Was afraid that this would put me at a serious disadvantage as everywhere I looked on trail, signs read Open Daylight Hours Only. These words haunted me as I had visions of being alone clunking around on a deserted trail after dark. Happy to report that I made great time, even with frequent stops. The first couple miles of the trail I was seriously wondering "what was I thinking". My new gel seat was already getting uncomfortable. I found that frequent standing on pedals and shifting weight helped some. I was also amazed to see how much effort it actually takes to bike on a flat grade (I heard however, even though it appears flat, there is actually an 2% grade to it). I can testify to that. Once I relieved the pain from my seat, I began to notice the overly packed and now heavy backpack that felt like it was dragging me down. Although with discomfort and the signs of no travel after dark touting me, I was able to push on and began to really enjoy the trail and the beautiful sights around me. I crossed many roads, both by bridges that went over them, tunnels that went under them, and just regular "wait til the light changes" intersections. After thinking about turning around and scrapping the whole idea, I hit my stride at mile 6.8. Things went well for quite a few miles after that.
I'm happy to report that the trail itself is beautiful and well worth traveling. Day 1 saw my getting used to the trail and all the trail riders. I quickly discovered that most of the cyclists on this trail are on sleek, expensive machines. The riders too seem to follow the "suit of the trail" version of Lycra padded pants and Lycra shirts and jackets. Beside them I felt like the Beverly Hillbilly version of cyclist on my slightly rusty, heavy, and clunky bike with its new gel seat and sporting my sweatpants shorts and top. These riders insistently called out "on your left" as they whizzed past me and thundered miles ahead. There were middle aged or older riders, some younger 20, 30, and 40 something riders. All seemed to be experienced and buff men and women. There were some parents with kids this first day along with walkers, joggers, and a few inline skaters. Altogether a smorgasbord of humanity on this busy section of trail through Cobb County. The crowds didn't seem to thin out until I reached Hiram.
I peddled over bridges and tunnels and intersections that just crossed roads. At the Silver Comet Depot was water, picnic tables, and bathrooms and time for a respite. I snacked on apples slices, walnuts, carrots, and small tommy toes tomatoes before continuing my journey.
On the trail again, there were roads perched high atop overhead bridges that dwarfed the riders below.
Some of the bridges I rode over were high above the grade and literally made me feel like I was in a tree house setting. The smell of creosote from the timbers of these bridges was strong as I lingered, made photos, and passed over. On part of the trail, the long slow whistle of a train in the distance could be heard as the wind began to pick up and carry the cold and the sound across the way. On some bridges the trail went over roads and highways, on other bridges over streams and fields and woodland. Around mile marker 11.7 or so, I peddled across the border into Paulding County. I passed the Thomas Concrete Plant as I was crossing over a large bridge. So many sights-Hiram Trailhead-mile 14.7 contained an original train caboose that serves as a Sheriff station for deputies who patrol the trail. All these sights were enchanting and beckoned the trail riders to continue on.
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