We continued towards Cumberland. These mountains we were crossing kept getting higher and higher. My Dad had discovered the C&O trail. Basically a rail trail, but instead of trains this flat path was once used by boats. Using this 180 mile long path we could avoid about half of the Appalachain range.

We had a great lunch in Frostburg. Then based on a local cyclist's suggestion took the northerly route to Cumberland. It was a pretty ride, and all downhill. The Cumberland Gap itself is pretty amazing. A natural divot in a long mountain ridge. It is no wonder early settlers chose this route to head west.

In town we met a nice family, out for a day on their bikes. The father, Eric, was looking for work. Despite the hard luck they were having Eric insisted on buying us lunch. I really hope that these nice people's luck has since changed.

After lunch we said goodbye and headed out on the C&O towpath. This National Historic site is great for cyclists. There are free campsites approximately every five miles along the way. You can ride as long as you like, without fear of cars, on this flat path, through the middle of a big mountain range. The path is unpaved. We had sunny, dry weather our entire ride, but if it had been raining we would have needed wider tires.

The first night of camping we shared the clearing with two older cyclists on a tour of the path.