Day 10

I slept well in a warm bed. The bunk bed was a bit creeky, but comfortable. My sleep schedule now dictates that I was up at 7, so I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and clean myself up. I relayed my plan to carry on today, so I packed my bags and refilled my bottles. I had a great time with my friend in Pittsburgh. It recharged me and gave me a good break so my muscles could relax. But I’ve been having so much fun on the trail that I wanted to get a head start against the Laurel Highlands and Appalachians.

After bagels and creamcheese with orange juice for breakfast, I gave her my thank you note and departed for a computer repair shop in McKees Rocks. It was a long way downhill to get there. I stopped at a Marathon gas station there to ask for the restroom, but there wasn’t one available to the public. I carried on, arriving at the supposed address mid-morning. It was just a house, without even a sign out front for the business. I asked a delivery man who was waiting out front if it was the computer business, and he just said “Um, no…” I didn’t bother hanging around, so carried on.

Some towns have ‘Heights’ where there are fancier neighborhoods. Well, McKees Rocks literally has a ‘Bottoms.’ My friend told me to stay out of the Bottoms. I wouldn’t have listened if I could have found a way down into them, but there was no good way in along my path, so I followed her wisdom and carried on.

My path took me along the river on the south side of the city, along the waterfront. I stopped at a portapotty at a construction zone briefly, then was on my way. The waterfront trail is actually the very first part of the GAP trail that Venjo had mentioned two days ago.

At an intersection, I saw two other cyclists who were wearing high-vis slicks and had some small bike bags. I rode alongside them for a good stretch and learned that their names are Andrea and Steven. They were riding the GAP trail for the first time. We talked about bike touring for a while as well as foreign languages. Apparently their grand-kids can speak fluent Mandarin. After they broke off to decide on lunch options, I continued down the trail.

I didn’t follow the GAP trail too long though, because I split off to cross the Monongahela River at the Rankin Bridge. I followed Braddock Ave past US Steel and was reminded of my APUSH class lessons, specifically those on Carnegie.

I followed Wall Ave past East Pittsburgh and a large rail yard. The path suggested by Google took me through that rail yard, but a big sign that said ‘No Trespassing’ made me reconsider and I just kept following Wall. I went through Trafford, joining the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. The first bit of the trail was very iffy. It crossed the tracks several times and was overgrown and rocky. It was like entering the stereotypical D&D scenario where trolls engage you from each cliffside as you try to pass through, demanding a toll. Soon enough though, the trail broadened, and I was glad I had stuck with it.

I stopped at The Kick Stand Grille in Trafford, where another cyclist asked me about my trip. He was very impressed to hear I had come all the way from Cincinnati. So was the manager, who gave me 50% off my whole meal of a burger, fries, and a giant cup of root beer. He told me to ping them on Facebook when I get to Europe. I’ll do that. It was good food, and I recommend it. Unfortunately the creamery next door was closed today, or I would have seen if they had any good malts. I said my thanks, then was off.

The trail passed over an idyllic creek several times, weaving through a tight valley. The trail was covered with many fallen leaves, and it reminded me that while the weather is nice in fall now, winter is swiftly approaching. I arrived in Export, PA, named so for its former coal industry that exported fuel overseas. I stopped at a bar where I had two Corona beers with lemon while I edited my blogs from the last few days. I worked quickly, but nevertheless felt I did them justice. What otherwise is the point?

When I had caught up, I paid my tab and left. I quickly realized I had made a bit of a mistake staying so long, since the sun had already set. Checking the map quickly, I wasn’t sure I would find a better place between Export and Delmont, nor did I want to go further down the road to 22. Thankfully, one of the roads leading up hill from the town center was heavily wooded, so I figured I could try taking a look somewhere there. And it worked out. I found a flat spot on the hillside in an area surrounded by earthwork walls that keep my tent out of sight. It’ll be a nightmare if it rains, since the tent lies in a natural basin, but it isn’t forecast to.