Day 56: Williamsport, Md. to Leesport, Va.

This morning, we arose to a distinct change in the weather forecast. As we sat in the Waffle House in Williamsport, the relatively dry day we’d anticipated began to look more and more dreary. The rain drizzled outside and we contemplated our options. We opted finally to continue on our path south and reassess as the day went by. The day started out wetter than we’ve had, and after a few miles we had a steady rain following us. We again were on the C&O trail, and in the rain we noticed that it became muddy in many places. By Shepardstown we were fairly damp, and rested under the bridge to eat some snacks.

We continued on to Harper’s Ferry, where we walked across the pedestrian bridge, checked out the historical sights, and ate some warm lunch. By that point, the trail conditions had improved, but with the rain, we were reconsidering our decision to camp along the trail. Ultimately, we found a hotel 30 miles south in Leesburg, Virginia, and decided to head there for the evening. The next 25 miles included some fairly muddy, gritty trail, but after repairing a flat, and stopping countlessly to remove the sticks stuck in my fenders, we arrived at White’s Ferry, where we caught an historic ferry across the Potomac, and found ourselves in our 15th state, Virginia.

From there, Alex took us on a very exciting route through rush hour D.C. traffic to the hotel where we are spending the evening. We enjoyed some dinner, wandered in to town to check out the breweries, and are now resting less than 40 miles from our final destination, where we will venture tomorrow morning to complete the 8-week trek that we began back in Seattle at the end of June.

Check back tomorrow for a relapse of our final day, and later this weekend for some reflections on the journey overall.

By the numbers:
Total miles ridden: 71
Total Climbing: 482 ft.
Average temperature: 61F
Lowest point: 217 ft.
Average pace: 11.3 mph
Families of deer scared by us: 1
States traveled in: 3
Latest arrival for the trip: 6pm

 Riding along the trail today, with the canal at our left.

 Last night, checking out the local brewery. This was the first time on this trip that we rode our bikes after checking in for the night, breaking Ed’s “rule.”

 Ed fixing a flat shortly before catching the ferry to Virginia.

 Sitting on my tarp underneath the bridge to Shepardstown.

 Selfie in the rain. It rained for much of the day today.

 At the bike Trale Brewing company.

 Traversing some hazards on the C&O.

 Waiting for White’s Ferry to take us into Virginia this afternoon.

 Our excellent breakfast this morning at Waffle House.

During the morning rain in front of one of the dams.