Lynn's story: Higher Ground

BaseCamp athlete Lynn Botelho shared her experience at the 2026 Higher Ground bike ride in Pennsylvania.

This ride is designed to bring people in the Johnstown, PA, area. This is a once-proud steel town now struggling with deindustrialization. It is, however, set in the Laurel Highlands, and the surrounding country is beautiful. I saw people from as far away as Maryland, and I talked with people who both recognized BaseCamp and Madbush. I rode with a friend at the chit-chat pace of 12 mph. We saw a waterfall, a stunning river, and great autumn trees. We did the 42-mile route that had 3,700 of elevation. Payday candy bars at the aid station and pizza at the end. :)

A perfect autumn day: cold in the morning and warm and sunny by lunch. The climbs were not tough, except for two very steep, crushed limestone, short punchy things in the park. Nice single track to mix it up. The historian in me also enjoyed following the path of the Johnstown Flood. I'm enjoying this period of riding without pressure but also getting the urge to dig in for Winter BaseCamp!