Grand Arrival

Well, we made it to D.C. more or less in one piece. Friday was definitely a very tough day for various reasons, but it was great to get to DC and have a large crowd and lunch waiting for us.

We started early. Our last camp site was the only one that we had to shuttle to, so Fred took the first group of riders down to the trail at 6:30 a.m. He came back to get the rest of us and all of the gear and all was smooth sailing, or so we thought. Unfortunately, we had a few minor complications that slowed progress and resulted in Brad and Lisa taking a different route than the rest of the crew.

We rode hard. The crew on the C&O made great time, especially considering it was 100 degrees and HUMID! Brad and Lisa enjoyed a little healthy competition on the W&OD trying to make up for lost time.

Brad and Lisa frantically trying to get on the trail to catch the others.

We finally got to D.C. an hour late but folks were waiting patiently to greet us at the Capitol. How wonderful it was to see them! Nate got a flat on the mall, and by the time we got the bikes into the vehicles, there were two more flats. It turns out the D.C. streets were harder on tires than the rough canal path!

Mary riding across the bridge finally entering Washington, D.C.

Folks were so patiently waiting in the hot sun for our late arrival.

It was wonderful to see everyone and they were so supportive and forgiving of our stinky sweaty condition.

Words cannot express what a wonderful experience we enjoyed together and we made memories that will last a lifetime. The ride was tough, but it was worth it. We believe in the cause and had wonderful support from all of you. So, from the bottom of our hearts,

THANK YOU!!!!!