2013 Bike Adventure: Historic Southern Maryland

August 19, 2013 by LB

The courtyard of the B&B was the perfect place for morning coffee and for mapping out the day’s route. Yep, I am old fashioned enough to still use a paper map. I like to see the “big picture”, rather than focus on one small position on a screen. Today’s destination: Southern Maryland.

First, a little background: The region of Southern Maryland is a peninsula bordered by the Potomac River to the west and the Chesapeake Bay to the east, and is made up of the counties of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s.

Southern Maryland has a strong Catholic presence, as it was the site of the first Roman Catholic colonization in the America’s. I passed many historic and architecturally beautiful Catholic churches along my route.

The peninsula also played an important role in the Civil War. Maryland was deeply divided. The areas of Southern and Eastern Maryland, especially those on the Chesapeake Bay, which had prospered on the tobacco trade and slave labor, were more sympathetic to the South, while the northern and western areas of the state had closer economic ties to the North. Historical markers and designations relating to the Civil War, in particular the Confederacy, are common.

The journey began with a ride down Route 2, and a plan to stop at Calvert Cliffs State Park. The cliffs dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeak Bay in Calvert County and a 1.8 mile hike is required to get to the cliffs. I walked the trail through wooded areas and on a boardwalk through a swampy, wetland area. Butterflies and birds were my companions, as were families headed to the beach to picnic and hunt for fossils. “Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Chesapectens, Ecphora, Miocene era oyster shells, and sharks teeth are common finds” (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/calvertcliffs.asp).

I loved this chair made from a tree that had fallen across the trail.

The reward at the end of the hike: The Calvert Cliffs!

The cliffs were formed over 10 to 20 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the sea receded the cliffs were exposed and began eroding. Today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species including sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/calvertcliffs.asp)

This next photo was taken with my cell phone and shows the recent cliff slide that had caused that portion of the beach to be roped off (of course, I just had to duck inside it to get a closer peek).

As you can tell by the clouds, the rain was threatening. Blisters on my feet were also threatening as I didn’t anticipate this 3.6 mile hike in my beloved boots. Actually, the boots were not the problem … the thin socks were! I made it to the bike without seeing rain, but the outsides of both feet felt rubbed raw. As would any good Nurse Practitioner, I carry a first aid kit on the bike, and I was patched up and on my way in no time.

The second part of today’s journey will come in the next post: Point Lookout and Historic St. Mary’s City.

The 2013 Bike Adventure: The Historic Waterfront Community of Annapolis

August 17, 2013 by LB

The day began with a brief ride on the GW Parkway, at the end of which lies Mt Vernon. I wish I’d had time to stop and visit George’s home, but even though I try to remain spontaneous on the annual bike trip, I knew I had to get on down the road.

Just a few words about the George Washington Memorial Parkway: The almost 40 mile long road, maintained by the National Park Service, is a scenic, commemorative route that features historical monuments of national significance. The GW Parkway provides protection and habitat for many species that are endangered.

The Parkway curves along the Potomac River and I just had to stop to shoot some photos. And THIS is when I wish I had a better camera and more skill. It was an overcast morning and the DC haze made photography challenging (at least for me).

I was only on the GW Parkway for 14 miles, but it was a lovely way to start the day.

The first challenge upon arriving in Annapolis was trying to decide where to eat! I arrived in time for lunch and the downtown historic area was packed with restaurants. Finding parking nearby was the real concern since all my belongings were strapped to the back of the bike. The Federal House, established in 1835, fit the bill for food and parking, and their award winning Cream of Crab soup and a pint of the Federal House Golden Ale hit the spot perfectly!

Next up was to find a place to stay so I could get the bike and my gear off the street. Since this was to be my only night of the trip to have to pay for a room, I let myself splurge a bit. Len, at the Visitors Center, directed me to Gibson’s Lodgings of Annapolis, a beautiful B&B with off street parking, located right in the heart of the historic area.

The innkeepers could not have been more welcoming! Within moments of stepping in the door, I had a cold bottle of water in my hand and was tasting a fresh, homemade sweet treat. Each encounter with these folks made me feel cared for.

Summaring Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, in one blog post is challenging. It’s 350 year history, architecture, dining, and waterfront made for some fun times with the camera. I walked for hours, exploring much of the 8 square miles of the city, and still left much to be discovered on my next visit.

The United States Naval Academy

The Annapolis National Cemetery, one of 147 cemeteries nationally, a system of cemeteries established in 1862 for soldiers who have died in the service of the country.

The Maryland State House, built from 1772-1779, is the oldest state house still in legislative use, and is a Registered National Historic Landmark.

Annapolis is just full of beautiful sights to photograph, especially along the waterfront.

And then there is all the brick! What is it about brick that appeals to me? The color? That it ages so beautifully?

Brick even makes my dirty bike look better!

The day ended with a meal on the dock. Black Bean soup, Crab Cake, and red wine. Music in the background, and the lights of this small city reflected on the water made the evening just about perfect.

A final walk back to the B&B and it was pure contentment in Annapolis!

The 2013 Bike Adventure: Virginia Roads and Byways

August 13, 2013 by LB

Part of the fun of the ride is the planning and preparation. It is also the visits with friends before heading out. Whether drinks in the kitchen, surrounded by piles of gear and maps, or time on the river for one final pre-ride kayak float, the enthusiasm of friends adds to the anticipation.

I was up at 6am with the plan to pull out at 8. Mother Nature was kind, and the road was dry. Rt 11 is an historic road that runs through Virginia, often parallel to Interstate 81. I avoid the interstate if I can, mostly because state and local roads are more fun to ride in terms of scenery, sweeping curves, small towns, and interesting restaurants. Unfortunately, the “progress” that an interstate brings (chain restaurants and hotels), often means that the scenery, towns, and the great drives / rides, are forgotten.

I had not gone far when I stopped the bike in order to walk over the swinging bridge in Buchanan. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love a bridge, and this one was no exception. “The Bridge is 366 feet long, 57.5 feet tall and the only one of its type to cross the James River. Portions of the bridge date back to 1851 and in 1999 the Swinging Bridge was recognized as a National Register Historic Landmark”.

This is the bridge that Rt 11 runs across, and frankly, this is one of my most favorite photos of the entire trip.

The road continued on, leading me through Stanardsville and by The Lafeyette Hotel. “Built in 1840, The Lafayette Inn is a historic landmark. It has served as a community centerpiece of the area accommodating the needs of stage coach travelers and local residents. The building has served as a hotel, restaurant, saloon, boarding house and as a hospital during the Civil War. In more recent times it housed the first Stanardsville telephone exchange and the local newspaper”.

It was on Rt 230, when stopped alongside the road to take a photo, that I had my first offer of help. I love that part of traveling. Folks just want to help. This particular guy, in addition to making sure that I wasn’t lost, wanted to tell me about his travels on his motorcycle.

Soon enough, I was heading up into the mountains and for a short time, the road led me through Shenandoah National Park. Wide sweeping curves and tighter twistier ones made for fun riding!

As I rode on through Madison County, I began to see the first of several wineries (I would have loved to stop for tastings).

The town of Culpepper, in Culpepper County, offered a choice of locally owned restaurants and I ended up at It’s About Thyme. The Brucschetta was delicious!! The folks at the next table recommended a slightly different route than I had mapped out, which I appreciated as my destination for the night was Alexandria.

Alexandria, of course, is located right outside Washington DC, and getting there requires riding some miles on the Capital Beltway system. Thank goodness I am somewhat familiar with the beltway AND that I am not a woman who is easily intimidated. What a network of highways, with an overwhelming number of cars, all running at high rates of speed.

At the end of my travels on those roads, was my dear friend Jan, her hushand Neal, son Luke, a marvelous bottle of wine, and a great dinner, partially prepared by Luke. It was a wonderful evening.

And a fabulous first day on the 2013 Bike Adventure!

Total Miles: 290

Calvert Cliffs

August 9, 2013 by LB

This is the view at the end of a 1.8 mile hike: Calvert Cliffs, located in a Maryland state park with the same name. Gorgeous! (This is yet another cell phone shot. I’m anxious to view and edit the photos from my camera).

What a day! Total mileage was just 100, but I rode through historic communities, visited Point Lookout, waded in the waters of St Mary’s River, enjoyed a much needed cold beer at a local biker bar, and had dinner with old friends.

Today I’m off to explore a bit more of Southern Maryland before crossing over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

Annapolis

August 7, 2013 by LB

The 2013 Bike Trip has been great so far! I’ve been lucky to enjoy smooth and rainfree riding through the mountains of Virginia to the the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and also had a wonderful reunion with a treasured friend and her family. Today I explored the history, food, and walkability of Annapolis. More photos later but for now, i hope you like this completely unedited image.

Tomorrow: Southern Maryland!

It’s All Good!

August 1, 2013 by LB

Waking up to thunder and lightning at 3am had me wondering if I’d be pulling out in a downpour. By the time I got up at 6am, the rain had stopped, and now that I’m ready to go, it looks like I’ll stay dry … for at least awhile.

I’ll be posting along the way. Thanks for your enthusiasm about the ride – I’d love to hear from you!!

(this is me on the old bike from the 2010 50th Birthday Ride)

WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!

Washed, Waxed, Ready!

July 29, 2013 by LB

One of the things on my pre-trip “to do” list was clean the bike. All those rides in the rain had left my motorcycle pretty much a mess. As yesterday afternoon headed toward a beautiful evening, I gathered the necessary supplies and headed outside. To be honest, I would have preferred to just ride, but there was work to be done!

I’ve never named a bike that I’ve owned, nor have I assigned a gender to one. That’s just not my thing.

Somehow though, “it” just doesn’t sound right for something this pretty!