Operation Second Chance – Slice – October 9, 2011
Hagerstown was shrouded in fog. Temperature was 5 degrees Celsius – do the math – it was cold and very damp. For the start all riders were directed to leave at 7:30 and follow a new route to the canal.
Experienced group riders would lead all to MD Route 65 for the ride through Sharpsburg past the ANTIETAM NATIONAL Battlefield to Antietam Creek.
It was a magnificent view of the rolling Maryland countryside and an opportunity for the open road cyclists to finally stretch their legs after 3 days of path riding. This was not a competitive ride, rather a good opportunity to accelerate and use gravity to pull you through the rolls on this first 17 mile leg. It was a solemn ride past the national battlefield.
After a quick break provided by the MD Civil Air Patrol it was off to Brunswick MD under a bright blue Sunday morning sky.
We were treated to a Spaghetti lunch at the Brunswick American Legion Hall – the home made sausage and pepper gravy hit the spot.
Filled with carbs, Dave, another photographer and riding partner, and I were the last to leave Brunswick at 1:30P. Energized, Dave and I steamed 20 miles to Whites Ferry doing over 16mph dodging mud, water, rocks and tree roots. Once there we met up with many other riders to waited and time our ride into Riley’s Lock so that we could meet the NAM KNIGHTS AMERICA escort to Smokey Glen.
By 4:30 all Ride Allegheny cyclists were riding south on Route 28 towards Darnestown. Ten minutes later we were turning left at Riffle Ford Road and a short half mile ride into the Farm and hero’s welcome of flag waving family, friends and veterans.
An All American reception.
Thanks to Denise, Meredith and Jason for being there to see this. I know that Kinsey and Philip would have been there except for their trip to Italy.
Thanks to Fox Channel 5 in DC for coming out to film the arrival.
Dave Parrish contributed to photos displayed on this page.
