Day 3 - Sept. 30, 2013

Started off the day a little late because we visited with the lady (the husband went to work early) that we stayed with (John Gibbel's cousin).  She prayed for us, made us breakfast and we had some delightful fellowship!!  It was a great relaxing way to start the day especially when I had an idea of what I was in for today. 

Wow - HILLS - I think I'm passed the really nasty ones now but who knows.  Today was a challenge!! On a positive note, God has definitely blessed me with just beautiful weather!!!  I can't say enough about how perfect it's been.  I actually made good time today somehow and covered 74 miles to just down the mountain from Cowans Gap State Park Campground.  The park ranger directed us to a really cute little cottage on Rt. 75.  Very cozy and priced just right.  We were excited to see how everything worked out again today.  And the owners of the cottage are considering giving me a donation just like I received from the wonderful couple last night. 

So I am over half way at 222 miles and just thrilled to have accomplished all this in 3 days!!!  Continued prayer for strength and just hoping that my message is reaching many, many people!!!  Thanks to all for your support!!!  Enjoy the pictures!!

 Old Turnpike trail in Breezewood, PA (over mile long tunnel)

Me overlooking lake at Cowans Gap State Park

 Dad supporting me with window art (right side says "Chase Car").  He was having fun!!

Cute cottage we're staying at tonight and my Dad out front.

Day 2 - Sept. 29, 2013

Wow, God is certainly blessing me with some AWESOME weather!!!  I actually accomplished more today than I expected because of my knee and back pain and just being tired.  I got back on the trail in Ohiopyle.  It was beautiful with leaves falling and again chipmunks everywhere.  One blended in to the leaves so well I almost ran over him.  I will say after 42 miles yesterday on the trail and another 29 today, I'm glad it was broken up.  Even though it's flat, it's a sandy gravel base to ride on and you can't really pick up much speed.  I decided to just take my time and enjoy it because I had some great views! 

I passed a town called Confluence and ended the trail at Rockwood.  Cute little Bed & Breakfast at the end of the trail that looked nice if anyone is interested sometime. After riding through Rockwood, the "fun" really started when I entered Somerset, just hill after hill.  I wasn't sure how far I could go but I did really well.  I got some MapQuest directions around some really nasty hills on Rt. 31 but unfortunately MapQuest doesn't account for dirt roads so we hit a snag with one and had to get around it.  At that point about 3 pm I decided to stop riding and find a place to rest and just relax.  It didn't all go as planned time wise but we ended up driving to Everett, PA and we are staying with a very kind relative of John Gibbel.  I'm very glad John's suggestion to me worked out with my riding schedule and we're very grateful for their generosity!!  I ended today with about 55 miles!!

Tomorrow I will drive back to where I stopped and then I will end up on Rt. 30 (business and regular) a little and I know there will be some more nasty hills here and there to get to and passed Breezewood.  Thanks for all your prayers and please continue to share my donation site to anyone you meet. www.frc.org/acrosspenn            

The first picture is me ending yesterday in Ohiopyle, the next 2 are from the trail today and the last one is me starting my ride yesterday at the WV border.  (That's just the order the pictures posted in)      

Time to finish up some things and get to bed!!

Day 1 of the Big Ride - Sept. 28, 2013

Yesterday (Friday) didn't go as planned since we didn't reach the hotel in Triadelphia, WV until 8 pm and still had to get supper.  So I had some anxiousness for the night and to get started so I didn't sleep very well.  One great thing yesterday is that I was on the FRC radio program and that was fun to do to talk about my ride!

Morning - What a Gorgeous Day to ride so I was very thankful for that!!!!  Little trouble finding the first road at the PA border but got there ok. I wanted to take a picture with the Welcome to PA sign but the route I was on didn't have one so the first picture you see is me starting.  Lots of deer and chipmunks and some other animals along the way.  Western PA certainly has it's hills so the start was a little rough and some other places but the day went well because I tackled 96 MILES and made it to Ohiopyle, Hallelujah!!!!  Unfortunately you can't plan for detours and bridges out so we had to deal with that once and some other unmarked roads.  Two places I will recommend if you're ever in western PA is Mingo Creek State Park and the Allegheny Passage Trail.

I am very grateful to have my Dad with me to help.  He is very encouraging and we have 3 GPS's to work with and of course a paper map.  To go from West Newton to Ohiopyle, I was on the Allegheny Passage Trail and that was awesome.  It's mostly flat and that part was almost 43 miles along the River.  My Dad of course can't drive on the trail so he went ahead to secure a "hotel" and we got blessed. He found a lodge up on the mountain with a hot tub and fireplaces and an incredible view!! Plus they gave us a $40 discount because of my ride!!

I will be on the trail again in the morning for another 30 miles then shortly after I will reach Somerset, PA.  It's going to be tough so I know I will not go as many miles.  Please pray for continued good weather, endurance and my knee.  Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers!!!!
Sorry PICTURES not working will try to post the tomorrow.

What a Beautiful Day for a 30 mile Ride - Sept. 24, 2013

It was a little cool to start at 40 degrees but just beautiful!!  I rode to Manheim for a nail appt. and my friend Karen put special stripes on my nails to match my bike. That was fun!  Then I headed over to Tropical Smoothie to meet another friend for lunch and prayers.  We sat outside in the sunshine and talked for over 2 hours catching up on everything.  It was great to sit and relax for a change.  I had already ridden 15 miles and wanted to put in 15 more.  I went out Oregon Rd. to Oregon Pike and back Landis Valley Rd. and around the airport.  It was a good ride and great for one of the last before I leave for the BIG ride! 

I'm pretty much packed - just trying to make sure I remember everything.  I got some names of people we can possibly stay with instead of hotels on my route too which I was excited about.  It just depends where I stop each night. The weather looks great at least for the first four days so I'm going to try to make good use of them. Only 3 days to go, God will sustain and protect!!!

Rec and Ride - Sept. 18, 2013

Busy doing stuff at home and packing for my trip, I decided I better get some mileage in.  It was such a beautiful day and perfect for riding.  I decided to go 25-30 miles and on the way back stop at the Rec Center to work on some weight machines. 

I enjoyed the ride weather-wise but was kind of sluggish feeling. I accomplished 26 miles and a 1/2 hr. workout at the Rec which went pretty good. I figured out later as I started to get a sore throat why I was sluggish - I was getting sick.  I couldn't believe it, what next.  I don't know how athletes in general keep in tip top shape and healthy all the time.  My son Avery is sick with a cold so I guess he passed it on to me.  I started taking echinacea and some other natural things.  They are actually working pretty good except for my energy, I feel exhausted.

I still went to the Rec on Thursday the 19th and my regular trainer session in Akron on Friday the 20th.  They were hard but I really have to stick with it now!!  Only a few days left and I have a full week of stuff, appointments and errands to get done before I go. 

Please keep in mind, that if you wish to donate by check, send that to me by Sept. 26 so I can mail them in before I leave.  The check gets made to "FRC" and my address is Donna Neff, 527 Royal Tern, Lititz, PA 17543.  Thanks so much!!!

Almost Here!!

I can't believe it's almost here!!   I have continued to train by working out my legs, running, lifting and riding.  Yesterday, Sept. 17, I actually hooked my bike up to my "trainer" inside and rode for over 25 miles.  Since my front wheel doesn't actually turn my computer isn't engaged so I'm not sure of the exact mileage.  It's definitely different inside but I thought it would be a good change since it was only 50 degrees outside.

I have gotten the rest of my spare supplies and extra clothing so I feel I'm pretty set now I just have to pack it all.  I need to get all my special food and drinks to carry on my bike and finish my cue sheets for my route.  The first nights hotel is booked so I don't have to stress. I sent out some more sponsor letters to try and get financial help with hotel costs, etc. 

My donations for Family Research Council are around $5,000 (with some checks that I still have to mail in) so I'm really excited that I'm half the way to my goal of $10,000.  Pass the word and let's work together to reach that goal and support "Faith, Marriage and Family".

If you have any suggestions or information you think could help me please feel free to email me at neffs@ptd.net.  Thanks so much!!!

Hot Day to Ride 31 miles - Sept. 11, 2013

Tough start to the day because I haven't been feeling well.  Monday and Tuesday (9th and 10th) I wasn't able to ride or workout because of feeling tired and sick.  Any day I don't actually ride, I do a workout concentrating on my legs which I've been doing great with except for those 2 days.

Wednesday the 11th, I got some work done during the morning then I got going on my bike about 3 pm and boy was it hot.  There was also a wind that was hard to peddle against and it didn't cool me off either. I took Clay Rd. into Clay and Stevens, then came back own the hill to Rt. 322.  I love riding on 322 because there is a big smooth shoulder to ride on.  I went back and forth and then to Woods Corner Rd., Middle Creek Rd. and all around.  Stopped at home for a protein shake and some new water and then headed downtown to church for praise band practice.

It was a good ride but definitely hot and I was glad to be done!!

Sept. 4 and Sept. 7, 2013 Rides

After getting the boys off to their first day of the school year on Wednesday the 4th, I got some phone calls done and work done then I got ready and hopped on my bike.  I rode over through Manheim and Route 72 and Fruitville Pike, down Temperance Hill and over to Doe Run Rd. then Newport Rd. until I covered 30 miles.  I felt good and it was a beautiful day.  And no pain in my right knee, alleluia!!

Saturday the 7th, I was excited to ride because the weather was supposed to be perfect.  I had to take my 15 yr. old son to Training in the morning for an hour then home. Then I left at 11:10 am and rode to Scooters for an early lunch appt. then rode out from there.  I headed down behind the airport, over to Landis Valley Rd., thru the back way to Eden Rd. then back to Oregon Pike. I then decided to stop in an see my almost one yr. old niece on my trek so I went over to Rt. 501 near Delp Rd.  It was a good day for her, she laughed and smiled the whole 1/2 hr. I was there and my sister-in-law was enjoying her.  I decided to go through Overlook, then a quick jolt on Fruitville Pike to Delp Rd. then Rt. 72.  I went up the hill and over to Temperance Hill again.  This time I headed to Lexington Rd. and took that the whole way to Rt. 501.  Lexington Rd. in that direction is a little hilly but I needed to tackle some hills at this point.  Ended up on Pine Hill Rd. to pass John Beck School and then just kept riding around until I hit 40 miles.  My knee was bothering me some and it had been a long day.  I can only pray for the weather on my big ride to be as nice as this week.  I really enjoyed coming home to find my 17 yr. old son washing my mini van too.  We got pizza and had a good evening!!!   

Only 3 weeks to go!!!!!

Labor Day Weekend Riding and Scouting My Route

My initial thought for the weekend was to ride part of my route in Western PA so I booked 2 different hotels for Friday and Saturday nights.  I went to Ohiopyle Friday afternoon to check out part of the Allegheny trail I will be on and to check out a new helmet at the Outfitter store.  Love that store!  They gave me the information I needed and I walked to the trail connection so I understood where I will be going.  Grabbed a salad at the local 'Firefly' restaurant and then went to the Lodge at Chalk Hill.  I rested and worked on my route and information I needed to go over.  

Next morning, I started out slow since I didn't have a set schedule.  Checked out and drove to find my route at the end of the Allegheny Trail where it connected with the regular roads.  I started on the west side of Somerset headed towards Breezewood.  Western PA is definitely much hillier than Eastern PA.  As I drove the route, I made notes on the route list I had already printed.  There was one section I did not like so I will be finding an alternate route.  I use MapQuest bike icon which I've found to be helpful.

I made it to Breezewood and checked into the second hotel.  I was going to ride some and it started storming so I decided to find something to eat since I hadn't eaten lunch.  I like to try different restaurants when I go away but I think Breezewood should be labeled the chain restaurant capital of the world.  I found one different truck stop type family restaurant which wasn't what I was looking for but I was just glad for a hot meal.  I went back to the hotel and searched the internet again and watched some tv.

The next morning was beautiful, I grabbed my free breakfast then headed to the "Old Turnpike Trail" located in Breezewood.  It was really cool because I got to ride thru 2 of the old tunnels.  I definitely could have used more light than what I had on my bike.  The  tunnels were very cool, misty, dark and eery.  I posted some pictures below.  That took 2 hours and I met some really nice people who gave me some helpful information.  I got back in the van and started driving the regular route again.  I was very thankful that the "Old Turnpike Trail" was there as an alternate route for that section.  I kept driving the route and making notes the whole way to Lancaster City and it was almost evening on Sunday so I decided to head home.

I was very thankful for having the time to drive part of my route and I felt more confident.  Thank you for following and reading about my journey:)  There's more to come!!!  I can't believe I have less than 4 weeks as of Labor Day Weekend.

Dealing with Tendonitis August 20, 2013

Went to lunch with my Dad and had to bend down and could barely stand back up.  The pain in my knee was really bad.  I was worried some but tried to stay positive.  I decided I better take a break from riding to rest my knee and talk to the chiropractor about it.  He gave me suggestions and did say to try and ride but take it easy, no big hills. 

Well, I went camping with my Mom and sister near Rickets Glen over the weekend and it was still really hurting.  We had beautiful weather so Sunday, Aug. 25 I decided to try to ride.  It did not go well.  I only went 6 miles and my knee was killing me the whole time.  We were in a bad area for easy riding also with lots of big hills and unpaved roads.  I decided I shouldn't push it.

Next full week, Aug. 26, my schedule was packed.  I only did work outs and then massaged, iced and heated my knee.  It was feeling a little better but certainly not where it needed to be.

Not having dealt with tendonitis before I wasn't sure what I was really in for. My chiropractor was very encouraging that it can heal before the big ride.  After he gave me things to do, so did my trainer.  I'm praying it gets worked out.

65 mile Covered Bridge Ride Sunday, August 18, 2013

After riding 95 miles on Friday, I was feeling good, just a little tired.  Up early and had to start my ride between 7-9 am from the HACC campus so I arrived about 7:20 am. However, I got delayed because I realized that my chain guard was broken which could create a problem while riding so I had to get that taken off. Needless to say, with 2500 riders, there were others with issues and I had to wait my turn. It fortunately wasn't too long and I got started about 8 am. 

There was a chance of isolated thunderstorms all day so I wasn't sure what the day would hold but I was ready. It actually started raining with a steady drizzle right after I started.  I think it was a really good route for the most part and we went through 6 covered bridges in 65 miles. I'm always amazed at how some of the roads connect and how we get back to the HACC campus. 

Lancaster Bicycle Club does a great job of organizing this and we get fed by Subway (subs) and Turkey Hill (drinks and ice cream) plus fruit, peanut butter and cookies.  Just over 1/2 way, we had a stop at a park pavilion for lunch and it was nice to talk some other riders. It rained pretty much the whole time except my 1/2 hour break for lunch.  Great time for it to stop!  I asked the one guy who has to wear regular glasses to invent little "windshield" wipers for rainy days, ha ha!! 

The only thing about organized rides with so many riders is the space on the roads.  We are supposed to be single file as much as possible but everyone rides at different paces and speeds and some ride with groups.  When passing others, it can be a little challenging, especially if we're on a busier traffic road or we get stuck at a traffic light.  One thing I thought was really cool was a family riding together, the Mother and daughter on a double bike and the Dad and son on a double bike. How Awesome!!

Even though I was drenched and dirty when done; I was happy that I completed the ride, felt good and increased my pace.  I couldn't wait to get home to take a warm shower!!!