Day 48! The Final Day of the Big Ride!

Clarksburg, MD to Washington, DC - 55.7 miles, 4:24

Other than the fact that I woke WAY too early, surprised to still be in my tent, the day started out perfectly! It was dry, and there wasn't even any dew, so we were all able to pack up dry tents. That was important to me, because I knew that as soon as we reached the finish line I'd be putting my gear bag on the truck to be taken to Seattle. I didn't want to pick up a mildewy tent!

Our cue sheet said that this was a 53 mile ride, but we had time deadlines today, so there was no stopping. I didn't even take any pictures along the route. I didn't want to be late!

We rode along back roads (as usual) past farms, large houses, really large horse stables, and up and down Pennsylvania-like hills as we pedaled toward our final destination. As we crossed the Beltway (the freeway loop around suburban Washington, D.C.) the farmland disappeared and the houses became even more mansion-like. No surprise -- we were along River Road, heading toward Potomac, MD.

It was a beautiful, unseasonably cool Saturday morning, and as we were heading south, we passed large groups of cyclists heading in the other direction, out for their weekend rides. Some were friendly, but others were too cool to say "hi" to us. I wanted to ask, "Hey, how many miles did YOU ride this week, and where were YOU last Sunday?", but I realized that I didn't know where I was last Sunday, so I kept quiet. (I still have Big Ride-induced brain damage, and I'll need to check this blog or my old cue sheets to find out what I did this summer.)

Anyway, soon we reached the Capital Crescent Trail, a great pedestrian/bike path that was a former railroad. After letting the locals know that I wasn't from around here ("Which way to D.C.?"), we were off! After weeks of riding along quiet rural roads, cycling on a trail packed with runners, walkers, cyclists, baby strollers, dogs on leashes, and government workers was challenging . . .

On that trail there is NO Welcome to Washington, D.C. sign, so I have no real proof that I'm really here. You'll just have to take my word for it.

I'm in Washington, D.C. (There. It's on the internet now, so it's got to be true, right?)

So, the trail finally ended and we worked our way along busy D.C. streets to the Old Post Office Pavilion for a really great lunch provided by former Big Rider, Costa.
Big Riders enjoy their final Big Ride lunches.

Then, it was time to ride the few blocks to the finish line. Since he'd ridden before, Ash led a large group of us. Hey! Where were the paparazzi? Why were the streets not closed? Wasn't this a National Holiday? The Big Riders had arrived!

There was a small group of enthusiastic friends and family there who cheered as we arrived at the finish line. Charlotte, my good friend from college who now lives in Northern Virginia, was there to meet me.

I did it!

We did it! (I'm in the third row, on the left, still wearing my helmet.)

The day was a full one. I did some sightseeing with Charlotte,went to Ash and Pauline's Big Ride reception in their hotel room, then went to dinner with dozens of other Big Riders and their families.

It's hard to believe that it's over.