Only way to get into decent condition is to climb, climb, climb. While the towpath is strenuous in another way (mostly mentallly) it's flat. Nothing hard there. So off to Boyds and the usual loop through Poolesville and back along the ridge Peach Tree Road follows. Lots of rolling stuff there, but generally trending upward. Did a small bit of exploring in P'ville, curious about Jerusalem Road (mmmm, ok, but narrow and regular traffic) and then the Jonesville Road and Cattail Lane connector to the big ol climb on Cattail Rd. (UPDATE: No less climbing even avoiding the Cattail Road climb, duh) Jonesville extremely potholed and patched and while downhill, is not a road you want to go all out on. Curiosity satisfied! Contact points were unhappy to do another 25+ miles just two days after a 30+ ride. But this is how you get the ol body on board and to a point where every ride isn't a struggle. Weather muuuuch better today -- waaay less humid and definitely not as hot. Felt no side effects or desire to seek only shade, unlike previous ride. Solo again; need to get better conditioned before riding with (aka, keeping up with) others.