Panhandle Pot o' Gold Century
Apparently I still had sufficient energy after last week’s sufferfest to do another century-plus, this time with hills. Originally my idea was a large 120-ish mile loop out to Wheeling, WV, up along the Ohio River to Steubenville, OH, and then back up the Panhandle Trail. I had it all mapped out, but two days before take off was having doubts about going solo on so many new, remote roads. I may do stupid things, but I also listen to my inner voice and I know when something just isn’t right.
Plan B was to ride out to Steubenville via the Panhandle, then back on more familiar country roads. I had never been to the end of the Panhandle Trail and wondered what was at the end of it. Gold, perhaps? Mind, body, and energy were much happier with this plan. If you’re mentally all-in, then you know it will be a good day - and it was!
Long endurance rides during the pandemic means being even more self-sufficient. Not only did I expect to carry more food because stores and cafes were closed, but I also brought a mask, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, and because summer was beginning, suntan lotion. I now burn into a lobster without a few months’ base coat.
Handlebar bags are now all the rage with road cyclists. I did some research and found a great review for the Rapha bar bag. I’m a big fan of the design put into their bags. I’ve had their commuter backpack for five years and it’s been all over the world and every kind of ride, and it’s still bomber and an efficient carrier of important stuff. This handlebar bag is also a great design: pockets to organize small items and large pockets for bigger things. And the inside lining is hot pink instead of black to make it easier to see them. Stable fasteners and solid seams and zippers complete the bag. Only complaint is the accompanying shoulder strap is heavy as heck and I would never bring it with.
The cool, foggy morning was perfect as I navigated up and down Italy-like steep hills to the Ohio River valley. Unfortunately you could smell it before you saw it. The river still has active coke plants that retain the region’s industrial heritage. I had wanted to check out the riverfront trail down towards Wheeling, but the stench and questionable air quality had me cross into Ohio, check out Steubenville, then head back to PA.
It turns out that Steubenville was a lovely riverfront town and has put significant effort into creating dozens of murals depicting historic regional events and people, from Abe Lincoln to the Tuskegee Airmen. I rode around for about 30 minutes looking for new ones like a treasure hunt. On the way out there was a wonderful city park with a large water fountain splashing and a bakery doing some hopping business. I would definitely ride back to see more, maybe when the air quality is more in my favor.
Climbing out of the Ohio River valley into PA was actually a long friendly climb, not too steep or packed with cars. Rolling hills and farms gave plenty of scenic places to stop and rest and continue to enjoy the perfect day.
