Once upon a time we regularly rode a "Quadrants" loop that hit all 4 of the DC areas. That's now evolved over the years to this, as more paved trails have been built, long parts of Beach Drive closed to cars and the Capital Crescent Trail became rooty and extremely popular. We no longer cut across DC on streets with bike lanes because of aggressive drivers and ill-timed traffic lights. No,w the mile or so starting at 13.2 is the only part of the loop that's a struggle (or dangerous). Had to share with traffic on Sligo Parkway, starting at 27.9, but most drivers are used to seeing bikers along there and behave appropriately. Legs felt good, even after long-ish MTB ride previous evening. Contact points are a little tender, but not yelling. Finally feel that i can ride pretty much anything around here and especially keep up with companions. And really, it's August, so you SHOULD be able to do that, homeboy. w/Dan