I am one of a core group of Old Marine MP’s who have done a lot of amazing events together over the past 30 years ranging from team relay races (run to bike to boat) to triathlons (Ironman, Sprint and Olympic) and countless road races (Marathons to 5K’s) but few have been more personally rewarding as biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). This trail follows the route of the old Western Maryland Railroad and others from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland.  What makes it particularly rewarding is spending real quality time together.  No phones, TV, news, politics or any day to day responsibilities that typically distract friends talking, listening and supporting one another.

This 150-mile trail is the fourth longest rail trail in the United States and offers stunning views of southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland. Of the trail’s 150 miles, roughly 130 of them are in Pennsylvania, starting in Pittsburg PA and cutting through the Alleghany County and Laurel Highlands.

The Great Allegheny Passage took nearly 30 years to complete, with the first nine miles near Ohiopyle completed in 1986 and the last section, from West Homestead to downtown Pittsburgh, completed in June 2013. The trail is relatively flat, with a maximum grade of less than 2%, and, with the exception of a few blocks in downtown Pittsburgh, avoids motorized traffic.

Seven of us completed the Great Allegheny Passage last week as a group and were joined by a Canadian couple (pictured above) named Dick and Sue Pearson.  We all loved this couple who brought us lots of laughs and kept us in line.  It is safe to say that some of us are not avid bikers, having never biked more than 50 miles in a day. Nevertheless, we were able to complete the trail in four days, biking between 19 and 43 miles each day. Our success should prove that anyone in reasonable health can complete all or portions of this amazing trail with the proper motivation and a ready supply of shammy creme (AKA Butt Butter).

There are many tales to tell from our four day journey.  I am still processing much of what I’ve learned along the trail and hope to parse those things out in future bog posts.  These are some of my closest buds who have stood beside me through my best and worst moments.  I value what they have to share… be it supportive or be it slap in the back of the head.  I find it truly amazing how the spending time outdoors with friends helps to free your mind, body and soul…  food tastes better, air smells sweeter and you meet the most amazing people along the trail…  Who’s up for the next trip?