n Day 4 : 35 miles White ’ s Ferry to Georgetown
The last day was bittersweet . We all wanted a break from the heat , but after three days riding , dining and making new friends , I was getting into a new routine . The towpath is normally busy as you approach D . C ., but the oppressive heat kept nearly everyone inside . Even the river , normally busy with kayakers and paddleboarders , was nearly deserted . The last lunch was one to savor : barbecue sandwiches and homemade pies ! With bellies full we mounted the bikes for one last stretch from Great Falls to Georgetown .
Notoriously the least shady part of the trail , this stretch showed no mercy . The sun baked overhead , and we pedaled on . Surprisingly , the last day was the one most filled
Catie , Avery and Anna are all smiles at Mile 0 finish in Georgetown .
with wildlife . We spotted over a dozen blue herons , a barred owl , a doe and her tiny new fawn , a red fox , a big black snake , and a seemingly infinite number of turtles .
Riding into Georgetown , I wore a coating of dust and dirt , the beginnings of a sunburn , and
61 Vineyard is a new on-farm winery in Montgomery County ’ s Agricultural Reserve . Our first vintage was 2020 , and our tasting room doors opened in October 2021 . We offer dry wines grown and produced on our farm , including Carbernet Franc , Merlot , Petit Verdot , Cabernet Savignon , Chardonnay , Albarino and Chardonel . Enjoy our wine tastings and flights , by the glass or bottle . Some snack items are available , including charcuterie . a huge smile . We cruised to Mile Marker 0 and sighed — we made it !
The Great Bicycle Tour is an annual benefit ride to raise money and awareness for San Mar Family and Community Services in Boonesboro . Before the ride , I knew little about the organization , but over the course of fundraising and participating in the ride , I learned so much more . San Mar provides critical services in Washington County for families facing hardship , with the primary goal being to strengthen family units and keep them together . That ’ s certainly a cause I can get behind , but what impressed me the most about San Mar was their staff and crew of volunteers , and how they live their values in everything they do . I am proud to have raised donations for this organization , and I can ’ t wait for next year , when I plan do it all again !
Hours : Thursday 2-8 , Friday 2-9 , Saturday 12-9 , Sunday 12-6
Visit us on facebook and Instagram @ 61Vineyard
Catie DeLuca grew up in Washington , D . C . and has always enjoyed an active lifestyle in the great outdoors . She now lives in Darnestown , MD , with her spouse , Nadine , two dogs , Kansas and Warren Peace , and a cat named One- Eyed Jack . www . 61vineyard . com • 28712 Kemptown Road • Damascus , MD 20872