Road rides for the D.C. crowd

[Kalidurga]

I had no idea you'd driven it.

I think I've driven just about every back road in MoCo and FredCo, and a whole lot of them in Washington, Carroll and Howard counties. I just love driving back-country roads. It'll be interesting to experience the Peach Tree area from the bike instead of the car.

Are you reasonably comfortable with the roads we'll be on? They're quieter than what I'm used to but a whole lot different than your trails. I'd like your first road ride to be a good experience.

I should be able to handle that route. Heck, dozens of bikers ride those roads all the time, and as far as I know they've all survived . Any cars that pass us will be an element that I'm not used to, so I'll just have to pay more attention to what's going on around me and to maintaining my line. And if I do get uncomfortable, it'll still be a learning experience and therefore a worthwhile ride.

BTW what's the lowest gearing on your steed?

Ok, I always get confused by what's considered 'low' vs 'high' on a bike. I usually assume it's the same as on a car, so based on that the lowest combo on my pony is a 34/25. So far, it's gotten me up every hill I've attempted, though with some huffing and puffing (and grunting) and the occasional stop halfway up. What I might need to work on for road riding is building up the strength to get into the higher gears on the big ring and go fast. What's your average speed on your rides, Nicole?