Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-07-31

ETHE trip from Washington, D. c.,
to Bedford, Pa, in an auto
mobile, while Astounding in
beautiful scenery the entire dis
lance and numerous stretches
of good roads. becomes rather strenuous
during the last stages of the run, espe-
cially through the mountainous country
of Pennsylvania. The distance between
the two points is about 1 40 miles, and is
the route usually selected by motorists
en- route to PittSburg. The steep noun
tain climb commences practically a short
distance out from Mercersburg and from
there until Bedford is reached it is a
case of up one mountain and down an
other.
Several ranges are crossed, the highest
of which is over four miles by road to
the top. some of the others varying from
three to four miles, and very rugged.
Loudoun gap, which is crossed on the re-
turn trip, has an altitude of 200 feet and
requires careful driving. This mountain is
3D. miles by road to the top and is the high
est in that vicinity. although some of
the other mountains are longer to the
top by reason of the winding roads. To
the motorist in search of a run for an
endurance contest this run should appeal
to him most admirably. There is ample
opportunity to test his machine and in
cldentally numerous points for replenish-
Ing water for the radiator, which will be
needed on this run. owing to the large
amount OF second speed work required OF
the engine.
So steep are the mountains and so
numerous the water brakes it was almost
impossible at times to make greater.
head~ay than five miles an hour. The
descent on the other side was equally
treacherous and skilful driving was
necessary owing to the rocky condition
of the roads and the '.thank-you-mams
wnlch were found at frequent intervals
at every point.
To diversity the return trip slight
change was made with Gettysburg as the
objective point, and although slightly
longer it added greatly to the pleasure
and enjoyment of the run, which was
made under perfect weather conditions.
Plotted by Ed b. Terry, A. A. Topping,
]. X. Bishop apd the writer departed
from this city last Saturday evening
about o'clock and headed for Frederick,
Md, via Rockville, Gaithersburg, Clarks-
burg, HyattStown and Urbana, a distance
OF 80 miles over the route usually taken
by motorists and considered the shortest
from the National Capital Frederick was
reached in good time, and after partaking
of supper the journey was resumed fer
Hasersfown, which was the scheduled
night stop. Leaving Frederick via Tele-
graph hill the party was soon speeding
for Braddock Heights, which was easily
distinguiShabie on the mountain top by
the aid OF the thousands of incandesceIt
lights which brilliantly Illuminated the
town and could be seen for several miles
distant The neon was shining brightly
overhead and aided the searchlights of
the machine in picking the road, at the
same zine enabling us to make raster
time over the smooth roads Passing
through Brad6ock Heights the route lay
through the Middetown valley and over
South mountain, with the little towns o,
Ni6dietown, BcoGsboro and Funkstown
directly on the road. The reads were
found in excellent condition for motoring.
and at midnight the party pulled into
HagerstoWn- and the car was stored Tor
the night.