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Shamrock Tour®: Western Maryland
An Appalachian Adventure
The Appalachian Mountains, once reaching Himalayan-scale heights, are among the oldest on earth. Erosion-resistant sandstone sustains their rounded green shoulders, while limestone undergirds the verdant valleys. Yes, there are many attractive features in the western highlands of Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; but the most appealing of all has to be the sheer abundance of winding two-lane roads.
Tuesday (250 miles): Ridge and Valley Ramble
Although it's mid-August, we're greeted by cool, clear mountain air on the glorious first morning of our tour. Our excitement is palpable as Christa fires up the big V-twin Moto-Guzzi Norge and I bring the BMW F 800 ST to life. Bright sunshine warms the two-lane tarmac ahead and illuminates the deep green embrace of the surrounding mountains.
Geologists categorize this section of the Appalachians as the Ridge and Valley Province. These mountains typically are long, even ridges, with equally long, continuous valleys in between. Because the valleys are often too narrow for extensive commercial development, many of them still have a colorful patchwork of family-owned farms and quaint small towns where life flows at a more tranquil pace.
SR 475, as it follows the crest of a long ridge, provides expansive vistas of the valleys on either side. Suddenly though, the road dives deep into a sinuous gorge with tight curves tracking a small creek. Moving from dark shadows to sunlight and into shadows again increases the sensation of speed. Riding aggressively here is exciting, but requires full concentration to avoid flying into the outside rail or winding up in the creek....
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