Day 3: Annapolis, Maryland

Date:                  July 11, 2019
Distance:            30 miles
Average Speed:   9.7 mph  
Max Speed:         28 mph
Feet Climbed:     Approx. 1000 ft
Day Trip:            Baltimore to Annapolis

We had a lot to do this morning so we wanted to wake early. I still had to program the Garmin route to Annapolis and we had to pack the bikes after a 2 day stay. The weather forecast reported rain early afternoon and thunderstorms by 5:00p; we wanted to be up by 7:30a and on the road by 9:30a.

Well, that didn't really work out - we both woke at 8:59a.  Needless to say - we got a late start.  

A typical Hampton Inn breakfast

Programming the Garmin

We left the Hampton Inn at 11:00a.  No sign of rain when we left.

So, Steve and I both saw The Wire, the HBO original program that aired for the first time in the 80s. We didn't see it back then, but about 5 years ago we watch the 5 seasons straight through.  It was exclusively set in Baltimore.  If you have not seem it, it is worth seeing, but if you did see The Wire then you would know some roads in Baltimore are best not travelled ... ever.  It was difficult to know which roads to ride as we left Baltimore this morning.  We decided to trust in the Garmin and hoped that we didn't see Stringer Bell as we made our way out of South Baltimore. 

Other than rainfall one hour into our ride, our journey south to Annapolis was very safe.   We rode bike trails for about 23 of the 30 miles.  A real treat!

Steve getting ready for the rain

It was over 90 degrees and humid today.  The rain felt great.  It lasted for about an hour.  It cleared up quickly and then the 90 degree temperature and humidity resumed.

Beautiful bike trail

Steve coasting along

We encountered a slow rider

You can do this when you are off the roads

As we approached Annapolis, (you can see the skyline in the distance) we stopped off at the WWII memorial.

Steve in the distance

Me in the distance

This is the bridge we had to cross going into the city.

We had a dedicated bike lane as we crossed

We are staying at the Historic Inns of Annapolis. There are three different Historic Inn's in total. We are staying at the Maryland Inn on Main Street.

At check-in, we were told they gave us a complimentary upgrade to a larger room with a king size bed!

We took this picture by using the timer on the camera

Annapolis is Maryland's capital city sitting on the Chesapeake Bay.  An historic city with a beautiful waterfront and home to the United States Naval Academy. 

A sampling of Annapolis.

The Waterfront

Historic Red Brick Roads

We decided on an Irish Pub to have dinner.

Steve with his Guinness

I had roasted chicken, brussels spouts and roasted potatoes

Steve had Shepard Pie

While we were eating, the thunderstorm rolled in.

Roaring and lightening

During a break in the storm ... for just a few minutes ... we made a run back to the hotel.  We saw on the radar app that we use to report the weather that there would be a break, so we planned accordingly.

Red brick roads everywhere

A short sit on the porch of the hotel

Tomorrow we ride to Washington DC.