Woke up this morning to a gray sky and wet pavement. The odds of a good ride didn't look promising. However, a quick check of the weather forecast claimed a 100% chance of clouds all day but a 0% chance of rain. With that sliver of hope, we decided it was a good day to ride anyway.
By 8:00 AM, we were out the door and into the damp morning. The air was so thick with suspended water droplets that just moving forward felt like riding through a cloud. Temperatures hovered in the low 50s, but with a solid windbreaker on, it was cool, crisp, and completely rideable.
A Step Back in Time
Our first stop was about 12 miles down the road at a pre-Revolutionary stone fort. Thanks to the preservation efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s, the impressive structure still stands proud today. We were treated to an incredibly thorough history lesson, capped off with a marching demonstration, a flag-raising ceremony, and the loud crack of a musket firing.
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Navigating the Obstacle Course
Leaving the fort, we returned to the rain-drenched bike path. For the most part, it was manageable, but it quickly turned into a bit of an obstacle course. We spent the next few miles dodging massive puddles and navigating around trees that had fallen across the trail—forcing us to either lift the bikes over them, clear branches out of the way, or find a path around. We figured a storm must have rolled through the night before.
The Rider's Mindset: Despite the gloomy weather and unpredictable trail conditions, it felt incredible just to be out on the road. It’s funny to think that just 24 hours earlier, we were seriously considering canceling the entire trip.
The Raging Potomac
As we followed the Potomac River toward Washington, D.C., we couldn't help but notice how swollen and angry the water had become. In several areas, it was actively overflowing its banks. The water had turned a thick, muddy brown, reminiscent of the Mississippi. Dams that had showcased only a gentle, peaceful flow just a week ago were now roaring torrents, with massive sheets of water rushing over the top and creating turbulent, churning rapids on the downstream side.
Destination: Harpers Ferry
We finally rolled into Harpers Ferry with just enough time to wash the heavy road grime off our bikes and shoes before jumping into the shower themselves. Clean, warm, and ready for dinner, we're reflecting on a wild but rewarding day.
Here's hoping that tomorrow's ride is at least as memorable as today's adventure!
Happy Biking
Brian
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