Dinner with the Fam at Triumph in Princeton, and then back on a train to a subway to the comfort of my own bed.
If you've beared with me through this whole article, you've just had a triumph of your own. Always looking for new riders or support to come on the ride in 2019! Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help guide. Great fun, great cause.
One last reminder to donate if you can! I'd really appreciate it, and so would the kids. Thanks a (half) million.
 |
| The route, all 7 days together. |
In summary: 497 miles pedaled (don't worry, I got 3 more in Sunday morning on a Citibike). I personally hit my fundraising minimum, but the House still has a little way to go, so please, donate here today!
After a round trip on NJ Transit to Princeton Junction on Thursday night to pack away my new Cannondale bicycle onto a truck, I took another train on Friday night down with my backpack and duffel to stay overnight with the parents at a hotel.
Saturday, Day 0 – Trenton, NJ to Harrisonburg, VA
Early Saturday morning departure from Waterfront Park. Bus day! Tried our best to watch the England/Sweden match on our phones while service cut in and out. Made it to the hotel in time to watch the end of the Russia/Croatia match. Day 0 (as I like to call it) is a day of anticipation, especially once you arrive at the hotel. I spent a little time serving cold beverages from the Yellow Truck before dinner at O’Neill’s, where the owner’s partner made quite the impression on us.
 |
| My home for a different kind of 35 hour work week |
Sunday, Day 1 – Harrisonburg, VA to Winchester, VA (RideWithGPS)
[80mi, 5:26, 14.7 avg, 40.9 max]
We began the week with a longer day, and while it did have 4,300ft of climbing, we still lost almost a thousand feet of elevation over the course. (Started at 1,500ft in Harrisonburg, ended up at approx. 675ft in Winchester) It was cool and chilly in the AM, so much so that I wore a long sleeve shirt under my bike jersey for the whole day. This year, I rode with my Dad, his long-time riding buddy Dick Curry, and Dick’s brother Paul. We usually leave around 6:30a to beat the heat (though I usually make it 6:40a). In years past, there’s been a younger crew that I had assembled for riding, but not this year. Maybe next.
A hard day for sure, but with the general decrease in elevation combined with fresh Day 1 legs, it felt good out there. Got my only nap of the week, and a pair of meals at the Glory Days grill.
Monday, Day 2 – Winchester, VA to Fredrick, MD (RideWithGPS)
[73mi, 4:38, 15.6 avg, 37.1 max]
The hardest day. Cool again in the AM, with generally descending terrain early on through Virginia and West Virginia. However, lots of climbing after we crossed the Potomac River into Maryland over the Appalachian Ridge. Four pretty tough climbs, with a slowly but surely escalating degree of difficulty, culminating on Teen Barnes Road and it’s ~19% grade in spots. Today marked the true beginning of the modest amounts of abuse I’d take from other riders on the ride for our road/route selections. (All in good nature. I think.) Feelings were felt.
Lunch was a glorious Wawa sandwich once we arrived at the hotel, and then we had the privilege of having dinner (and doing laundry) at my cousin’s house in nearby Hagerstown.
Tuesday, Day 3 – Fredrick, MD to Gettysburg, PA (RideWithGPS)
[58mi, 3:56, 14.7 avg, 38.5 max]
After the difficulty of getting over the Appalachian ridge the day before, we rode due north along the east side of that ridge for a much easier day. The shortest day, and the least climbing. Almost felt like a recovery day, except for the increasing heat. Hence, we still left early, not to mention the World Cup match at 2p. Had the pleasure of watching France v Belgium at Appalachian Brewing Company, across the street from the hotel. Today was the first of two consecutive pool days for me, with the heat being what it was, and the pool looking so appealing in the center of the hotel courtyard.
Wednesday, Day 4 – Loop Day around Gettysburg, PA (RideWithGPS)
[68mi, 4:50, 14.1 avg, 34.2 max]
This was the inaugural year of a loop day for the Anchor House ride. Riders who wanted to take a rest day were free to do so, but those who wanted to ride were to ride the route like a normal day. Same hotel in Gettysburg for two nights. Biggest benefits? No packing up in the morning, and everyone's rooms are ready.
I did my best to try to design the elevation out of this one... but we weren't quite done with that ridge just yet. About 10 miles into our loop day, we veered back into part of the Appalachians and hit Mt. Carmel, a 4.5mi 800 foot climb, with grades as significant as 10.5%. A little downhill and then back on up up up another 320 feet over 1.3mi. That'll wake you up! On the downhill, I learned all about what "Fresh Oil" means on roads-- it's a maintenance thing which essentially means loose gravel. Tough gliding downhill while also grinding the brakes. The rest of the day was much smoother sailing than the segment before the first SAG.
This was a fun post-Croatia/England, post-brewery day at the Yellow Truck in the hotel parking lot, hanging out with fellow riders, both cyclists and motorcyclists. The hotel also had a strange underground bar that I enjoyed for a bit too long that night.
Thursday, Day 5 – Gettysburg, PA to Lancaster, PA (RideWithGPS)
[84mi, 5:55, 14.1 avg, 37.5 max]
Go East, Young Man! No more looping, and no more mostly North directionality. Our longest day saw us cross the very wide Susquehanna River. A little “bumpy” and a little busy in spots, especially at the end. Had to climb out of Seven Valleys, and then again into Red Lion, a funny little town with literal Red Lions on all their street signs. A tough slog, especially on less sleep than ideal, but perseverance is key. The butt pain became a little bit realer today. (I'm over 1,000 words in at this point, seems like the right time to mention what you were probably already thinking/wondering.)
Took quite a while for a number of people to get into their Hotels this night, as the staff had a ton of technical issues. I heard as late as 7pm from some people, and the staff ended up even accidentally giving out the same room to groups of people in a few instances. Not great, Bob! We had the pleasure of getting into the room by 3:30/4ish, about as late as it got for us on this trip. Then got some homemade lasagna from the Currie boys at Paul's place, which is in Lancaster, of which I had three slices. Carbs.
 |
| Man, it's a hot one. |
Friday, Day 6 – Lancaster, PA to Lansdale, PA (RideWithGPS)
[69mi, 4:58, 14.0 avg, 36.9 max]
Further East! The lasagna and wine from the night before had me feeling streets ahead of my condition from the day before. A classic Anchor House ride day, as we rolled through Amish country for a large part of the day, hitting rollers here and there. The route traversed similar roads to the last time we went Lancaster to Lansdale, in 2014, so the sights and sounds were very familiar.
Banquet night in Lansdale, which is about 15-20 miles north of Valley Forge, in the reaches of the Philadelphia suburbs. Congrats to Dick on 25 years of riding and fundraising for the House, and Bon Voyage! Here's a look at the great t-shirt design in his honor, conceived in part by me, many moons ago, interpreted by my Father to Dick's brother, and then translated to final design by Paul's riding buddy.
Saturday, Day 7 – Lansdale, PA to the Quaker Bridge Mall (RideWithGPS)
[65mi, 4:45, 13.6 avg, 35.4 max]
Home stretch. More familiar roads as we get closer to home. Tired in the morning from the banquet, and the heat continues, but before you know it, we're crossing over the Delaware River on foot by pedestrian bridge, climbing those same ups and downs, and pulling in for the picnic. Red shirts, as pictured, and a 45 minute ride with police escort to the Mall in Lawrenceville, NJ for the grand entrance. And just like that, it's all over! Dinner with the Fam at Triumph in Princeton, and then back on a train to a subway to the comfort of my own bed.
If you've beared with me through this whole article, you've just had a triumph of your own. Always looking for new riders or support to come on the ride in 2019! Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help guide. Great fun, great cause.
One last reminder to donate if you can! I'd really appreciate it, and so would the kids. Thanks a (half) million.
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