After so many years of cancelations for rain or snow, and one year of weird isolated riding to accommodate COVID restrictions, we had sunshine and near 70 degrees for this year's cider ride! Should we be happy or despairing about that?
We Metroed downtown in the spirit of biking - meeting at Metro Center for the final jaunt to the ride start. Laurie had quite an adventure when a Metro station closure forced her to take a shuttle to the next stop. Still we made it to the start on time.
I didn't take pictures in the first part of the ride because it was mostly urban, so not very conducive to one-handed riding. Eventually, we reached a trail weaving up toward college park. By then, the day had really warmed up.
Though it felt like summer, it looked like fall.
I actually have a few pictures of me riding. Thanks Laurie!
I had thought all week about the donut I would have at the end of this 60-mile ride. But alas, I waited too long. I ate 1/2 a donut at the first stop, but at 15 miles in, I didn't feel I'd earned it yet and also didn't want to bog myself down in all that sugar with 45 miles still to ride. Then they had donuts at the second-to-last stop. But we had 15 miles left to go and I wanted to crank through the final miles (I was feeling great) then sit and enjoy my donut with nothing but a drive in front of me.
Here is my half donut and cup of (cold) cider.
Laurie enjoying hers.
And back on the road.
I had just gone to see the Trampled by Turtles concert the night before at the Anthem, so I thought it was funny to see this turtle crossing sign.
The Anacostia River.
Crossing the river.
Laurie took this excellent pic at a rest stop (can't remember the name of the park, but it was where the ride started last year).
I didn't take pictures in the last 15 miles because I was too busy turning it up a notch. I had gotten close enough to the end to realize I had way more than enough steam. Somehow this was my first 60-mile ride this year and I'd lost my confidence a bit. I was relieved it went so well.
Then it was time to relax. As for my donut plan: A classic case of overthinking. When I got to the end of the ride, there was...a BAR, not a donut stand. Aargh! I was so disappointed. However, I did manage to switch gears and enjoy a beer with Laurie.
The beautiful weather allowed us to really enjoy the after-party in this outdoor venue.
Also, I was celebrating that I felt absolutely amazing--as if I finally had my fitness back. For the first time in over 2 years I had that feeling I could ride forever. Something worth celebrating in any fashion - donuts or beers!
Distance: 61
Speed: 13.6
