Day 18

Yesterday rode witht the Harford Velo Club. Met a couple of nice guys and plan to do some riding in the future with them.
Today I rode from Perryville, MD to Washington College in Chestertown, MD. I had some company today We were met by the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority had some scooby snacks and pink lemonade. A short day but definately needed. I haven't been feeling well and now Ben has contracted what I have. We were all up most of the night.

Day 14

Well, another day in the gym on a stationary bike - boring! 72 miles. Watched Ellen for the first time. Nothing too exciting. The weather is suppose to be great the next several days.

Day 13

Went to DC to ride the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. If you are from the area and want to enjoy an afternoon of cycling, relatively easy, paved, safe and very straight go to the WO&D. My only other recomendation - make sure there is not a tropical storm in the area.

The trail heading out was slightly graded uphill. Not too bad, just enough to know it was going to a faster ride home. It was bearly spitting when we first started. As we headed west it seemed to stop for several miles.

I was amazed the amount commuters despite the projected weather.

The ride back was quicker (for the most part) but certainly not dryer. It rained pretty good for the better part of the ride back. W e were about 15 miles from DC (mile 89) when the rain stopped and the wind began to pick up. We barely had time to load the bikes and get our wet and muddy cloths off before the rain came in buckets.

That was one of the nicest showers I have ever had!

Day 12

Had a great day of cycling. The weather was perfect and had some company for the entire 100 miles. I thought for sure it was going to rain but "Frances" has slowed considerably and has held off for another day. Tomorrow (Wed) I am going to Washington DC to ride the Washington & Old Dominion" Bike Trail. I am excited about the change and in desperate need of it.

We skipped the hills today. Road "KANSAS" - flat, right?

My bowls of ice cream are getting larger and larger. Add a couple oreos and it's perfect.

Day 5 thru Day 11

It's been a pretty decent weekend weather wise. It has cooled tremendously compared to the first week. Except for this past Satuday and Sunday I have been cycling between 110 and 120 miles/day. I feel as tho I know these roads inside and out. I have been cycling them on and off for over 11 years.

At this stage of the ride the pshychological challenge is far more difficult than the physical challenge. The monotony of cycling the same roads is wearing very thin.

Day 5

Started out super great. Headed east on Rte 24 with a great tailwind. Flew down Rte 24. I felt great all the while dreading the next two right turns. Right on Rte 40 and Right on Rte 152 and into the headwind. Headwind, tailwind, headwind, tailwind was my day as I circled around Harford County.

Day 4

Despite the wonderful hospitality from the Bel Air Athletic Club, I think by far this was one of the toughest days of my cycling - ever. I only cycled 64 miles but it was all done on a stationary bike. Yes, how many times can you watch ESPN's Sport Center in one morning? I tried to pump out out another hour and another 16 miles but ... And, it was continuous pedaling. No coasting and taking a breather but then again no going up hills either. I'm hoping tomorrow will bring some more pleasant weather although, it is not looking good.