What a great day of biking. The day started out with picture perfect temperature and sky. It was one of those idyllic rides. We headed out for a 74 mile ride. We were treated shortly into the ride by a wonderful 18 mile stretch of paved roadway. It was great to not be jarred by the loose gravel, potholes and splashed with mud.
The roadway was at a fairly constant incline but we could pick up some speed and roll on with quick enjoyment. 😊
One of the highlights of the day was Fort Fredrick. It represents the varied history that this rich area has.
Fort Fedrick was originally built to be protection for settlers on the frontier. It saw service for Marylanders during the French and Indian War in 1755. It then was abandoned until it was pulled back into service during the Revolutionary War as a prison stockade for captured British soldiers. And then used as a garrison for Union troops whose mission was to protect the C&O Canal during the Civil War.
A farther ride down the C&O took us back along the canal. We rode with the canal on the left and the Potomac River on the right. We came upon several other places of historical significance.
This is Dam 5 which was of strategic value to the Union forces to ensure movement of supplies. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson attacked this site early on in the war. He tried to destroy it with cannon fire, which failed. Then by undermining it and destroying it with explosives. Again to no avail. We assaulted it with our bikes and conquered it and moved on... 😊
Other areas that we rode through of significance were Williamsport and Falling Waters.
These were areas that Lee's confederate forces used as escape routes after the defeat at Gettysburg. The Potomac River was at flood stage at the time. If the Union forces had pursued the confederate forces they would have trapped them with their backs to the Potomac and the Civil War would have ended much sooner.
The ride took us on the towpath through some of the most beautiful Maryland countryside.
The Potomac River meandering after Dam 5.
The canal section that is as it was when it was in operation.
The canal as it is today in many sections. It has been reclaimed by the forest and nature.
Another picture of nature reclaiming the canal. A rock slide that has totally covered what was once the canal.
And lastly, to end a great day... We went to O'Malley's General Store where they had live music performed by local musicians. It was great!
A fitting end to a wonderful day.
Tomorrow is a rest day. 😊
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