Season 2 Episode 14 (9/28): They Gave Their Today For Our Tomorrow. Forest Hill, MD to Annapolis, MD

Season 2 Episode 14 (9/28): They Gave Their Today For Our Tomorrow. Forest Hill, MD to Annapolis, MD –

67 miles. 2,590’ climbing. 

Okay, it’s confession time. The single biggest challenge I faced since day one was a skin issue I’ve called a “saddle sore”. It affected my sleep, my ability to ride, and at times my disposition (as much as I tried not to allow it). It limited our choice of restaurants - was there a high top for me to stand at or padded chairs? One waitress gave me three pieces of corrugated cardboard to sit on. It was time consuming and mind consuming. In some ways I think Heather was more bothered than me. It meant she drove that 1,000 miles on our break as I could not sit for that long in a vehicle and lied down for most of it. 

In NY, on the day before we returned to PA to resume riding, my extremely compassionate dermatologist, Dr. Ansell, offered to see me outside of the office and outside of office hours. Eliminating two creams to which I was likely allergic, plus adding two prescriptions of stronger ointments, has resolved the issue in less than 48 hours. 

Although doubtful that my bike seat also contributed to my problem, for safe measure I changed it to one I had used about 5 times this past summer when riding my friend Kevin’s extra bike. It has an open channel with more airflow and less surface. Thanks Kevin!

I’m now confident my behind issue is behind me. 

Our Warm Showers (WS) hosts followed up last night’s delicious baked ziti dinner with Steve’s homemade granola breakfast. That plus, at Frann’s insistence, a care package of her brownies, and we were off for the day. These WS stays nurture literally and figuratively as we left with their blessings. 

Our ride took us through some mean streets of Baltimore that felt uncomfortable for us. However from the town of Glen Burnie, near BWI airport, we rode the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail (B and A) for most of the way to Annapolis. It was one of the best trails. 

Paved, relatively flat, and through nice areas with some variety.

Riding fast with temporary companion Tom.

Heather asked me why I ride fast with a stranger, but can’t ride fast with her? Good question, I haven’t figured it out yet. 

We learned to our surprise that even more than being a government town (Maryland state capital) or college town (US Naval Academy), the city is a boat town with a lovely marina area. 

USNA Ex Scientia Tridens – from Knowledge, Seapower

Just before Annapolis, we stopped at a very well done and moving WW II memorial with terrific views of the Severn River, and Naval Academy and City of Annapolis on the other side of the water. It honors the Marylanders who gave their lives in service and as one plaque memorably impressed upon me, they gave their today, for our tomorrow.

For Our Tomorrow

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