One block from our hotel, we picked up the Mt. Vernon trail and joined the hundreds of people already out exercising and enjoying the 70° morning.  The view along the Potomac in the early morning light was pretty impressive.  We took pictures when we could, but the obstacle course of people proved to be challenging; though we were happy to be on the trail and not road.  We passed Reagan National Airport, loosing our last opportunity to take the quick and easy way home.  A quick drop on to the road through Old Town Alexandria then back on the trail.  Our obstacle course started adding sharp ups and downs, too tight and crowed to enjoy any opportunity for a downhill (or photo).  Our almost nineteen mile trail, ended at George Washington’s home of Mt. Vernon.  We climbed past Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill and made our way to Route 1 and breakfast.  Not sure how we managed 22 miles of ups and downs on a cup of coffee, but knew we needed replenishment, soon.  Once out on the open road, we realized just how strong the southeast wind was blowing.  What a pleasure the last week on the trails had been, not having to concern ourselves with the wind.

Not much more to see or talk about from here; it was just a matter of forward progress and survival.  In an effort to get off the very busy (no shoulder) Highway One, we ventured on a much longer, much hiller “alternative” route.  It took every muscle in our bodies to climb the long and steep hills into the wind, one after another. The one and only option for a picture was as we crossed the  Occoquan River; it was also the only flat portion on our ride. It took several miles to rejoin Route 1, but the climbing continued, as did the wind.  We stopped often to catch our breath and give our legs a break.  The traffic, narrow shoulder and wind was really working us and we felt every mile of the last 50 days.  We actually managed to do close to 54 miles, before calling Uncle.  Thankfully, dinner was right next door and sleep not far away.