BYC Route: Olney in Only 29 Miles

Deb and I decided to give this route a ride to work off Thanksgiving dinner this year. I only took a few pictures, but it was a beautiful day. Goat farms, sheep up on the hillsides, horses in their pastures, quaint farm houses, a museum to slavery (we'll have to see next time), a brewery, and an old African American cemetery. PLUS, Deb grew up in the area, so riding through it brought back happy memories. What a happy coincidence!

There was a lot of African American history in the area. Here we came upon an old cemetery where the ancestors of the first African American community in the area are buried. Some of the stones were in disrepair, so we wondered who is maintaining the site.

Deb and I were chatting and there were quite a few ups and downs without much rest in between, so I didn't take many pictures. It was also a sad Thanksgiving for both Deb and I, so I didn't feel like snapping pics - was more interested in absorbing the beauty of the day.

This little museum looked interesting. It was closed (COVID?) so we will have to return.

A sign posted at the museum.

This interesting display appeared to be a progression of African American life after being brought from Africa - but I didn't get close enough to see for sure - and the figure in front was covered, so we couldn't see what the end point was. Again, we'll return when we can get the full experience.

This ride was lovely. It started a little grey with a smattering of busy rodes, hills, and unkept roads, but that was all just near Olney. Once we got out of town it was beautiful rolling countryside with lots of horses, goats, sheep. I'd definitely like to do it again!

The start was Sherwood Elementary School 1401 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860. The cue sheet was perfect.

Distance: 29 miles

Speed: 11.5 mph

Cider Ride 2020

After years of signing up for the Cider ride and having to cancel myself or having it get canceled because of weather, it finally happened! 

And I'm so glad. It was a great ride. We started in Buddy Attick Park in Greenbelt, MD. There were staggered starts, so half (?) of the riders started in a different location on the route.

It was fairly urban at first, so not many pics because I couldn't take my hands off the breaks to take them.

The first rest stop was overseen by this proud looking penguin. ?

Perhaps this was the Anacostia River? 

The trail network in Anacostia was extensive! 

We had bananas, hot cider, and prewrapped snacks at each rest stop. Plus hot cider for which we were supposed to bring our mugs, but I foolishly left mine in the car, thinking I wouldn't need it until the end.

Our route took us around RFK stadium. There was some kind of car/dinosaur event going on in the parking lot - a social distancing tour for the kids. 

From RFK, we headed into Capitol Hill.

Suddenly all the cute row houses we'd been admiring turned stately.

We appreciated that cyclists were given room to ride through these neighborhoods. 

Woops. I was taking this while riding past and ended up with the porta-potty right in the foreground!

This building was on our right when the Capitol came up to the left. But I don't know what it is! Seems like it should be the Library of Congress, but it doesn't look like it. I'm clueless.

At least I did recognize this building.

And then we were on our way north, toward the University of Maryland. I wish I knew the city better to say what neighborhoods we drove through.

Once section was very artsy.

This mural of Lincoln was particularly impressive.

And suddenly there were rivers and fields.

And this beautiful trail.

And farmland? Were we in Greenbelt now? I need to look at a map of the route more closely! It was so strange to suddenly be in the countryside without having ridden that far.

This was a park we rode in and out of. Cute sign of the turtle crossing. Especially because it indicates there will be babies!

And we were back! They had more hot cider and tons of donuts. And I have to say, probably one of the best donuts I've ever had. A cross between airy and cakey with great flavor. It really hit the spot.

The ride took us through urban areas, surburban areas, around RFK, behind University of MD, and then out into the countryside - all in one day. It was an excellent route.

Distance: 57 miles

Speed: 13 mpg

You're Fired

When the election was called on Saturday afternoon, four days after we voted, I admit I broke into tears it was such a relief. People in cities around the country, including DC, poured into the streets to celebrate. I wanted to hop on my bike and head downtown, but we were cooking for mom's birthday, so there wasn't time. We had a lovely celebration on the deck that evening, then I took to the W&OD the next day. I wanted to see the wall Trump had erected to protect himself from all of us crazy rioting liberals. Apparently, it had been covered with protest signs making fun of him for cowering.

I took the W&OD all the way to Shirlington, then the connector to the GW Parkway trail to the 14st bridge, then up 15 St. to the White House. 

Below is the wall from the back side. I got disoriented by the wall and ended up inside, roaming around trying to find my way out. 

I took this from the lawn on the inside of the wall. The Christmas tree was already up - but I don't think they'd lit it yet. 

Finally I found my way to the other side.

There was a lot of press milling about, waiting for something to happen.

Many signs of protest and celebration...

It was heartening to see Black Lives Matter Place. Honestly, I teared up a little at all of the support for Black Lives Matter. 

Most of the people around the front of the fence were tourists - no protest happening today. The mood was celebratory.

You could just see the White House through the signs.

This is the side of St. John's Episcopal Church across Lafayette Square where Trump walked to hold up a bible after having the peaceful protesters tear gassed and beaten. Leadership in the church condemned Trump's actions and the church's boarded up windows are painted with murals of support for BLM. 

Back behind the Lincoln memorial, I stopped to enjoy the water.

Then I headed back by the Lincoln Memorial, over the Memorial Bridge, and up the GW Parkway trail to Roosevelt Island.

From Roosevelt Island, I took the Custis Trail through Rosslyn and back toward Vienna. On the way down, I had cut through Merrifield on my way to the W&OD, but on the way back I went into Vienna. From there, my usual way home except I took the cut through from Thaiss Park to Prince William Road, and home.

Distance: 49 miles

Speed: 12.5 mph - lots of urban riding and weaving among crowds. much faster on the trail.