from my morning readings... THE LANTERN AND THE WILDFLOWER by Kaitlin Curtice If only I could give you the gift of Adventure. If only I could box her up for you, That big red bow on top, glimmering. But this cannot be. Adventure is not given or earned. She is a breath that is prayed, … Continue reading July 15, 2021 …one last thought… →

Final Trip Summary Attached is the dropbox link to a 20 minute slideshow of the ride if you're interested: https://www.dropbox.com/s/n3lvglup8jk3uuq/2021%20ECG%20Slideshow.m4v?dl=0 I am also attaching the link to a recording I made of the circadas humming accompanied by singing birds as I rode the York Heritage Rail Trail as referenced in the June 24 blog entry: … Continue reading July 10, 2021 Post-Ride Update and Reflections →

Trip Summary I left Ashland for the final 23 miles to Richmond to end the ride. I felt happy and reflective as I took my time on rural roads similar to many I have ridden in the last month. Savored each mile and scene as I sense this is likely my last long distance self-contained … Continue reading July 1, 2021 Ashland, VA —> Richmond, VA – 23 miles →

Google lady was in fine form this morning. Following her detailed instructions, I spent the first hour going in circles trying to find my way off Wensel Rd and over to VA-2. She kept leading me to a dead end path at the end of Wensel Rd that was just worn enough to suggest it … Continue reading June 30, 2021 Fredericksburg, VA —> Ashland, VA – 50 miles →

The word for the day is “HOT”! As it was yesterday and the day before, and the day before…and the forecast is for even hotter tomorrow. I had such a wonderful rest and visit with Ross and Toni. But I felt ready to move on this morning and was on the road before 8 a.m. … Continue reading June 29, 2021 Manassas —> Fredericksburg – 43.7 miles →

Started the day by putting a load of clothes in the wash, then joined Toni for another enjoyable morning of coffee and conversation on the deck. Toni left for an appointment and I started planning the route for tomorrow. Ross came over after his early morning chores (trying to avoid the heat) and we decided … Continue reading June 28, 2021 Rest day in Manassas, VA →

After 8 straight days riding, I am taking a couple of rest days off the bike. I finally felt the exhaustion fall over me since I knew I would not have to ride for a few days. Started the day with good coffee and conversation with Toni sitting out on the deck. We were treated … Continue reading June 27, 2021 Rest Day in Manassas, VA →

Pippin Began riding on Hwy 1 S in a steady rain at 7:40 a.m. anticipating a long day ahead. Fortunately, this portion of Hwy 1 S was in better condition than yesterday’s ride and since it was early Saturday morning the traffic was fairly light. I passed by the University of Maryland and within 45 … Continue reading June 26, 2021 College Park, MD —> Manassas, VA – 49.4 miles →

In contrast to yesterday’s ride, which may have been one of my favorites, today’s ride was my least favorite to date. The route included approximately 20 miles on Hwy 1, which did not have the best shoulder or riding conditions. In hindsight, I probably would have opted for a longer alternate route with better road … Continue reading June 25, 2021 Woodlawn, MD(Baltimore) —> College Park, MD – 28.4 miles →

Reflection while riding 25 miles on the York Heritage Rail Trail and Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail: All Thy works with joy surround TheeEarth and heav'n reflect Thy raysStars and angels sing around Theecenter of unbroken praiseField and forest, vale and mountainFlow'ry meadow, flashing seachanting[5] bird and flowing fountaincall us to rejoice in TheeFrom “The Hymn … Continue reading June 24, 2021 Shrewsbury, PA —> Woodlawn, MD (Baltimore) – 45.4 miles →