The last day and one half have been joyful, spending time with Arlie and Martha McMahan, my uncle and aunt. However, today is all business. My goal is to get 1/3 of the way to Richmond, Virginia. A town, called Woodbridge, will work nicely.
The first leg of the trip would be a continuation on the same rail trail that I came in on. It is called the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail, and it would take me close to Washington, DC. Then I would join the Mount Vernon trail until I reached George Washington's residence. The rest would be on rather busy roads.
It was around 7"30 AM when I entered the W&OD, and it was full of bicyclers and runners. I do not recall ever seeing such a large number of people running. Today is Saturday, but a lot folks around here take their exercise seriously. The trail lasted for 30 miles, and the Mt. Vernon trail lasted for 12 miles.
Although thunderstorms were forecast, there was not a cloud in the sky. Out came the sunscreen as the temperatures started to clinb.
Nearing Woodbridge, I consulted Google Maps, and saw that I was less than 5 miles to my motel for the night. Getting there was another question. Slowly working my way over, the thunderstorm hit. Compounding the problem was the fact that the traffic began to get intense, which translates into being very dangerous for a bicycler in this weather.
Exiting onto a side road, I sought sanctuary, and found it on the front porch of a business which was crowded with customers who did not want to get soaked getting to their parked cars. Yet in 15 minutes, the hard rain lightened, and within 30 minutes it had stopped.
Eight hours and 45 minutes after departing, I arrived at my lodging. Soaked. Ah, they offer a washer/dryer. At least I will use the dryer.
This seemed to be a good evening to study scripture. I enjoy an author named N.T. Wright, who has written countless books, but my electronic ones are about different books of the Bible. Every morning and most evenings, I use one of his books in devotions. So far, I have completed his writings on I Corinthians, II Corinthians, and most of John. He writes so well and his illustrations helps one understand what he feels the scripture is trying to say.
Tomorrow I will be in Fredericksburg, another 60+ mile day. I may have difficulty finding a place to worship while riding. I guess I will leave that up to the Lord.
...Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
