A few teammates have been saying Pennsylvania is their favorite state of the ride so far, and today was evidence as to why. Although we had to overcome some daunting climbs, crisp weather and abundant greenery surrounded us as we did so. We covered a type of terrain we are now familiar with — a healthy mixture of rolling hills and paved trails. It tested us as riders, but also rewarded us with some beautiful sights and the contentment of another day well done. We ride on into tree-enfolded West Virginia, curious to see what the upcoming Ohio section may bring.

ride overview

Mileage: 70.3

Elevation: 2,889’

Points of Interest: Pizza Capri, Quick Service Bicycle Shop, Hot Metal Bridge, Southside Riverfront Park, Wheeling YMCA, South Side Trail, Station Square Trail, Panhandle Trail, Robinson Run River, Ohio River, Brooke Pioneer Trail, Wheeling Heritage Trail, Greater Wheeling Trail, Wheeling Heritage Port Sculpture Garden

quote of the day

tales of the trail

After the usual flurry of bag-packing, van-loading, and oatmeal-eating took place, the team decided to play a game of human knot. For those unfamiliar with how to play (as were many of our bewildered teammates), we stood in a circle in which every person reached into a tangle of outstretched hands to grab a random one with each of their own hands. Then, we attempted to unravel the “human knot” we made through various awkward bodily contortions — all without letting go of any hands. If it sounds ridiculous reading it, one can only imagine how ridiculous it felt actually doing it. Even so, it was the lighthearted morning activity we needed to begin our day. 

We rolled out into the outskirts of Pittsburgh, getting the opportunity to bypass cars on a closed road littered with an assortment of graffiti. It felt like something out of an apocalyptic movie, and it was interesting to imagine all the people who had contributed their art to its concrete canvas at some point in the city’s history.

The first climb hit us pretty hard, forcing upwards of a 10% grade under our worn wheels and taking us through a rather untame section of uneven and overgrown concrete. As always, though, we made it through and onto some of our favorite trails of the ride. These trails were interspersed throughout the day’s route, and an enjoyable opportunity to view wildlife (from cautious deer to narrowly-avoided snakes), take shelter in the shade of trees, and keep a steady pace toward our destination in Wheeling, West Virginia. One group took advantage of the lack of traffic to take a break and indulge in a 5-minute power nap on the surface of the path, with a view of the Ohio River right across from them. 

The van was piloted by Kev and Emma today, who were an immense help in everything from stayovers to bicycle mechanics. They met a staff member named Dave at Quick Service Bicycle Shop, who has actually biked across the country three times. They exchanged stories, and it was exciting to meet someone who could understand the nature of our unique journey.

The second big ascent was gradual but longer, with around two miles of climbing through a series of switchbacks whose ample trees kept the hot sun off our already sweating backs. These climbs are becoming almost enjoyable given their more forgiving character. 

Brushing off a brief rain scare that had us questioning the effectiveness of our brakes, we followed the climb with a truly epic descent (depending on who you ask). The steep road eventually transitioned into our final trails of the day and ended at our stayover, Christ United Methodist Church, where we gladly set up our stuff in their spacious property. The pastor kindly offered us Lemon Crisp Kit Kats, an exotic treat that our teammates rushed to try, as well as a generously donated Chipotle dinner — we are massive fans of Chipotle. Thank you to Michael, Lucas, Olivia, and Dylan for portioning the food!

From there, we drove to the Wheeling YMCA, who warmly allowed us to shower in their locker rooms. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was collectively sung on the way back. The lyrics, especially the opening line — “almost heaven, West Virginia” — have never felt more real. 

The I4K Valentine’s Day pairings were also dropped. For this I4K holiday, members of our team will go on “dates” during our upcoming rest day in Columbus, OH. We look forward to spending time with each other on a smaller scale :) Speaking of hanging out with the team, the first I4K movie night of the ride is ongoing. We are watching “Smokey and the Bandit” — which beat out “Barbie: Mermaidia,” much to some of our teammates’ disappointment. All in all, another solid day for I4K.

cyclist’s corner

Today’s Rider: Logan Maurer

How are you feeling today?

I’m doing pretty well. I’m a little bit sore from all the mountains, but my joints are doing well, so I’m glad for that. I’ve been caught up on sleep, I’ve had a good couple nights the past couple days.

What make and model of bicycle are you riding?

I built it myself. The frame is a Ritchey Swiss Cross 2022 50th anniversary model. The wheels are made by DT Swiss. The rest of the parts are parts that I’ve collected over the past couple of years. I’ve ridden a lot of bikes in the past couple of years, and this is by far my favorite of all time…I would say I’ve been collecting parts for about three years, but the build took about two months of  sitting down and deciding on parts, to actually having a complete bike. 

Before joining Illini 4000, how much bike training had you done, and did you have any other athletic background that you feel prepared you for this ride?

I wouldn’t really consider myself an athlete. I enjoy rock climbing, and obviously I do a lot of cycling. But before high school, I didn’t do many sports at all. In high school I got a job in a bike shop, and I discovered my love for cycling. I regularly do rides and commute everywhere. But otherwise, I’ve been riding a lot in the corn fields, and I occasionally go out with Illini cycling.

What has been your favorite part of the ride so far?

I really like climbs. Both the climbing and the descending. The climbs have been kind of rough, especially in the Appalachian mountains, but it’s been very fun, and everyone’s handling it very well. One of my goals for this ride was to break 50 miles per hour, and I just got that the other day, 53 miles an hour. I checked the route ahead of time, went through all of the turns in my head and made sure it would be safe and reasonable. 

Is there anyone you’re doing this ride for, or any specific person you think of when you’re on the ride?

I don’t have a particular person, but I’ve always liked helping people, and especially recently I’ve really loved being on my bike. So I figured I could combine those two things, and spend a summer doing a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’d get to combine those things in a very positive, impactful way.

Is there anything you want to say to the people who are cheering you on during this ride?

It’s been very eye-opening, all of the things I’ve been seeing around the country, and all of the people I’ve met and stories I’ve heard…I’ve learned so much and I so greatly appreciate everything. I think the generosity has been amazing. I knew that people were going to be motivating and people were going to support me, but the scale and the quantity of people’s help and donations, even just people being nice, passing people on the road, getting some waves and some cheers, has been amazing. 

Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?

I have a newfound appreciation for peanut butter and jelly. I tolerated it, but I never really liked it. I think burning 6,000 calories a day has really awoken an appreciation for crunchy peanut butter jelly sandwiches.

(A reminder that any unfamiliar terms can be found in our handy I4K dictionary.)