Cycling and other musings
91 miles, 2500 feet of climbing
Another longer day but with half the climbing of the others. The weather was a little cooler than yesterday. I wore arm warmers until the second SAG. It was mostly sunny with increasing clouds towards Emporia. No rain. Continue reading “Day 13 – Mechanicsville, VA to Emporia, VA”
72 miles, 2800 feet of climbing
All sun today, with reduced humidity and comfortable all day on the bike. What a pleasant change. Continue reading “Day 12 – Fredericksburg, VA to Mechanicsville, VA”
93 miles, 4500 feet of climbing
Many of us did not make it to the National Mall yesterday. Today staff and an ABB alumni with local knowledge led us out for the first 15 miles or so. We rode right in front of the Lincoln Memorial steps. Continue reading “Day 11 – Washington, DC to Fredericksburg, VA”
No riding today. After doing my laundry, I visited my cousin, Barbara, her daughter Tara, and grandsons, in Bowie, MD. I hadn’t seen Barbara since the late 1970’s. Continue reading “Day 10 – Rest Day, Washington, DC”
81 miles, 4070 feet of climbing
Today’s weather was similar to yesterday’s. No rain, perhaps a little more sun to go with the overcast. Arm warmers and a jersey felt a little cooler at times but generally comfortable. Some sun, but more clouds.
The climbing was concentrated in the first two-thirds. The last third was the reward–the Rock Creek Park Trail. Not a rail trail so there were more turns and some very short climbs. Continue reading “Day 9 – Hunt Valley, MD to Washington, DC”
62 miles, 1695 feet of climbing
Yesterday evening, route RAP was late starting in order for staff to debate today’s choice of route. There were two alternatives–5200 feet of climbing on public roads or only 1600 feet of climbing and much of it on “rail trails,” generally old railroad right of ways converted to pedestrian/cycling paths. Here the path was place alongside railroad tracks which appear to be used at last for train excursions. Continue reading “Day 8 – Lancaster, PA to Hunt Valley, MD”
64 miles, 3640 feet of climbing
Today’s threatened rain hasn’t materialized as I write this at 9 pm. My legs were feeling better. Most of our time was spent out in the country, with one tobacco field, potatoes, and much corn. Continue reading “Day 7 – Pottstown, PA to Lancaster, PA”
72 miles, 3650 feet of climbing
After working pretty well yesterday, my legs were not in the mood. They dragged me to the end of the ride but didn’t want to work hard doing so. We all have those days, the difference being that we’re on a schedule. So you ride. Continue reading “Day 6 – Easton, PA to Pottstown, PA”
76 miles, 3930 feet of climbing
Today started out foggy, but warm enough for just a jersey. I followed staffers Mike and Karen out of the motel to our next state line crossing into New Jersey. Continue reading “Day 5 – Matamoras, PA to Easton, PA”
70 miles, 2970 feet of climbing
Hooray, a sunny day, warm to start. My legs are starting to feel like they’ve checked in for the ride. We began by crossing the Hudson river on the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian/cycling bridge. Continue reading “Day 4 – Poughkeepsie, NY to Matamoras, PA”