Have you checked out the Heart Cycle tour brochures of the past and thought, “gee these guys are hard core, I could never do that” or “too much riding, I like to stop and enjoy the area”.  Well the East Coast Easy is just for you.  This is NOT your typical Heart Cycle Tour.  We’ll average 50 miles a day with terrain of gradual climbing and, at best rolling hills.   

 

Day 1 - Arrive at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and have the hotel van shuttle you to the Hampton Inn.  We’ll meet for a group dinner in Old Town Alexandria at the King Street Blues Diner.   

 

Day 2 - We begin our leisurely 40  mile tour in Alexandria riding north on the Mt. Vernon trail along the Potomac River into DC and connecting to the Capital Crescent Trail which will take us through Rock Creek Park.  You’ll have the opportunity to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and ride around the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Memorial before returning to Alexandria for the night.  You’ll have the evening to visit Old Town Alexandria which is an area of cobbled streets, restored 18^th and 19^th century homes, and churches, with a lively mix of taverns, restaurants, and shops.

 

Day 3 - We will ride 40 miles on the Washington & Old Dominion (WOD) Rail-to-Trails from Alexandria to Leesburg.  The WOD will take us through the suburbs of Arlington County, the quaint towns of Falls Church and Vienna, and into rural areas before arriving at the hotel located about one-half mile from the WOD Trail.

 

Day 4 – We ride a 49 mile loop returning to Leesburg.  The Waterford Cruise loop explores the gentle farmlands and villages of the Catoctin Valley.  We take the WOD Trail a few miles then it’s on to Waterford, considered to be the prettiest village in Virginia.  Founded by a Pennsylvania Quaker, Waterford most resembles an Irish village and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.  We’ll pass through several more Loudoun County villages on our way to the base of Short Mill Mountain, where we’ll enjoy a spectacular spin to Purcellville.  Gently rolling terrain, with a few hills that will challenge beginners.

 

Day 5 –We ride 50 miles and head to Manassas, site of two major Civil War battles.  We’ll ride through Middleburg, a one-stoplight town with about 600 residents - home to those who can afford to indulge in horses, horse breeding, steeplechase racing and fox hunting. Take time to stop in town for a cone at Scruff’s Ice Cream Parlor or grab a shot of caffeine at Cuppa Giddyup.   Or if you prefer, three miles south of town you can indulge in wine tasting at the Piedmont Vineyards, Virginia's oldest Chardonnay producer. 

 

Day 6 is an easy 45 mile loop.  We’ll ride the scenic back country roads of Prince William County through small towns and tiny villages.  We’ll arrive back in plenty of time to explore the Manassas National Battlefield Park or to visit historic Downtown Manassas. 

 

Day 7 –On our last day, we will ride 46 miles back to the Hampton Inn in Alexandria, but not before stopping in Mt. Vernon to visit the home of George and Martha Washington.  You can tour the Mansion house and more than a dozen outbuildings including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse. Stroll four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. 

This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner.

 

Day 8 – Departure from Alexandria

 

 

Bicycle transportation is available to and from Denver for a $75.00 charge, space is limited.

 

Tour Leaders: Jay and Deb Wuchner

 

For further information please contact Jay Wuchner at (720) 840-6467 or jaywuchner@comcast.net and Deb Wuchner (303) 792-2111 or debwuchner@comcast.net .