BIKING THE C&O CANAL: PART 1
My boss at my second job has been really nice lately and let me have another Saturday off of work therefore I had big plans for the Urban Farmer and me.
For Christmas the Urban Farmer and I got bikes for each other. But since we live in the icky North we have yet to really had the chance to enjoy them Maybe a short bike ride here and there but not much. Therefore, for my first WHOLE day off in Spring I decided that we should go for a bike ride.
Our Bikes!
Biking to the Urban Farmer's from the store!
We decided to try out the C&O Canal (Chesapeake/ Ohio)!
C&O Canal History Lesson
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is 185.4 miles long and is located along the north bank of the Potomac River. It starts in Washington, DC and ends in Cumberland, MD. The canal was built between 1828 and 1850.
Canals were used as a mode of transportation of goods and people through the 1800's. The canals were a system of locks and levys that would push a boats guided by mules up the canal.
Basically, what a canal does is take an existing river and digs a drainage next to it which allows humans to control the flow of nature. The water flows into the canal when allowed and boats with precious cargo could take those to important hubs without going through the rocky river.
But with the advent of the railroad they were unable to compete with the speed and the efficiency. Therefore, they became as archaic as the typewriter.
The New Deal restored the C&O Canal and to date the old canal is used as a bike/ runner and walker path for all between D.C. and Cumberland Maryland since the canal is a no longer needed technology.
Our Journey
In my strives for a Healthier Lifestyle I wanted to get in a good exercise on my day off of work.
So, why not have our adventure involve exercise. I wanted to do a little cross-training as well as use our bikes so, biking the canal seemed like a perfect idea.
Regretfully, it rained all last night and this morning. I actually feared that our plans to go biking were going to be canceled due to poor weather. But we got up this morning determined to bike. That is what half of every workout is -- determination.
I really do aspire to bike the whole 183 miles of the canal one day, but we have time!
We started at the Chain Bridge (aka 123) on the Virginia side. (Parking is available 100ft from the bridge.)
Chain Bridge and our bikes
We crossed the bridge and were about to start our journey. The Urban Farmer wanted to start our journey heading toward D.C. I wanted to ride our bikes into nature. Well after a moment of convincing, the Urban Farmer agreed to go the nature route. Within minutes we were out of D.C. and in Maryland (both our home states.)
Since it rained the night before the path was all muddy and was desolate. Our first leg we saw NO ONE out there.
We rode about 5 miles and saw all of this:
We biked a little past mile marker 9.3 (the Capital Beltway) and had the lunch we packed. PB&J sandwiches, an apple (one for each of us) and reduced fat Cheez-its (I couldn't resist.) It was delicious and the perfect portions.
I love PB& J
Then we headed back to the Chain Bridge. Upon arrival, the Urban Farmer wanted to call it quits for the day since he thought D.C. was 9 miles away (remember D.C. is a 10 mile square, and we are already in it for about a mile. ) I wanted to make sure that I did at least 14 miles so I coaxed him into going 2 more miles into Georgetown with the prize being a beer -- he of course agreed (it is amazing what a man will do for a beer.)
We rode two miles into Georgetown and that is one thing I will never regret! (and neither will he -- X Urban Farmer)
In Georgetown we stopped for Urban Farmer's beer and my glass of water at the Peacock Cafe.
The Urban Farmer enjoying a beer.
We were both covered in mud and were kind of abashed to go into the fancy Georgetown decor but the Peacock offered outdoor seating which is what we were looking for. The owner himself came outside and told us to feel free to sit down and relax. We both enjoyed the hospitality and the great service.
Although we did not eat, we saw all the food come by and it looked delicious. We WILL be coming here to eat in the near future.
After our visit to the Peacock Cafe, the Urban Farmer and I got on our bikes and headed in to see D.C. We passed the memorials by bike -- definitely the best way to see D.C.
Here are some pictures from our bicycle ride!
Me on my bike on our way to D.C.
You can see the Washington Monument.
The Urban Farmer and I in front of D.C. (Watergate and Kennedy Center) in Georgetown!
In front of the Watergate and the Kennedy Center.
Biking to the Lincoln Memorial!
Me across the water from Rosslyn!
The Urban Farmer in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Made it to D.C.!
We rode all the way to the Wharf where we got fresh Crab legs for dinner.
Of course, the Urban Farmer had to get some of his traditional oysters.
At this time, it was starting to get late. The Urban Farmer and I headed back.
After a 21 + mile bike ride, both of us were happy to spend the evening relaxing and eating crabs.
We both plan to do the next leg of the C&O Canal next time!
5.89 miles before Lunch
12.52 Miles after lunch
**My FABULOUS phone died so we did not get the last 6 plus miles for y'all. Feel free to donate Busy Girl Blog to help ensure longevity of these post and to ensure this never happens again! Email Me Here!
This was a great time and me and the Urban Farmer enjoyed our day together. We must do this again!
