Breakfast:
At Laurelville.
Morning:
Optional stretching before breakfast, mats are provided. We’ll depart by van from Laurelville to Buena Vista to begin our final day of riding. Vans will meet us in West Newton at the charming Train Station for a water break. This day takes you back in time to the heart of coal and coke country. Considered “the most important mineral resource in the history of the world,” during the late 1800s and early 1900s, coal fueled the Industrial Age in western Pennsylvania and the U.S. Towns like Adelaide, Whitsett, Van Meter, and Smithdale are examples of the coal patch towns that were built by the coal and coke companies to house their workers. Whitsett, an intact coal patch town, is on the National Register of Historic Places. We'll stop at Sager Mosaics Studio, home of The Ruins Project, "the intersection of art, industrial history, and the GAP bike trail."
Lunch:
Sack lunch in Whitsett.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll continue our journey through tree-lined tunnels along the river. Many remnants are visible from these old industrial towns and businesses. George Washington, whiskey making, and modern movie making have all touched this area. These historically significant sectopms that once connected key coal towns to Pittsburgh have been mainly left in the shadows, being overtaken by Mother Nature, including old coke ovens at about mile post 93. We’ll bike through the ornate glass archway and once you’ve reached Yough River Park again in Connellsville, you’ve completed the 150 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage!
Dinner:
At Laurelville. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Relax around a campfire outside (weather dependent) or a roaring fire in the Guesthouse fireplace. Share your thoughts about the week's adventures! Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.