Hancock, MD (USA)

Rain everywhere... Thought the day would be a bust until it occurred to me to just go biking anyway! At noon, I drove northwest to the WMRT again, hoping to put some more distance on Ol' Reliable (she is celebrating a 20 year birthday in a few months!) and finish the trail. From mile marker nine (with backtrack to six), I rode through cold raindrops on slippery pavement, saw no people (even in the Town of Hancock when I rode through), dodged more than 25 white-tailed deer (a...nd hunters - but not together) and saw some good views of the Potomac. Along the way, the weather tried to demotivate me - my goal was the end (mile marker 22) but I thought about turning around at several earlier mile markers. Ultimately, I figured I was already soaked and frozen - why not just finish? So I did: total was 32 miles - most ever on my mountain bike and most on ANY bike in several decades! Leg muscles very sore when I finished, but I recovered quickly. Afterwards, repositioned near Michaux State Forest for some AT hiking tomorrow (in the sun). Stayed at the Rite Spot Motel again (AT Hiker Guide sure has saved me money this year!).