Day 4 - Annapolis MD to Washington DC

I really like the last day of the ride, not because it's the last day, but because it takes us through some more really nice parts of Maryland, before taking us into some less-than nice parts of D.C. The ride started in the back of the Loews Annapolis hotel, with a bit of a delay trying to track down some bikes.

Even though today covers the shortest distance of the ride, it can be a hard day for those who did not train for hills. The first section of the ride traverses some nicely-treed rolling hills. We take a break before heading into the appropriately named Landover Hills.

The break was at a Target in Bowie, MD, where it was time for group photos, including all of us who rode Surly bikes. I rode my fixed-gear Steamroller and several riders from Covington KY rode their Cross Checks. After the break, we rode to RFK Stadium in DC to meet up with all the riders from all the chapters.

Together, about 1200 riders strong, we rode the final miles through the streets of Washington D.C. to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. A huge crowd lined the final block as we had to slow to a walk as we approached the Memorial.

After a few photo ops, we gathered for the arrival ceremony. The ceremony celebrated our group effort, but also recognized the individual efforts of many, especially the survivors and co-workers who joined us for the ride.

As a thunderstorm neared, the announcement came that we raised $1.1 million this year. The money raised this year will go directly toward a special project to refurbish the walls of the Memorial. Miles ridden: 38

People complaining about missing the train as we rode by Union Station: 1

Colorado riders wilting in the heat and humidity of DC: 1

Millions of Dollars dedicated to refurbish the names on the Memorial: 1.1