This weekend was largely spent on the bike, as Felkerino and I embarked on a couple of back-to-back rides that took us far away from our housework.

Saturday, we checked out part of our fleche route, pedaling from D.C. out and about to: Brunswick, Md.; Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown, WV; Waynesboro, Guilford, and finally Gettysburg, Pa. We intended to ride 156 miles or so, but by the end of the day I was yearning for shortcuts, and thankfully we ended our day at 146 miles.

Much of the day was spent with a fairly steady headwind and, while not unpleasant, it made the ride a little slower going. Our route took us to Gettysburg, Pa., where we crashed the D.C. Randonneurs Dart party. That was fun. People kept telling us “Congratulations!” I kept saying “Thank you!” and then would remind myself and the others that we had not actually done the Dart. Just a day ride and Dart crash for us. Even so, I was happy.

Sunday, Felkerino and I rode with cycling friends Chuck, Crista, and several others back to Washington, D.C. That route was a little shorter, coming in at just over 100 miles. Mild temps, sun-filled skies, lots of cyclists out and about. It was a beautiful day.

To top it all off, it was my birthday weekend. I couldn’t have asked for a better present than a couple of long days on the bicycle, good weather, and time with friends. Well, ok, maybe if the rides had been 100% tailwinds. That would have made it perfect. I’ll put that on my list for next year.

Below is a smattering of weekend memories. For a full set of my pics, click here. For Felkerino’s, go here for Saturday and here for Sunday.