Washington, D.C

We have been 290 miles over the last 4 days, going between New York and Washington D.C. It has been long – averaging over 70 miles a day – and tough; instructions on the back of an envelope, rolling hills, and all the while riding on the wrong side of the road.

Today was the longest day either of us have ever cycled: 90 miles. We woke early, dominated our motel’s complimentary breakfast as well as taking 12 extra muffins for the road, and were on the road by 10 to Nine. We cycled continuously until 2 in the afternoon, stopping only for energy bars, muffins and loo visits. At two we stopped for a picnic on a quiet road, to eat our leftover pizza from the night before in Pizza hut (those who know me may not remember the last time I failed to finish one – especially after a tough day, but these Pizza’s were massive!). We then cycled for another 4.5 hours to Washington, mostly along highways.

Along the way, we passed through Aberdeen and Glasgow as well as Essex (not a usual combination for bicyclists!) and took some photographs at the World Trade Centre... (in Baltimore – now 30 stories taller than the New York variety) – and even saw a submarine in the Baltimore marina.

Tomorrow, a much needed rest day, for Alex to check out the sights of Washington, and fix some issues with his bike. We will also buy a GPS and make some plans for the next few days.

We put some thought today into what we miss most from “normal” life, and came up with 3 things – knowing where we will sleep at night, beer (the adverts along the roads are tantalising), and driving cars!