Leesburg VA to Washington DC 40 miles - 343 mies cum

Well we have finished our trip except for the train ride back hlome tomorrow. It was quite a trip, it was not exactly what I expected but on the other hand, it did deliver what I expect from a trip. New experiences, new sights and most importantly, new friends!
We had gone to dinner last night and enjoyed a great dinner with great friends and came back and settled down for the night in our fabulous B&B.

We got up this morning and had a leisurely breakfast. Our hosts even had glutin free muffins for me to enjoy. Around 10:00 we loaded up the bikes and equipment, said goodbye to Dave and Carol Moore and headed for the ferry to continue the last leg to Washington DC. We pretty much just cruised along enjoying the good company and trying to stretch out the last day. We finally saw a working canal barge complete with mules to tow it along. We stopped for a little lunch and stayed for about an hour or so just hanging out, We continued on and stopped to see the Great Falls. It was very impressive! Unfotunately, the sky began to darken and we began to hear thunder and see lightning, The trail began to get muddy as the rain began to fall. With about 7 miles to go I blew a tire. I thought I could put a temporary boot on it to hold it for seven miles but with only 2 miles to go, it blew again and I was forced to open my bag and get out my spare tire. Still not sure why it failed but it doesn't matter, it had to be replaced.
By now, it was raining hard and we finally got to the end of the trail. Keith and I asked Anna and Keith where their truck was parked and it turned out to be the Best Western where we are staying tonight. It seems like the four of us were destined to be together fot this trip as we independantly made exactly the same reservations for the trip. We exchanged e-mail addresses and said goodbye to our new friends as they were heading home tonight. Keith and I cleaned up and went to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant and it was outstanding!

 Tomorrow we pack our things and head home knowing we have accomplished something that most people will never do. It is a great feeling! You should try it!





At one of the locks



Great Falls



Great Falls gorge

More Great Falls

A couple of wet riders

Anna and Randy at the end of the ride



On the ferry to start the last ride