Biking for Burgers

The past few weekends, I’ve hit the local trails to condition the legs and tush. I’m lucky to be surrounded by great options right outside my front door, including the Arlington Loop (21 miles), Crescent Trail (to Bethesda and back, 26 miles), and the Mt. Vernon Trail (to Mt. Vernon and back, 31 miles).

When I realized we would be released from work early on July 3, I saw a perfect chance to get in two rides back-to-back.

I cycled to work, then left at 2pm to head up the C&O Canal to White’s Ferry, in operation since 1781. The towpath was mostly shady that time of day, but I finally got some 90-degree temps and higher humidity. After four hours of solid pedaling, with a few stops for photos and water, the ferry ride was a fun respite.

The legs and bum grew weary the last few miles, not to mention gritty. But, I had a deadline: my friend James was meeting me at Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers in Leesburg. There was impetus to push through despite the discomfort. Food motivated, anyone? After a quick (and unfortunately COLD!) shower, good company and dinner were welcome rewards.

I had the tasty burger-of-the-month, which was a shrimp burger. We traded bites, and his Paris burger (beef, brie, caramelized onions, and spinach) was excellent. Belly full after 54 miles, I slept like a rock.

I did not wake up with refreshed legs: I had pushed too hard the day before. The first hour coming home on the W&OD trail felt…bad.

Thankfully, though, things picked up in the second hour. I finished strong after 36 miles, which made 90 miles total for this little training jaunt.

What fun! I will definitely do this loop again to earn a fancy burger, though I will give myself more time on the C&O and also remember to pack a hand towel.

“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.”
-Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy