September 30, 2011

Day 8...Tour de D.C.

Lincoln Memorial+
Washington Monument


Today's ride took us from Brookville, MD through Washington, D.C. and finally to Lorton, VA where we set up camp. It was a fairly flat and very scenic route on the Rock Creek Trail through Rock Creek Park and into D.C.
Rock Creek Trail



After a few pictures in front of the Washington Monument and the Watergate Complex, we crossed the Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River and onto the Mt. Vernon Bike Path. This trail took us south past Arlington (where we stopped for lunch), through Mt. Vernon and onto Fort Belvour Army Base and into Lorton, VA.

Potomac River


I am pretty fatigued today. I guess my body is not used to biking 8 days in a row. HA HA! But Jim says that after 25 days, I will acclimate and, in his words, I "will be crushing it". We will see about that! As of today, my left quad and my neck/shoulders are tight. Not too sore in the 'ol saddle region but I'm sure that will evolve. ;-) Time in the saddle will certainly get me strong but not without being constantly aware of my nutritional needs and making sure I rest.  The wise words of my friends Sinead and Jen echo through my head every day, reminding me to focus on nutrition and recovery. I'll admit, eating enough is the hardest part for me. Even when I don't feel hungry I must consume. If I don't, I will get sick and/or bonk. And we don't want that!

Welcome to Virginia! Let's see what this Old Dominion state has to offer!