We've come to like this particular route (well duh, look at the elevation profile!) and so on a cool November day, decided to do it again. This time there was no dropoff on the way to a mule visit, just some dudes riding up there in a truck and then retrieving it later. Tried an alternative trail that shows up on RGWPS maps from 4.1 to about 4.7 and it was ... ok. Certainly fewer people and not as rocky or as close to the creek but lots more climbing on a route where climbing is supposed to be at a minimum! Still worth the exploration. First coupla miles pretty cold, then a little climbing occurred and we warmed up. Newish route after Mile 10 to avoid steep climbs in Montgomery Village and get back home with as little exposure on actual streets and roads. Mostly sidewalks and paved trails with some dirt here and there. Really fast, led by Mark, mr speedy. Some trouble keeping up. w/Dan, Mark