Day 44, Saturday, 6 July, Smithfield OH to Elizabeth PA

Today's ride consisted of three distinct sections. The first was hilly roads that reminded me of southwest VAThe second was flat trails and connector roads. We headed east after David's wonderful breakfast. We handsome good climbing followed by a nice downhill stretch into Mingo Junction followed by a few miles on US 7 to Steubenville, OH, where we crossed the river into WV. After climbing out of the river valley and over a ridge, we dropped down and picked up the Panhandle trail and followed the trail across WV. We ate lunch in Midway. The small calzone was large and the large was gigantic - a 16-inch pizza dough stuffed and folded. Shortly after lunch the path Louis and I followed diverged from Garrett's. he continued on the Panhandle while we took the connector to the Montour Trail. The connector is confusing because it involves heading north and making a sharp turn to ride across a bridge that crosses where you just rode. The two-dimensional maps we were using, directions from riders on the trail, and the signage on the trails were not completely helpful. The trilled ended and put us on connector roads to Elizabeth, OH. once there we learned that lodging options were few. We bathed inthe river near the public boat ramped and planned to camp there. At dinner Louis asked, Stephanie Guffey, one of the waitstaff, if she knew where we could pitch our tents and she offered us her yard. We accepted gladly.

We rode 77.90 miles at an average speed of 11.3 mph. My maximum speed was 40.3 mph.

The view near Smithfield

The view from Steubenville into WV. the mills in Steubenville are closed.

Fort Steubin

Downtown Steubenville

Looking north on The Ohio Riveras we cross into WV

The bridge into WV

We reach WV

Cliffs

A flare at a plant in WV

Looking across the river back into Steubenville

Garrett's large calzone. The picture does not represent the scale well.

Louis's small calzone. Note the pencil for size reference.

The tresses we had to find to connect to the Montour Trial

A view from the trail

A tunnel on the trail

Stephanie, our host for the evening.