Day 9: The Last Day! 35 Miles From Whites Ferry to Washington DC

Mile 0!

Today started with the hotel shuttle from Leesburg back down to the ferry across the Potomac to get back on the trail. Today was the first day it really felt like Fall. It was overcast and chilly all day. By the time we got to the last few miles, we had a decent headwind, too. Just like the last few miles of our tour last year! We were really surprised at how many people we saw on even the most remote parts of the trail on a Monday in September.

We had planned to bring lunch with us from a deli by our hotel, but it had closed by the time we got into town last night. So when we got to Great Falls we found a bench overlooking the river and broke out the trail bars, peanut butter and pita we’ve been carrying. This was the third time we didn’t have a lunch option or something packed on the trail. That is one thing that makes this trail different from the Katy Trail we did last year. You really do need to plan ahead for food, sleep (especially if you don’t have camping gear) and water. Brian bought a 2 liter water bladder kind of last minute before we left. We actually used it 2 days. There are water pumps on the C&O at the walk/bike in campsites, but they are all treated with iodine. Good for an emergency, but not my preferred hydration source.

Even if you know there’s a restaurant on the trail, many aren’t open Mondays and sometimes Tuesdays, and because they are small family owned businesses, they sometimes close without notice. Oh, and bring cash! They don’t all take credit cards. So, do your homework and plan ahead, but always have a plan B. Ours was the Lara bars/Clif bars and peanut butter and pita. I found these little single serving size tubs of Jif natural. We took pita because it’s compact, keeps well and doesn’t crush. We could use it to scoop peanut butter like hummus. It’s not exactly gourmet, but when you’re burning calories all day long, it sure tastes good!

So, it’s been a great trip. We had only the all day drizzle the first day with the downpour we missed at lunch, but no other rain. We had no disabling mechanical issues – just my front derailleur issue. Not even a flat tire! No injuries or illness either. We saw lots of amazing things, from scenic nature to man-made feats. Now for some much needed rest from the bikes to see DC!

I’ll post more pictures and a gear run-down when I get home and can use my computer to edit and organize better. Check back!