I can hardly believe we actually just travelled over 300 miles. . . ON A BIKE!
We began the day early again, getting on the trail at 7am. Zak set out with us, as he decided to ride the whole last day - 55 miles.
Almost everything was uneventful today, until that time I couldn't find Zak. We had 14 miles of the trip left, we had just taken a long break at the C&O Canal visitor area, and we were ready to finish up the ride. We put Zak in the lead and apparently the energy gel kicked in because he took off. I stopped a couple times to take photos and was casually going on enjoying the last bit of the ride. Then I realized Zak wasn't in sight, so I rode ahead to try to find him. I didn't catch up to him until mile post 8! I rode at 15-20 mph for 5 miles trying to find him. I couldn't believe he was so far ahead, and thank goodness I found him when I did because I was spent.
Michaela joined us at the C&O Canal, as she wanted to ride the last miles of the trip instead of at the beginning of the day as she had done all week.
When we got into DC about 1/2 mile away from mile marker 0 - the end of the trip, we lost the trail. It just kind of ended and turned into streets of downtown DC. We weaved our way through that a bit, but ended up calling David to figure out how to get to the end where he was waiting. We finally got turned in the right direction and began heading for MILE 0. We knew that it was behind a kayak shop, as we were told by someone we had met on the trail a couple days earlier. It was not only obscure . . . it was practically hidden! We came around the corner of the kayak shop and spotted David who was frantically waving his arms and pointing for us to turn. We turned . . . and ended up in the kayak storage area behind a big fence. David is yelling "no, this way," so we came back out from behind the fence and saw a path leading around the back of the fence and rode to the mile marker. Considering the fact that the ending mile marker area was so blah, I guess God gave us that bit of humor of making the turn into the fenced area just to spice it up a little. It just cracks me up when I think about it! It's like being in the lead of a car race on the last lap but at the last second, for no apparent reason, you drive off the track!
We hugged and kissed the mile marker . . . and began planning our next bike adventure - Colorado, maybe?!
Considering the rough terrain we have been riding for the past 150 miles, I am amazingly not that sore. I have a feeling it will all catch up to me in a couple days. Right now, my body thinks I'm getting up and pedaling tomorrow. Ha! I was more sore when I was on the bike hitting those roots and rocks sticking up out of everywhere. Our bikes held up really well. No flat tires or broken chains. Michaela's rear is a little sore, but she doesn't have riding shorts and believe me, that does make a difference. Zak didn't complain once about the ride and he was willing to do more and more. I'm really impressed with him. He's not complaining now of being sore either. I think I will take and Aleve before I go to bed though . . . just in case.
Thanks to everyone who has kept up with us through this blog. It has been a lot of fun, and we appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. And thanks to all those who sponsored us. It has been worth it all. I'm sad that the week is over already.
I'm hoping in the next day or two of getting some videos onto this blog. Check back for that.
We are beginning our touring of DC in the morning.
Blessings to all.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
ONLY 55 TO GO!
We got on the trail at 7:15 this morning. Mucho better riding earlier, beating the heat, and having time to relax at camp in the evening.
We met some people from Cleveland going our same was today. Nice talking with them and seeing them once in a while as we lept frog one another if one party stopped for something. Go Indians!
We stopped at Harper's Ferry around 2 for some touring time. Got some ice cream and had 6 more miles to get to camp. Today we were able to ride right into camp, so David didn't have to try to find us at a stopping point. The ride today was really dirty and we were very thankful we are able to shower each night, as if we had tried this dry camping we would have stunk really bad by the end of the week!
There were a lot more people on the trail today. Because it's Saturday I reckon. One part of the towpath we were on was also part of the Appalachian Trail. Now I can say I've been on that!
We rolled into camp around 6pm, having ridden 59 miles.
After dinner we sat by the Potomac River. Zak & Michaela swam for a while.
We plan to hit the trail by 7am, and Zak is riding the whole 55 miles with us. I'm not ready for this trip to be over, even though my butt could use a break from the saddle. Hope that the headline reads "We Made It" on tomorrow's post!
Gotta go.
We met some people from Cleveland going our same was today. Nice talking with them and seeing them once in a while as we lept frog one another if one party stopped for something. Go Indians!
We stopped at Harper's Ferry around 2 for some touring time. Got some ice cream and had 6 more miles to get to camp. Today we were able to ride right into camp, so David didn't have to try to find us at a stopping point. The ride today was really dirty and we were very thankful we are able to shower each night, as if we had tried this dry camping we would have stunk really bad by the end of the week!
There were a lot more people on the trail today. Because it's Saturday I reckon. One part of the towpath we were on was also part of the Appalachian Trail. Now I can say I've been on that!
We rolled into camp around 6pm, having ridden 59 miles.
After dinner we sat by the Potomac River. Zak & Michaela swam for a while.
We plan to hit the trail by 7am, and Zak is riding the whole 55 miles with us. I'm not ready for this trip to be over, even though my butt could use a break from the saddle. Hope that the headline reads "We Made It" on tomorrow's post!
Gotta go.
Friday, July 18, 2008
DAY 4
It was hard to keep our mind on our objective today, as our butt's were sore, it was 97 degrees, the trail was muddy in places, but mostly dry and rocky; and we were just plain tired. Zak & Michaela rode 16 miles with us at the beginning of the day. Michaela found a turtle on the trail, we had to make a stop for investigation. The canal is very swampy and among all the woods it gives a bit of a creepy feeling at times. . . so Michaela calls it Shrek's Swamp. We've seen very few people on the trail, especially this part.
After dropping off the kids with David at the pick up point, which by the way, it all went smooth today . . . we pushed on ahead. Although, about 10 miles in, Kera began having troubles with her bike and was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. At the next town, she found help for her bike and all is back to normal, but we both decided to not go any further and to get up early to add the extra miles on tomorrow's ride. Today's ride only produced 32 miles.
Our plan is to get up early tomorrow and ride, ride, ride!
After dropping off the kids with David at the pick up point, which by the way, it all went smooth today . . . we pushed on ahead. Although, about 10 miles in, Kera began having troubles with her bike and was feeling overwhelmed by the heat. At the next town, she found help for her bike and all is back to normal, but we both decided to not go any further and to get up early to add the extra miles on tomorrow's ride. Today's ride only produced 32 miles.
Our plan is to get up early tomorrow and ride, ride, ride!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
THE DOWNHILL SLIDE
Today we were on the trail at 9:45. We all went this time, including David. We had another 2 miles of uphill, but along the way was the Eastern Continental Divide, that provided a photo opportunity. Shortly after that, we stopped at the mouth of the Big Savage Tunnel for another photo op. The tunnel is a mile long and provided a blast of cool air that felt great. On the other side we were on top of the world. There are amazing views from mountain tops! About a mile after that we were at the Mason-Dixon line . . . another photo op! Now were are in Maryland. At this point David & Michaela turned back . . . this gave Michaela her 10 miles and David some much needed fresh air away from the drama of the truck.
Zak, Kera, and I pushed on, but this ride was sweet! From this point on it was all downhill. Amazingly downhill! In fact, we rarely pedaled for 25 miles - no joke. The funny thing about this though was that different muscles are now being used to try to keep all your weight off the seat. We were laughing about how we were looking forward to the descent but now other muscles are sore!
Much of the trail was alongside a currently used railroad track, and I mean alongside, right against, next to the track. It was really amazing though, and we did get to experience a train coming by. It was only about 6 cars long, hauling tourists I guess. The conductor blew his horn for us too.
At 25 miles we dropped Zak off with David. They went off ahead to set up camp, while Kera and I moved onward. Although, we did stop to eat right away at a place called The Crabby Pig. It was a BBQ joint. Then, Kera had a small issue to sort out with her job on the phone. . . so we were again starting off the afternoon at 3:30pm. It was insanely hot this day! It was so hot, it was stifling to breathe. We were in the open sun for about 30 minutes, then the C&O canal towpath appeared and we were in the shade the rest of the day.
So the rest of this day we rode on the towpath along the canal, which as built 150 or so years ago. I'm sure it was something great in it's day, but now it is a swamp, completely covered with green and dead trees crisscrossing it. We passed by the locks used to get the boats up and down the canal. The locks had boarded up houses next to them, as they must have been used by the "locksmith" - ha, ha. Just kidding. I don't know what he would have been called, but he would have been there to work that specific lock. It's really neat seeing a piece of history like this. Once upon a time, people worked and thrived along this canal.
I will also say that the towpath is not a gentle path at all. It is rough and hard on the old body. Lots of potholes, mudpuddles, sticks, stones, and roots all perfectly placed to add a little more pain to the rump. At this point, my rump feels nothing but pain, which I expect will remain that way the rest of the trip. The good thing is, the pain never gets any worse; it just doesn't go away or get any better!
We saw a lot of wildlife today. A lot of deer, turtles (not only in the canal but smack right on the towpath too), groundhogs, squirrles that jump straight up in the air like a scared cat if you get too close to them, and we had to ride through a flock of Canadian Geese that hissed and honked as we passed through.
We covered 55 miles today, and none of them were going backwards!
Zak, Kera, and I pushed on, but this ride was sweet! From this point on it was all downhill. Amazingly downhill! In fact, we rarely pedaled for 25 miles - no joke. The funny thing about this though was that different muscles are now being used to try to keep all your weight off the seat. We were laughing about how we were looking forward to the descent but now other muscles are sore!
Much of the trail was alongside a currently used railroad track, and I mean alongside, right against, next to the track. It was really amazing though, and we did get to experience a train coming by. It was only about 6 cars long, hauling tourists I guess. The conductor blew his horn for us too.
At 25 miles we dropped Zak off with David. They went off ahead to set up camp, while Kera and I moved onward. Although, we did stop to eat right away at a place called The Crabby Pig. It was a BBQ joint. Then, Kera had a small issue to sort out with her job on the phone. . . so we were again starting off the afternoon at 3:30pm. It was insanely hot this day! It was so hot, it was stifling to breathe. We were in the open sun for about 30 minutes, then the C&O canal towpath appeared and we were in the shade the rest of the day.
So the rest of this day we rode on the towpath along the canal, which as built 150 or so years ago. I'm sure it was something great in it's day, but now it is a swamp, completely covered with green and dead trees crisscrossing it. We passed by the locks used to get the boats up and down the canal. The locks had boarded up houses next to them, as they must have been used by the "locksmith" - ha, ha. Just kidding. I don't know what he would have been called, but he would have been there to work that specific lock. It's really neat seeing a piece of history like this. Once upon a time, people worked and thrived along this canal.
I will also say that the towpath is not a gentle path at all. It is rough and hard on the old body. Lots of potholes, mudpuddles, sticks, stones, and roots all perfectly placed to add a little more pain to the rump. At this point, my rump feels nothing but pain, which I expect will remain that way the rest of the trip. The good thing is, the pain never gets any worse; it just doesn't go away or get any better!
We saw a lot of wildlife today. A lot of deer, turtles (not only in the canal but smack right on the towpath too), groundhogs, squirrles that jump straight up in the air like a scared cat if you get too close to them, and we had to ride through a flock of Canadian Geese that hissed and honked as we passed through.
We covered 55 miles today, and none of them were going backwards!
DAY 2
We got on the trail at 10:30 and headed out. Today we were a little quicker than the first day and we made it to Michaela's drop off in an hour and a half (14 miles). . . but David was not there. I trolled around a bit to find a high spot to get cell service to try to get in touch with him. You won't believe this, but the loaner truck we were given while ours was being fixed began spewing transmission fluid everywhere and became undriveable. So, while David waited for our truck to be delivered to him, and their truck to be picked up, Zak, Michaela, Kera, and I rode back 2 miles (because it was the nearest town) in order to get some food and wait for David to meet up with us. Zak & Michaela got in 16 miles this day. We saw another snake, but it wasn't as big as the first one. After an eternity of waiting and David finally appearing on the scene, Kera and I were on our way again. . . at about 3:30pm.
This time the trip seemed more difficult because we were on an uphill grade the entire 42 remaining miles. We were already tired from the heat and mentally drained because of all the drama of the day. We saw some beautiful scenery and stopped once in a while to take photos and rest a bit. Towards the latter part of the day we began seeing deer and other wildlife on the trail. And before we were done, a full moon arose to shine our way in. We ended up not getting to our destination until 9pm. I was never so happy!
No bike troubles . . . yet.
This time the trip seemed more difficult because we were on an uphill grade the entire 42 remaining miles. We were already tired from the heat and mentally drained because of all the drama of the day. We saw some beautiful scenery and stopped once in a while to take photos and rest a bit. Towards the latter part of the day we began seeing deer and other wildlife on the trail. And before we were done, a full moon arose to shine our way in. We ended up not getting to our destination until 9pm. I was never so happy!
No bike troubles . . . yet.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WE'RE OFF TO A . . . . . START?
We were promptly woken by a rooster on one side of the trailer and a gobbling turkey on the other side of the trailer, apparently talking to one another. But they did get us up and at it.
We found a trailhead outside of McKeesport, PA to begin our day. We got a bit of a late start, 10:30 in fact. The trail is beautiful! It's like riding at home (CA) only without seeing the ocean and it's A LOT hotter. About halfway through Michaela's 10 miles, she had a bike malfunction that put us about 15 minutes behind Zak & Kera. But, Michaela and I did see a very large doe cross the trail right in front of us. That might be why it looked so large!
We dropped Michaela off with David at 12.5 miles. Then we head off with Zak to meet David later on. Right away there was a very long, black, round stick across the trail that turned out to be a very long, black, round snake that reeled back and brought it's head up as we passed it . . . almost causing us to crash as Zak had to skid to a stop and investigate. Later on, at 25 miles I call David to find out where he is, only to learn that the transmission on our Yukon has blown. Thankfully, we were within half a mile of him. Not thankfully, the warranty on the Yukon ran out,\. . . in January.
So, we stayed with David and the kids till the Yukon was towed to a garage and we were given a loaner to tow the trailer to a campsite to wait for the Yukon to be fixed. (Angelo! We need you here!)
Kera & I did press on and got our 50 miles in. We stopped several times to take photos of the area, it's so beautiful. The trail itself is like riding on pavement dusted with grains of dirt/pebbles. However, the last 10 miles was alongside a river through the woods with small fist sides rocks sticking up through the dirt. The last 10 was a bit rough and my rump is a bit sore! It took us a total of 9 hours yesterday, 5 of them on the bikes.
While David waits for the truck to be fixed, we will continue on. We're hoping for a quicker day.
We found a trailhead outside of McKeesport, PA to begin our day. We got a bit of a late start, 10:30 in fact. The trail is beautiful! It's like riding at home (CA) only without seeing the ocean and it's A LOT hotter. About halfway through Michaela's 10 miles, she had a bike malfunction that put us about 15 minutes behind Zak & Kera. But, Michaela and I did see a very large doe cross the trail right in front of us. That might be why it looked so large!
We dropped Michaela off with David at 12.5 miles. Then we head off with Zak to meet David later on. Right away there was a very long, black, round stick across the trail that turned out to be a very long, black, round snake that reeled back and brought it's head up as we passed it . . . almost causing us to crash as Zak had to skid to a stop and investigate. Later on, at 25 miles I call David to find out where he is, only to learn that the transmission on our Yukon has blown. Thankfully, we were within half a mile of him. Not thankfully, the warranty on the Yukon ran out,\. . . in January.
So, we stayed with David and the kids till the Yukon was towed to a garage and we were given a loaner to tow the trailer to a campsite to wait for the Yukon to be fixed. (Angelo! We need you here!)
Kera & I did press on and got our 50 miles in. We stopped several times to take photos of the area, it's so beautiful. The trail itself is like riding on pavement dusted with grains of dirt/pebbles. However, the last 10 miles was alongside a river through the woods with small fist sides rocks sticking up through the dirt. The last 10 was a bit rough and my rump is a bit sore! It took us a total of 9 hours yesterday, 5 of them on the bikes.
While David waits for the truck to be fixed, we will continue on. We're hoping for a quicker day.
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