WWO - Annapolis Rails to Trails

Laurie and I did a WWO ride in Annapolis on a sunny not-too-cold day (which is how most days have been this winter). We parked at the Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park, (2001 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Annapolis, MD), then had to ride a mile or two to the trail. We speculated they picked the parking because there were bathrooms (seen in the background behind Jessica).

For the first time ever, a WWO ride was disorganized at the start. The lead rider had canceled at the last minute so the new leader was unsure of where the trailhead was. We all rode out of the parking lot onto a trail leading over a "bridge" which turned out to be a fishing pier jutting out onto Severn River. So we hit a dead end about a quarter mile after starting. I thought it was pretty hilarious.

It was a bright beautiful day with the sun glinting off the water. 

Laurie taking pics at the dead end.

It turned out we had to ride on the road for about 2 miles before we came to the rail trail that was the object of the days ride. Here's Laurie's bike at the start. It was the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park.

I thought the trail had a cool logo.

Here is the image of where the trail is in Maryland. We started at the southern end and headed north. The trail is only 13.7 miles long (one way).

The ride was pretty unremarkable. Straight and flat like you'd expect a rail trail to be. But the people were great. Jessica was there, Cathy led, Amy took up the rear with a new woman, Rose. And Erin, who arrived with Jessica. Cathy, it turned out, lives in Reston, so we talked about perhaps riding more with her. And Erin lives in DC.

At the end of the rail trail, we stopped to regroup and made the decision to ride around BWI airport, which you can see on the map next to the trail end. Rose wasn't up for it, so Amy went back with her. The rest of us shared Laurie's power butter crackers, which were amazing.  Here is the recipe:

7 T coconut oil
1/2 C raw pumpkins seeds (pepitas)
1/3 C raw sesame seeds
3 T chia seeds
1 1/2 C almond butter
1 T maple syrup
1 t kosher salt
1 t aleppo-style pepper

It was super duper delicious. Thanks Laurie!

The smaller crew heading out around BWI. I have to admit, I was a little bummed to do it because I was stressed about getting home. I had something I had to do, but now I can't remember what it was!

We stopped to pee at real bathrooms at Sawmill Creek Park.

The trip around the airport added 18 miles to the ride, so on the way back, everyone was hungry and a little cold. We stopped at The Big Bean, a trail-side coffee shop for coffee and snacks.

Then it was back on the trail - more straight and flat.

And we were back. This is the bridge over the Severn River. We drove over it, but there is pedestrian access if you wanted to ride.

No cue sheet since we stuck to the trail. We also followed trail markers around the airport, so I'm pretty sure I could do it again and find my way.

Distance: 44 miles
Speed: 12.9