This Wasn’t the Day We Planned

We left D.C. around 7:30 a.m. after a quick 15-minute breakfast, feeling optimistic. Not long into the ride, we found ourselves weaving through a charity run on the trail, doing our best to dodge runners and stay moving.

The trail conditions quickly turned challenging—wet, muddy, and rough. It slowed us down and drained our energy.

At 11:38, we were hit by our first microburst.

By 1:30, a full-blown storm rolled in. Strong winds and heavy rain hammered the trail. Surrounded by trees on both sides, we knew what that meant—falling branches and downed trees. Thankfully, nothing hit us directly, but several limbs crashed onto the path. Terry cleared four large broken branches, and we encountered three fallen trees. We had to lift our bikes over two and detour around another.

At 3:00 p.m., we finally reached White's Ferry for a much-needed lunch.

By 4:00, the rain returned.

Around 5:00, Janice took a fall. She was shaken but determined to continue—though now riding at 6–8 mph instead of our usual 10–13 mph pace.

At 8:30 p.m. and after 77 miles (including 3 miles to go back for a rain jacket that dropped off the bike), we arrived at Cross Timbers Hostel, completely exhausted.  We checked at Brunswick Family Campground but the wanted $160 for an very small cabin and sleeping on the wet ground for $40 just wasn't happening.  Janice could barely walk, and the combination of chilly temperatures and physical shock left her trembling. She was wrapped in warm blankets and given time to rest.

The next morning, it was clear: Janice couldn’t continue. We know from experience that pushing through with a compromised body only leads to worse outcomes. Recovery time is uncertain.
Janice said it best:   “It’s over, for now. I’m trying not to cry, but that’s not working.”

We thought we were ready.  We were confident we could do this.  Sometimes life just has other plans.  We're so in shock and disappointment that we can't say whether we will try it again or go with shorter tours.  It won't be this year, the seasons won't cooperate by the time we could get ready.  Thanks to each one of you that signed up to follow our ride and especially those of you who already gave your support in the comments.  I'm old enough to, good lord willing maybe we'll meet on the trail somewhere and someday.