The Rockland Tunnel

I've had trouble getting back into bicycling since a bad fall a couple years ago. Rather than just ride free, I have that constant awareness of the possibility of falling again. I've been on a couple rides in the last week, and really enjoyed my time in the saddle. Maybe I can get my confidence back.

Yesterday, I took a short ride (only 11 or so miles round trip) on the Allegheny River Trail to the Rockland Tunnel. Many bicycle trails are built on reclaimed railroad beds, and it shouldn't surprise me to find old railroad tunnels marking certain sections of Pennsylvania trails. Rockland Tunnel is difficult to ride through, because it's pitch black inside. I think it's just under a half mile in length, but don't hold me to that. The tunnel curves, so no matter which way you're traveling, you cannot see the exit until coming around the bend. There are no lights, but there are reflectors embedded in the asphalt for navigation. It takes a really bright headlight (brighter than most bicycle lights) to even see the reflectors more than a few feet ahead. When I have ridden through I had the uneasy sensation that I was going to ride off a ledge or into a wall, or just tip over sideways. Next time I think I'll just take my mag light and walk my bike through.

And it's amazing how cold it gets in that tunnel! From the trail, to the point where I took this picture, I'm convinced the temperature dropped at least 20 degrees (please read that as hyperbole if it's not exactly accurate). It felt like standing in front of an open refrigerator or freezer.

Even though the trail is right on the banks of the Allegheny River, there are few breaks in the trees that allow any view of the river. This is the best I could do for a picture.

I'm looking forward to some longer rides, now that I've gotten my proverbial feet wet (which, when you think about it would be an uncomfortable way to ride).