Start: Hagerstown, MD 8 am

End: York, PA 5 pm

Total miles: 71

For 70% of the miles, today was everything bike tourists dream about—bluebird skies, crisp temps, rolling hills, gorgeous fall color, picturesque farms, historic towns. It was like a dream. I stopped for coffee, eggs and toast at a friendly cafe filled with everyday regulars of all ages chatting with the friendly owner who called me “Honey”. The works!

And then it was time to turn onto PA Bicycle Route S. I had high hopes. They were quickly dashed. For 18 miles, this two lane road with a 1-2 ft shoulder went up and down over not-insignificant, endless roller coaster hills with cars and tricks whizzing by at 55 mph. Not great.

Sadly there’s at least two more hours of this road tomorrow.

More from the other side.