Today was the penultimate day of our long trip. It was only 50 miles long, but consisted of many hills. Scott and I stopped for breakfast in Gettysburg with the Breakfast Club, Alan, Beth, David, and Catherine. Our ride took us quickly to the border of Maryland, our last state. We cycled through the countryside over the hills I mentioned, which seemed to go forever.
After about 35 miles, we rode through the old town of Frederick, Maryland. I saw the Maryland School for the Deaf there, a large institution established in 1868. Many of us hung around town at bakeries, coffee shops, or did some shopping in preparation for our D.C. arrival.
I stopped at the Monocacy Battle field, a Civil War battlefield known as the battle that saved Washington D.C. There, I spoke with my Dad, who had the great news about his health that he’s in remission from his lymphoma.
I rode by myself the rest of the way to camp over the many hills that I may have mentioned earlier. Jeff had festivities planned for us that evening. The riders were ferried over to a local restaurant where we had appetizers and a beverage or two in the late afternoon. The riders gave written tribute and some gift certificates to Jeff, Barb, Mark, Paula, and Allen. We sponsored a champagne toast for the staff, with Steve providing the toast. Kacy read a long poem about the riders and the staff. It was quite well received. Jeff in turn thanked the riders and commended us for a great trip.
We visited, exchanged promises, addresses and not a few tears. The party was a poignant and fitting cap to a wonderful trip. Tomorrow morning, we take our victory lap, 54 miles into Washington D.C. to the finish line and our waiting families. We can hardly wait, but we want the time to go slowly so our Big Ride will last forever.

These Cycle Washington jerseys are a new addition to mine and Scott's bag of jerseys. This is their first appearance on the Big Ride. And you thought we were all done, didn't you?

Alan is our Big Rider of the Day. He is a retired (semi) physicist who runs marathons, does consulting, and occasionally rides his bike all the way across the country. He's been a great friend on this ride to all of us.