The Mechanic and I spent a relaxing weekend in Shepherdstown, WV – biking, but not doing the half-century we had registered for. Between my respiratory infection, our recent exhausting schedules, and several hours of rain on Saturday morning when we would have been on our road bikes, we were glad we didn’t even try the 50 miles; we just weren’t ready. And we did some biking anyway, just not as far.
This was the first road trip with The Green Turtle, the cargo van The Mechanic bought in which to store his bikes. This is his answer to having to haul his heavy commuter bike up and down the stairs to our apartment. Not in love with the idea, but unable to offer a better alternative, I have to say, this trip convinced me that it’s not a bad idea. After all, it’s really easy to roll the bikes in and out of the back of the van.
Loading The Green Turtle
And since the hotel was a mile from the cute historical downtown area, it was easy to pull the bikes out, and bike into town. There was a very wide bike lane on part of the main road near our hotel. The lane had a rumble strip, too.
Wide bike lane on main street heading out of town.
So we biked into town both days, and from there we were also able to easily get to the C&O Canal.
First we biked to the general store.
Fancy yet kinda useless bike rack out front.
What appeared to be the music room in the general store, complete with harp stain glass windows.
Naturally we stopped in at the local bike shop.
And ate at our favorite restaurant, the Blue Moon Cafe. I love the stream that runs through it (and most of the town)!
Parked in front of the local college…
… next to this unusual ebike….
…and a pair of Cannondales that could be twins to our road bikes!
We made it to the C&O Canal.
Explored the rocks along the trail, some with crazy creepy caves.
Inside the craziest, creepiest cave – I don’t want to know what goes on here…
Enjoyed some local sights…
…old cemeteries…
…had high tea in a cool tea room…
This old train station is now a dentist office!
Enjoyed the farmer’s market flora…
…and headed home (but not to this home…)
Enjoying the peace and relaxation the C&O Canal had instilled upon us, we returned rejuvenated and ready to tackle the week. I hope you all had relaxing, peaceful, and refreshing weekends as well!
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