Day 4: Tuesday, September 17, 2013

47 miles from Ashland through Richmond to Hopewell, VA.

Another spectacular day riding the  beautiful rolling hills of Virginia.  We hit a detour just about 7 miles out of the camp.  It wouldn't have been an  issue except that there were only signs that the road was closed ahead with no directions.  We finally came to a spot where the  railroad crossing was blocked.  Fortunately, we were able to carry our bikes over the barrier.  We stopped in Richmond for a great lunch at The Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe.  We had an adrenaline-pumping ride over the Benjamin Harrison Bridge to cross the James River.  The draw bridge was up when we got there and the trucks were anxious to get on their way once it came down.  We pedaled as fast as we could to get out of their way!

We had our first dry-camping experience.  Bob would never even consider doing this on the last trip, but we prepared for the possibility for this trip.  The Honda EU 3000 generator we bought is quiet and efficient.  We really couldn't have had a better location.  We were able to set up in the parking lot of the Fort Lee Commissary and Exchange.  The Fort only stores RVs, but since we were just  staying one night, they were ok with it.  The gas station, commissary and exchange were  withing walking distance and we were able to shower at the fitness center. It was the best set up for our first experience and Bob had far less anxiety than if we had been in the middle of nowhere.


 We are taking tomorrow off to do chores and rest a bit.

Lee Monument

Day 3: Monday, September 16, 2013

47 miles from Fredericksburg,VA to Americamps RV Resort in Ashland, VA.  We had a lovely day of bicycling despite the ninja assassin squirrel that tried to kill us.  As we were going down a long, beautiful hill, a squirrel jumped in front of Cathie.  As squirrels do, it moved all over the place with no prediction of movement.  In order to avoid hitting the squirrel, she swerved and went down.  Donna went down right behind her.  After checking our bodies and finding no real damage, we got back up and continued.  The ride was mostly rolling hills which we expected yesterday.   We stopped at the Ashland Coffee and Tea Shop.  Vincent and I had stopped there on our cross-country trip and loved it.  Today we spoke to the owner who is a parrot-head and he  told us several fabulous places to eat at in the Keys.  We rode into the camp where Terri, the manager, greeted us enthusiastically.  It turns out that the resort gives all Route 1 (Atlantic Coast Trail) and Route 76 (Trans-America Trail) riders a deep discount, even for RVs. 

Bob is having a much better time this trip.  He has been busy repairing the 10 tubes he brought with him and reorganizing the back of the truck.  His dinners have been delicious and well-appreciated. He's checking out the bikes now to make sure there was no damage from our mishap.

Day 2: Sunday, September 15, 2013

43 miles from Ft. Belvoir, VA to Stafford, VA.  We had planned to do more mileage, but we had  to climb a lot more today than we anticipated.  Nothing like the Rockies, but still strenuous for the 2nd day out.  We had a fair amount of wind which also slowed us down.  Thanks goodness it wasn't hot!

Day 1: Saturday, September 14, 2013

52 miles from Rockville MD to Ft. Belvoir, VA.  We had a spectacular ride and beautiful weather.  Although Vincent cannot do the ride because he has a job, he joined us today (no photos of course).  Donna's husband, Leo, drove all the things we forgot to the trailer, then met us for a fabulous lunch at Landini Brothers in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  Carla had lunch with us, then bicycled the remainder of the route to the trailer.  We had a cookout for dinner, then finished the evening with great conversation around the campfire.

Donna, Bob, Luisa, Cathie and Charlie with Lincoln Memorial in the background

Luisa, Donna, Bob, Charlie, Carla and Cathie along the Potomac River

View of Gunston Cove from Ft. Belvoir Travel Campn

Nearly ready to go

We took the trailer over to Ft. Belvoir today so Bob can bicycle with us tomorrow. We're ready for day one!

Last great ride with friends before taking off

A group of friends joined me for a great ride on the Matthew Henson & Rock Creek Trails. We had beautiful weather and a fabulous time. Less than a week to the trip. The trailer is nearly fully stocked and my gear is ready. Donna, a friend of many years is joining me.  Many of the group from today will ride with me next Saturday from my house to Ft. Belvoir.  Looking forward to the adventure.

John, Donna, Elliott, Cathie, Carla, Luisa, Frances, Judy,Bob, Charlie

 Thanks Joan for taking the great photo

Savage Mill

We are having a blast exploring Montgomery and Howard County as we train for the ride to Florida.  Today we rode to Savage Mill (37 mile round trip) which we have never been to before.  It was a spectacular day for riding and the Mill has been lovingly restored.  There are lots of shops there including a stamping place I have wanted to go to for years. We'll definitely be going back there with the car so I can buy supplies!