Forecast was iffy for all day and a ride seemed unlikely. But then it changed to no rain until mid-afternoon, so hey, let's get a ride! No companions so chose to ride a burbs-urban route (lots of paved trails) because more people around ... just in case. Though am considering an early morning ride in Frederick County two days hence .... Plenty of pedestrians and slow riders in the DC area, but it wasn't bothersome. Hot, though, sooo hot after a rather cool June. Since it was a solo ride, there was multiple stops... sometimes just to be in some shade for a bit; one at 30 to put out the fire in the right foot. Found myself at the back of a pack of about 20 people (clearly a club, based on the matching kit) riding south on the Rock Creek Trail after the Conn. Ave crossing. Hung back there for a coupla miles amazed at how fast they were willing to go on the trail. But the pack also served as a great clearing device.... They turned NW at Georgetown, no doubt headed to the Capital Crescent Trail, which, on a warm Sunday is gonna be crowwwwwded (which is why it was avoided). All in all felt pretty good, if a little lethargic in spots. Contact points voiced no objections. Had no difficulties with the climbs after 30 so conditioning isn't horrible.