Riding in Virginia

If you're wondering what it's like to ride in Virginia. Check out the signage.

Mount Vernon to Washington D.C.

After 1,800 miles, riding into Washington D.C. has to be one of the most exhilarating and exciting experiences of our tour so far. The sight of the Washington Monument looming ahead under tumultuous skies, as a beacon for our destination was actually emotional. Overall, it was a short day for us, about 20 miles from Mount Vernon to the International Hostel which is located less than a mile from the National Mall. In route, we stopped to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon estate overlooking the Potomac River. It was enlightening and a must do if you're in the area. After checking into the hostel, at around 6pm, we were again out and about late into the evening to catch the night lights along the National Mall. What a day!


Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon estate.





View of the Potomac River from the main house.











Mount Vernon Gardens





Meeting Lady Washington, a dialogue.


Riding to Washington D.C.








This young girl (2) will be riding the Trans-America route in a week. Her excitement was catching.











Catching light on the monument


Wandering the National Mall after dark.

Fredericksburg to Mount Vernon

Another tough day riding 73 miles to Mount Vernon with a total of 3,200 feet of elevation gain. On the plus side, the overnight rains did end early so we were able to start riding by 8:15. What a difference a day can make as we rode under cloudy blue skies following a cool morning in the low 40's. Again our ride is mostly in the countryside and woodlands with less traffic in the morning and more as we ventured closer to Mount Vernon. The country roads around Washington DC remind me of the foothills east of Sacramento with its persistent traffic, lines of vehicles, due to over development of the countrysides. Highlight of the day, besides the great weather, was the $5 "all you can eat" country breakfast served at the American Legion clubhouse in Stafford. It is only done once a month on a Sunday morning. Boy, we were lucky with the timing and thanks for spotting it Kistina.





American legion Breakfast





Two Montanans





Break time


Don't know what you see, but I see Snoopy.





Town of Occoquan

Richmond to Fredericksburg

The forecast called for rain by mid afternoon lasting until the morning of the next day. With that in mind, we departed for Fredericksburg, 77 bike miles from Richmond, at 7:30 under varying gray clouds with temperatures at 43 deg. By noon, the cloudy skies had become off and on light spitting rain with temperatures vacillating between cool and cold, and by 4:00pm, a steady drizzle had began. We arrived at our destination at about 5:00 riding in heavy traffic for the last few miles. Today's route lacked any services after the first 6 miles; good thing we all carry a reserve of food. We also finished with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, well above any previous day as the terrain is now rolling with many steep climbs. In other words, "hello granny" which I used often.


Above: Morning view. We started under gray skies and never saw sun today.


This is for you Barbara!


Quaint town


Our only long rest stop. No services on route today.


Wow, William Clark of "Lewis and Clark", was born a mile from here.


This tandem couple started in Jersey and is riding the Trans-America. Their first tour. We think they'll be mailing more gear home. Besides what you can see, they're also pulling a BOB with two large dry bags.


PIC of the day


Despite steady rain for the last hour today, we've been lucky with the weather so far. Knock on wood!

Exploring Richmond

Monument Street, the premier neighborhood of Richmond.











There are six monuments along Monument Street. Here's two.





Old City Hall, now under private ownership and use.


The Capitol, designed by Jefferson


Capitol ceiling.


This George Washington statute, located in the rotunda, by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, is considered one of the most accurate depictions.


Who's taller, Bill is 6'2".


Running the James River rapids near the city.


City view from James River


Murals along West Main Street near the Carytown district, which is known for having a bohemian flair.








Neighborhoods near Carytown district and VCU, Virginia Commonwealth University