Saturday couldn't have shaped up to be a better day. Around 8 am, I pumped air into my bicycle tires after a winter of neglect, and found my way into Rock Creek Park. I met up with Ryan in Rosslyn, and rode down the Potomac for breakfast in Old Town. After a light snack and a few introductions, the cycling team was off towards Mt. Vernon. The trail winded along the river, in and out of trees, and over the marsh on wooden bridges. After relaxing with George Washington, we made our way back to the District; however, Saturday was the perfect storm for the National Mall. With a moderate temperature and a bright sun, the cherry blossoms peaked underneath the mass of kites flowing in the Kite Festival wind. The traffic was worse than Tuesday rush hour.
We rolled over the 14th St bridge, moving casually towards the bank of the Potomac that was painted red from the fully bloomed cherry blossoms that sat below the swirling kites and Washington Monument. Baseball caps, wind-breakers, camera straps, and sunglasses dominated the scene. With excitement everywhere, people wandered in any direction; cross walked signals were ignored, because the streets had turned into a parking lot of running cars.
On the way home, we passed cars on the left (surprisingly is legal), and some large tour buses just started to follow us and ended up in the opposite lane. We turned off 15th before we found out what happened to the buses.
I didn't have my camera for the trip, but I was able to just enjoy yesterday. I've been told this marks the beginning of tourist season, and the lines return any day now. Until then I'll just enjoy my bicycle.
I need a bell.
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