This week started off great - the weather was good and I biked in to work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It was really pretty because the cherry blossoms were reaching their full peak bloom and I ride down by the Tidal Basin so I see them every day. Thursday and Friday I didn't ride in, but made up for it over the weekend.
Saturday, I organized a Dupont to Potomac ride. As it was pretty much the first ride of the season, quite a few people showed up. Michelle, Ron, and Craig (my regular cycling buddies) were there, along with John, Michael, Aesha, Kevin, Anand, Schuyler, and Lloyd. The weather was GORGEOUS, especially compared to last week!
We set off around 9:45 or so, after Aesha had some difficulties with her new shoes. The weather was perfect for riding - not too warm, not too cold, and beautiful blue skies. We set off at a good pace and chatted and caught up on what was new since we saw each other last. Even the hill right before Great Falls didn't seem so bad, but with legs like John's in front of you as incentive to keep up anything seems easy!
We got to Potomac in record time and took potty breaks, had snacks, and enjoyed the sun. After about 30 minutes, we turned around and headed home. Craig and I peeled off towards Georgetown while the rest of the group headed back to Dupont. I got home relatively early - around 1ish. All told, it was a 42 mile ride and I did it in under 3 hours, averaging just about 16 mph.
Sunday I got more than I bargained for! It was another banner day with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. I went riding in the morning with a couple of girl friends of mine. We went up to Bethesda on the Capital Crescent trail and had shaved ice and a bagel while sitting on the lawn and enjoying the wonderful weather. On the way home, I stopped off at Revolutions with one of my friends and picked up a new chain cleaning tool.
I got home around 1:30 and rested for a little bit before Paul came over at 3p. We were invited to my friends Mark & Tria's for a BBQ and they live in Bethesda. So for the second time that day, I took the Capital Crescent trail! We got to the BBQ and hung out and chatted for a while, then had the best dinner ever! It was fantastic. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay too long as the sun was beginning to set so we headed off home.
As we were nearing the end of the trail, it was becoming increasingly dark so we decided to get off in Georgetown and take the Metro the rest of the way home. I ended up riding about 55 miles on Sunday and it's a little early in the season for me for that. I was definitely sore!
Hope you had a good weekend and got a chance to enjoy the fabulous weather!
Rachael