1996 Cross-Country Tour. Day 60, July 16, Harpers Ferry MD to Gettysburg PA

Tuesday July 16, Harpers Ferry MD to Gettysburg PA

70 miles

Day 60 map

"Welcome Home!"

My final day on the road!

Me riding up to Mom's house

I retraced part of yesterday's ride back through Brunswick. It was not the shortest route to Gettysburg, but (1) Brunswick appeared to be the only likely nearby breakfast stop and (2) I wanted to get back to my route slip as quickly as possible so I wouldn't get lost. I was very proud of myself that I found my way out of Brunswick by dead reckoning and ended up right on SR 464 as I intended.

When I made up the route slip, I selected a route through Gambrill State Park, partly because I thought Frank and I might camp there and partly because it looked scenic. I didn't realize that about 4 miles of it is on some very steep unpaved roads. I'll have to re-do the route slip if anyone else wants to use it. I had no worries since I'm used to riding a road bike on gravel, but others may not be so sanguine.

Me talking to Mom and Aunt Lynn in front of Mom's house

As I rode up to my Mom's house in Gettysburg, I found her and my aunt and uncle, who were visiting, waiting on the front lawn with cameras ready. A "Welcome Home Alan" sign was on the garage door. Tomorrow, I'm told I have an interview with a reporter and photographer from the local newspaper. (My Mom used to be a reporter for the paper -- I suspect a conspiracy.) It's nice to have a little pomp and circumstance to mark the accomplishment.

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