Rob's Blog

Now that I got the bike tuned up, it was time to go out the Sandy Creek Trail the way I wanted to the last time. Once again, it was mostly business on the ride south to the Belmar Bridge. I stopped for a couple of quick shots of the fishermen out in their boats on this foggy morning. There were many in the water and still many more waiting on the boat launch. The fog was too thick to get a good count, but it was certainly a very popular place to be.

I continued south to the bridge, climbed the dangerous steps and headed east this time. The fog was started to lift a little, but it was still overwhelmingly present. The air was cool and the trail was clear. I was making good time. I got to a little valley in the trail where I raced down one side and up the other. As I neared the top of the other side, I saw a deer dart across the path ahead of me. I tried to get the camera out, but was not quick enough on this occasion. I missed another good shot of wildlife.

I followed the trail a little further before I came upon the tunnel. This is the Mays Mill Tunnel. This tunnel was originally for the Jamestown, Franklin and Clearfield Railroad and was constructed beginning in 1905. It was in service until the 1980’s. It wasn’t until 2005 when the tunnel reopened to bike and foot traffic.

I do not recall ever biking through a tunnel before. It was dark in the middle, as I do not have a headlight yet. I know I need to get one to go through the the Kennerdell Tunnel. I made it through this tunnel without one, but I was a little concerned about not being able to see the road ahead of me. I kept my eyes on the exit and the little bit of light shining in.

After the tunnel, I passed over a series of bridges, each with its own distinct view. That view contained the usual water, trees and a hillside, but each was unique in its presentation of nature. As I continued, I did pass a man dressed in camouflage, carry a rifle. I thought that would make a good picture, but then I thought a gain. He may have just killed someone or something illegally. Taking his picture may make me his next target. I passed on the photo opportunity.

Additionally, the ride took a slight uphill grade. It was not very noticeable, and I had to go down 1 or 2 gears to make the climb. I could feel it level out every once in a while and force me back into the cruising gear or leave me peddling twice as fast as needed. Due to the constant climbing, I decided to stop for a snack break before I made it to Van. So, I found a picnic table and took a rest. As I would soon find out, I was only a little more than a half mile away from Van. I should have kept going.

As I made it out to Rockland, I was greeted by a beaten up and abused trailhead sign. I am not sure what happened to it, but I would not want to have faced the same fate. I also passed under several automobile bridges, getting to hear cars driving above on one occasion. I did see a pile of huge “rocks” beneath one of the bridges. It made me question, when does a rock become a boulder? What is the size progression for rocks? There are stones, pebbles, rocks, boulders, mountains. I just do not know what to make of it all.

When I did make it out to Van, I was confronted with a choice. The trail head presented the options of either proceeding on down the raw train path to who-know-where, proceeding down a gravel road to somewhere (once again, not sure where) and to turn around and head back home. I chose to head back home. I enjoy riding the trails and am not ready for the open road just yet. The trails are mostly flat and predictable. The road is not.

The ride back was a little easier. I now had a slight downhill grade going with me. I sped back past the many trees which line both sides of the trail between Rockland and Van. I started crossing the group of bridges before the tunnel. And then, all of a sudden I see a bird on the railing of one of the bridges. I am not a bird expert, so I really have no idea what this bird was, but I had read of people seeing bald eagles out this way, and I can only conclude that this was a bald eagle. Regardless, it was a pretty cool sight to see.

I continued back through the tunnel (it was a little darker and more scary this time) and eventually back to the Belmar Bridge. I walked the steps back down to the Allegheny River Trail and started the last leg of the journey home. I stopped to take a couple of splendid shots of the river, trees, hills and clouds on the five mile leg. I made it back home, a little tired, but completely satisfied with my ride. Next week, it was on to Brandon.