n Day 2 : 52 Miles Little Orleans to McMahon ’ s Mill
Day 2 began at dawn . We packed up camp , grabbed some coffee , and fueled up with a breakfast of biscuits and gravy before getting back on the trail . It was refreshing to be on the bike earlier than the day prior . This meant more of our miles would be behind us before the real heat set in .
I was worried the trail would start to look all the same — 184.5 miles is a long way on the towpath and riding without music and often solo , might prove a bit tiresome . Fortunately , I couldn ’ t have been more wrong . There were birds of all shapes and sizes , a green canopy of trees overhead , and the Potomac River with all its marvelous rocks , cliffs and rapids to enjoy . I envied the people in tubes floating on the river , and looked longingly at the boats carrying coolers full of cold drinks and weekenders enjoying a leisurely day on the river . But I was out doing what I loved , too , and even in the sweltering heat , I didn ’ t want to be anywhere else .
Near the end of the day , riders were pretty spread out , and I found myself riding alone for a stretch . I was separated from the Potomac by just a thin row of trees when I spotted the unmistakable white head of a mature bald eagle . I slowed to a crawl , and found a gap in the trees where I could stop and watch him for a few minutes as he stood on a large , flat rock near the river ’ s edge . Just as a few other riders started to approach he took flight , swooping into the trees ahead , gone from sight .
About an hour later , I rolled into camp . Tonight ’ s setup was similar to the previous day ’ s , but this campground had all kinds of extra perks and entertainment : we floated in the lazy river , swam in the pool , got ice cream cones and even ran a load of our stinky laundry . Dinner featured hamburgers hot off the grill with a variety of yummy sides . A quick massage rounded out the evening and , once again , I slept like the dead .
n Day 3 : 53 miles McMahon ’ s Mill to White ’ s Ferry
By Day 3 , I was getting the hang of things . I was packed up and ready to roll bright and early , this time with the promise of a restaurant dinner and hotel room at day ’ s end . The trail was starting to look more familiar as we rode through Frederick and eventually into Montgomery County . I arrived at the Harper ’ s Ferry footbridge in the late morning , where I took a short break . Harper ’ s Ferry is both a town and a National Historic Park located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where Maryland , Virginia and West Virginia meet . In years past , many riders took the footbridge across to the historic town for lunch , but the heat kept us pressing on . We were eager to clock miles before the blazing afternoon temperatures took hold . I clanged up the metal staircase , snapped a few photos , then hustled to get back on the trail .
After that quick stop , it was just a few more miles to lunch . By then , temperatures were soaring into the mid 90s with no respite in sight . We would ride the rest of the day in the broiling heat , and this would be the hottest stretch of the ride .
Months earlier , Anna had promised a superbly organized ride , and she wasn ’ t kidding . San Mar has been offering this ride as a fundraiser for their organization , and they were prepared for everything . Every meal was generously provided and served by an organization in the community , and we were spoiled with huge spreads of healthy , varied meals and snacks each day . The rest stops were staffed with cheerful volunteers , and a support crew including bike mechanics and medical support rode up and down the trail . They even had charging stations set up at the campsites for E-bikes and other electronics . One of the volunteers said it best , “ Your job is simple : Just ride . We are here to take care of everything else .”
That afternoon , as the sun scorched overhead , I appreciated that support more than ever . The afternoon rest stops had endless cold drinks , electrolytes and coolers of ice waiting for us . We packed ice in our helmets , wrapped it in towels to drape on our necks , and screeched with shock and glee when the staff surprised us with “ free cold showers ,” pouring ice water over our heads . Then we filled our water bottles once again and rode on .
The end of Day 3 featured the ultimate in luxury : A hotel and a restaurant ! After a delightful shower and a nap in my air-conditioned room , we loaded the buses and filled a Japanese Steakhouse for a big , boisterous meal . By the third day , my appetite was pretty fired up , and I ate my fill . Sleep came easy once again , and the cool night was a much-needed break as we rested up for the final day .
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