One Hundred Miles

With all our gear packed up, we hit the road just after noon for the drive back to Pittsburgh. Over the three days, we covered about 100 miles between three different rides. We vsited many of the great monuments, the beautiful Mount Vernon, and a moving ride this morning through Arlington National Cemetery. And we welcomed a new BoB to the team - Tommy BoB. Overall, a very pleasant trip to a beautiful - and fairly bike-friendly - city. So, we'll see ya next time when the BoBs take on... (to be continued)

Marshall

Doolittle

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Hammond Gravesite

This is the gravesite of Louise's (Tom BoB's wife) grandfather and grandmother in Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington Cemetery

This is the view from President Kennedy's grave site with the Washington Monument in the distance.

Rob BoB at The Big House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Nice digs.

WWII Memorial

Scotty BoB - WWII Memorial

Korean War Memorial

The wet morning made this one seem even more realistic with the men wearing rain gear. My dad was in the Korean War so this one holds special meaning for me. Miss you, Dad.

Saturday AM DC

With wet streets from an overnight rain, and the threat of more this AM, we've decided to ride around The Mall and a few monuments instead of a longer ride. Not far from our hotel is the Mt. Vernon trail which follows the Potomac River. This is a nice view across the river of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Memorial Discussion

Tom doing his best to convince Scott this is NOT the NASA Memorial.

Jefferson Memorial

After we left the Lincoln Memorial, we visited the FDR Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. The late afternoon sun made for a nice shot of this one... even with a little iPhone camera. Sure wish they would have put the light pole somewhere else.

Tom Makes A New Friend

The Mall

We just rode back into DC from Mount Vernon and decided to see some of the monuments. First stop: the Lincoln Memorial where there's a great view of the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool, and The Capitol Building.

George Washington Lollipop

So, what do you think the father of our country would think about having his likeness on a lollipop? Just don't call him a sucker. Doh! This was just one of example of Mount Vernon marketing gone overboard. There was even a Frisbee with a big quarter printed on it no doubt playing on the story of GW throwing a coin across the Potomac. Fortunately the Mount Vernon Food Court didn't feature themed food... at least I didn't see any mention of sinking your "wooden teeth" into any. Whew!

Scotty BoB Power Lunch

OK. Truth be told, at some point in our visit to Mount Vernon, all the
BoBs had one of these babies. Mmmmm

Chillin BoB

So nice of George to provide dandy chairs for sittin' in. Note: Not a
period accurate outfit. Their shorts would have extended past the knees.

Overlooking The Potomac

After touring the mansion, we headed out to the river side of the
house (they say there's no front or back) to relax where George once
hung out with his peeps. Nice digs!

View from the front of the mansion

Upper Gardens

This is the Upper Gardens with the greenhouse in the background.
Beautiful!

Tha Mansion at Mount Vernon

Well, this is a very popular spot. We have about a 30 minute wait just
to get into the house. Fortunately we have another beautiful day with
near Summerlike conditions. Nice.

The BoBs Arrive at Mount Vernon

Following a beautiful 18 mile ride along the Potomac river, we arrived
at Washington's Mount Vernon. Here we are just beginning the tour.

Scotty Bob Power Breakfast

The photo speaks for itself. 'Nuff said.

End of a Great Day

Even with the drive down, we were still able to log a very enjoyable
32 miles on the canal trail and a little exploring around Georgetown.
I did have a flat on the return trip but with the NBLB BoB code (No
BoB Left Behind) we were rolling in no time flat proving once again
that you can't keep a good BoB down.

So now, with gigantic burgers in our stomachs, we're settling in for
the evening. See you tomorrow as we cruise out to Mount Vernon and
around the mall to see some of the monuments.

Rock Island

Well, I'm sure that not what it's called, but in the middle of this
lake-like section of the canal has a small rock that forms an island
with a couple of trees growing right out of the middle. Pretty cool.

New Trail Section

Last year this section of the trail - not far from Great Falls - was
closed for construction, so this was all new to us today. And what a
super job they have done. The canal here looks more like a small lake
and the trees and rock that frame it are really something to see.

Really Great Falls

Another pic of this beautiful spot.

Day 1: Great Falls of The Potomac

We hit the trail around 2:30 for a 15 mile trip up the C&O Canal Trail
to Great Falls. Beautiful weather with just a hint of autumn crispness
in the air. And we couldn't resist the opportunity for a group photo
from the exact spot as last year - only this time with the newest BoB
- Tom Bob. Now if we can just remember the secret handshake...

The One Year Anniversary Ride Begins

Well, it's been a year since our big DC to Pittsburgh bike ride, so The 3 BoBs - plus one Tom (more on that later) - are setting out to ride for a few days in and around DC. The ride this year will be a little different as we'll be staying in the same place in Roslyn, VA and venturing to different destinations each day. After the mud bath last year, hot showers and soft beds and restaurant meals each day will be nothing short of cushy.

We'll at least do our best to work up a good sweat each day. Honest!

Sent from my iPhone