Let’s just say I have never almost dehydrated while sleeping until last night. I had to drink an entire water bottle during the night to replenish myself of all the water lost while lying in a shallow pool of sweat. This gives a water bed an entirely different meaning.

This morning was going to be a later start as we planned on taking our time riding to Washington D.C. before turning west to visit one of Folker’s colleagues for a couple nights. The last time we left Fort Belvoir for the Capital City, we were two happy individuals. This morning we rolled out in the silence that is me.

A short trip to the Mount Vernon Trail and we found ourselves on a pathway that brought back nice memories. The first part of the trail to Alexandria not too many words were spoken between us and it felt like a totally different experience on this beautiful trail. I could hear the birds and absorb all that was around me while thinking about the differences between these two road cycling experiences.

When we came into Alexandria, we took a nice coffee break and chatted for a while. We were finally coming back to life. We stayed together today in order to navigate safely to his colleagues. It also provided us with a day of taking it easy and enjoying a special city, definitely one of my favorites in the world.

When Washington D.C. comes into view across the Potomac River, something changes. A feeling comes over me. A feeling of pride. This is my Capital. This is my Nation. I am an American and damn proud of it my friends.

We crossed the Potomac via the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Looking over at the Arlington Cemetery left me speechless today with tears in my eyes. Friends rest over there. Friends lost in war, training and by their own hands. Freedom is not free.

A loop around the Lincoln Memorial stopping at the Korean War Memorial was a perfect way to see this beautiful city once again. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with views of the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol in the background is America.

As we moved north, we joined the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and the Capital Crescent Trail. These are both well known trails with the former linking a rider to an another popular trail leading all the way to Pittsburgh.

The trick today would be finding an appropriate place to get across to the main road leading us west across the Chain Bridge. Folker performed an appropriate reconnaissance and found one such path. Carry-A-Bike time!

Folker’s navigation skills proved priceless today as we successfully navigated this urban environment staying on safe roads and making our way to our objective. We even had time for a quick stop for some five star American cuisine. Why Not?

We were now dangerous close to his colleague’s house where we will have some time to relax and enjoy a day of not riding. Today was a perfect day of riding.