Now Pedaling Our Way . . .

The grueling Race Across America, which bills itself as the World's Toughest Bicycle Race, began in Oceanside, California on June 12th, bound for the City Dock in Annapolis.  Leaders have now reached Maryland, the final state in the cross country, single-stage challenge.

That's the good news for the cyclists.  The bad news is that after pedaling night and day, the course now brings them to one of the toughest terrains -- the mountains of Allegany County.

They'll be entering the state via the National Road in Lavale, outside Cumberland.  They after breezing in and out of West Virginia, they will contend with Polish Mountain and Sideling Hill.  There are some downhill stretches here, but the uphill climbs are going to be a bear for those exhausted cyclists.

They'll take a time stop in Mount Airy, and then it's on to Annapolis for the weekend.  (Let's hope they don't get caught in beach traffic.)

About 250 hardy riders started this perilous journey.  Check the website to see how they are doing.   One thing we can guarantee -- they will get a warm welcome in Annapolis, where competitive cycling is a popular pastime.