58.29 mi in 05:56:26 hours at 9.81 mi/h on Surly Cross-Check. [Cycling] Benji's and my first bikamping trip of the year Set out from White's Ferry with the plan of heading east about 20 miiles and setting up camp at Swain's Lock, then doing some extra riding from there. This was the first time using Pete's BOB trailer, and man was it nice. No more lost panniers!
The day was beautiful, if just a little cool. Just getting over a pretty bad cold, but felt well enough, just stuffy. Anyway, the ride was really nice and fast. Benji really picked up the pace from previous trips! We averaged 11.8 mph to the campsite. Lot of locks to stop and look at along the way. Noticed that some of the lock houses are actually available for rent; might have to try that someday.
Got to the campsite in record time, actually earlier than I expected. After setting up camp, we continued on, with the plan of trying to make it all the way into Georgetown, 16 miles away. Great Falls was the next stop, though, and it was gorgeous (pun intended!), where we watched the water cascading through the rocks and hiked the boardwalk and saw plenty of wildlife: herons and other birds.
Saw some more locks, a river boat you can get a ride on, then watched Benji ride no handed very well on a section of paved trail alongside the C & O.
Finally made it into Georgetown, and got to take a pic at the mile marker Zero post. Then headed back up the trail. Pulled off at Cabin John with the plan of stopping at a Pizza Hut for dinner that I found listed in the phone. Turned out it was gone, but a lady directed us to Glen Echo Pizza, a little take-out joint. Decent, and bought some Peruvian cola there.
On way back, attempted a section of the Billy Goat trail that was off to the side. A bit tough for Benji and some rocky sections I had to walk on the CX bike (crashed on the first rocky downhill!)
Finally made it back to the campsite a few minutes after dark. Made a campfire and roasted marshmallows, so we settled in for a nice evening. 58.29 miles for this day! Benji's first half-century!
7.40 mi in 00:45:34 hours at 9.74 mi/h on Banshee Prime. [Cycling] rode up the fireroad as I waited for Justin (who never made it), then tire went flat as I was nearly back down. Oh well, got a decent workout in if nothing else.
24.55 mi in 01:12:51 hours at 20.22 mi/h on Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod. [Cycling] Don't know if my endurance is back, but my power apparently is! Beautiful afternoon with very little wind. Felt good, and I flew!
