I did 35 miles yesterday. Doesn't count, though, since I didn't have loaded panniers and I'm not joining you for the entire ride... but still

I started a ways upstream from Hancock and rode up to just a handful of miles shy of Paw Paw Tunnel. Most of that stretch borders Green Ridge State Forest, so it was really isolated. As a result, I saw much more wildlife than I usually do along the towpath. At one point, I stopped to take a break and didn't realize that a deer was grazing in the undergrowth just two dozen or so feet from me until she stepped on a twig. I turned to see what made the noise, and she just kept on browsing as if I weren't there. Also saw a couple of snakes, a hawk that flew practically right over my head, a kingfisher, two beaver lodges, and a bunch more deer.

Parts of the towpath were very smooth, and other parts were very rocky and rooty. But a couple of guys on bikes (with the park service, I presume) were out re-painting mile markers, so the markers through that stretch look all shiny and new now.

I really, really hope that the weather is awesome the week of your ride, ladies, 'cause nothin' beats the C&O on a gorgeous day