We recently sent a few questions to Donald Annonio, a staff member and mechanic on several of Adventure Cycling's fully-supported tours. Although he's only been working on Adventure Cycling tours for a little while now, he is excited to share his passion for bicycle travel with others and is one heck of a mechanic. This year, you can be sure to spot him behind a work stand or assisting riders along the route on several Adventure Cycling fully-supported tours, including trips in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. Here is what Don had to say:"I?m looking forward to working as the event mechanic on four Adventure Cycling tours this summer. My first tour of the year will be Blue Ridge Bliss (June 2-8). This will be my second season with this very scenic road event tour. The trip?s route will include a new northern section this year along the scenic Skyline Drive. Next will be the C&O Family Fun tour (July 8-14). It?s really fantastic to see kids embrace cycling. I wish I could have been exposed to such a wonderful experience as a kid. I also enjoy the additional ice cream stops and swimming holes as much as the kids. My third tour this year will be Freedom Flyer (September 8-16). I?m a big history buff and this tour is rich, starting in Philadelphia, with stops in Gettysburg, Antietam and Harpers Ferry and ending in Washington, DC. Last but not least will be the C&O Canal/GAP (September 29 - October 6). I live in Cumberland, Maryland, and use a section of the C&O to commute to work. It?s super special to ride so many car-less miles on the trails. While riding you feel very remote, then you reemerge into an interesting small town or community about every 15 miles."
Do you have a fun memory from your experience staffing an Adventure Cycling tour that you?d like to share?
"One evening last year on Blue Ridge Bliss, our caterer, Adam Morrison, arranged for several of his musical friends to join us and entertain our group. One of our participants grabbed a guitar and joined the band. It was quite a happening! Everyone on the tour talked about it for days."
When you're not out wrenching on an Adventure Cycling tour, I understand that you work at a bicycle shop (Trailhead Connection) in Cumberland, Maryland, which is located at the junction of the C&O Canal Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage. Can you tell us a bit about the opportunities for cycling in the Cumberland area and the impact that it's had on the community there?
Cumberland is a great place to live as a cyclist. Everyone knows about riding on the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage. However, the best kept secret is the abundance of opportunities for road riding. You can take your pick of 21, 37, 64 and 100 mile road loops. Within a few miles you?re on roads so rural there aren?t even lines painted. The mountain biking here is also pretty good and Rocky Gap State Park is a popular area for a post-work trail ride.
When you?re in Cumberland you?ll find area businesses are very cyclist friendly. Trail users provide a valuable boost to local economy and the word is out. Bike racks are all over town and all business owners want one in front of their business. Many hotels and B&B?s have a bike wash set up and businesses welcome muddy riders with open arms.
What is your personal bike of choice for riding on the C&O and Great Allegheny Passage? What's your recommended tire and size?
I like to ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker on the trails. I like having drop handlebars because they provide a variety of hand positions so I can change my hand position frequently.
Flat tires are the most common mechanical problem encountered on the C&O Canal. It can be a bumpy ride with areas of shale and thorns that can cause flats. I like to ride with at least a 35cm tire width to address the bumps and maintain control in potential muddy areas. I?d avoid getting a lightweight tire, as it won?t provide the durability needed for the trail. Most tire manufacturers make a tire with protective belts designed to inhibit objects from penetrating the tread and causing a flat.
Finally, the big question ... what?s your favorite on-the-road dessert: pie or ice cream? And what are some of your recommended spots to stop and grab one of these tour treats along the routes for the C&O/GAP and Blue Ridge Bliss?
I?m an ice cream guy with pie coming in a close second. When in Cumberland on the C&O, you must stop at the Queen City Creamery. You?ll find homemade ice cream and a special flavor of the day. Last year on the Blue Ridge Bliss, all of my desserts were made by the caterer, Adam. He is an amazing chef. Maybe I can talk him into moving closer to Cumberland.
Do you have any closing words of wisdom to your fellow Adventure Cyclists?
If you have major repair work done on your bike before a tour always take it out for a couple rides before the tour begins to be sure everything is working properly. It?s better to figure out there?s a problem then, than on the tour. And may the wind always be at your back!
Photo courtesy of Donald Annonio, taken on Adventure Cycling's Blue Ridge Bliss tour.
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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team -- Mo, Paul, Madeline, and Arlen -- tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to Adventure Cycling's tours Department. Check out our 2012 Tours!
Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/03/spotlight-on-adventure-cycling-tour.html
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