This ride isn't very far but it was my first chance to check out the Touring Bike I will be using for the Pittsburgh to DC ride. I was looking to buy a Tour Bike for the ride since my road bike isn’t suitable for some of it and my mountain bike is too heavy. My friend Greg offered to loan me one of his and got it all cleaned and lubed before I picked it up. Now you are probably wondering what a touring bike is and how is it different well read on if you want to know. When you are driving along and spot that guy or gal alongside the road with a bike that has saddlebags on both sides of the wheels and a pack on the back that is a touring bike. It is heavier and sturdier than a road bike to accommodate that (11 lbs over my road bike). The tires (not the rims) are larger and have a little knobby tread, more spokes to carry the load, lower tire pressure for more comfort and a generally lower gear set (you’re not going to be cruising at 20MPH with that load, more interested in getting it up the grade). So thanks to Greg I didn’t have to buy one and this is good practice since he wants to bike the coast of Oregon (North to South) next year. There were two nice long grades that I made it up easily but certainly slower than I am used to. Had to adjust the seat a couple of times to get it perfect. Will ride it a few more times before the long ride with Steve and Mary-Lynn.