Trek - you're right - my max distance to date is 38 miles. I usually ride between 25 and 30 along that route, and I get the extra miles beyond 25 by doubling back and repeating sections I am particularly fond of. When I do 20-25, I try to focus on keeping a good average speed, my heart rate up, etc.

I really do want to get into 40+ distances, preferably flat, and hopefully not by having to repeat 20-25 mile rides (that was my initial posting here the other day).

Sunday is all about exercise, fun, and meeting some new people for me, but I don't want to limit any one else's exercise or fun. I'm sure we can be very flexible, depending on who comes, how far we all want to ride, and so on. Optional extrensions, add-ons, etc. sound fine -- my only worry (because I am very insecure - totally chicken, actually - about hills) is that heading off my little beaten track might get me into some hills before I feel ready for them. But I gotta do it one day, and maybe Sunday's the day! And maybe there are no hills between Richmond and Pinole... everything past the end of my current route is terra incognita to me.

Anyone else know that area?