DAY TEN: Uniontown, PA

June 11, 2007
Johnstown, PA to Uniontown, PA
63 Miles
by Collin Campbell

We had a great start to the day. The First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown provided us with a delicious egg and sausage breakfast. Despite battered bodies and extremely sore legs, we were optimistic about the day. Sam Gutner proposed an alternative method to climbing a hill out of the valley that was Johnstown. A tram, the only tourist attraction in Johnstown, was the easy way up. The tram opened especially early to get us up the mountain—we’re that sweet. Apparently it is the steepest vehicular incline in the world—a 71% grade.

The view from the tram was great—a beautiful look over a small city. Unfortunately the top of the tram ride was not that as far up the mountain as we would’ve liked. We still had an incredible amount of climbing to get out of the city. By mile 8 we were at an elevation of 2744 feet. By this point I was ready, for the third time in two days, to kill Steven Felix, the man responsible for the route. He gets sadistic pleasure out of watching us struggle. We continued through pretty quiet roads, and across the ubiquitous rolling hills.

We had a nice lunch at about mile 40. I’ve come to be a big fan of Sam’s sandwich. Ranch, cheese (anything works), peanut butter and jelly all in one sandwich. Though it does not sound particularly appealing, it is filling and complete. I think Sam and I are the only fans—don’t worry, converts will come.

The final ride into Uniontown was not as spectacular as the sandwich. It included a 10-mile ride along an extremely busy 4-lane truck route. Unfortunately we go back out the same way tomorrow.

Diner was provided by Uniontown’s extremely generous Third Presbyterian Church. It included spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna and garlic bread. While some riders went outside to either dumpster-dive in a recycling bin or relax on the grass and sing along to Andy’s guitar music, I preferred to pass out. I’ve had my fill of PA—I’ll be happy to cross our next state border tomorrow.