This route has turned into the default after-work-dealing-with-rush-hour ride from home. East side of the loop is southbound, toward the jobs opposite the evening commute, while the west side is outbound but on paved trails and quiet residential streets (well other than the .4 of a mile on Rockville Pike, but the traffic lights work in our favor in that stretch). Had to work up the gumption to do this ride today (see previous ride) but was glad I did after I got rolling. Lovely autumn afternoon with temps in the 70s and that afternoon late-summer/early-fall light. Spent a good bit of the time repeating: Don't do anything stupid, don't do anything stupid. And I didn't. No incidents, not even any scares. Body felt very strong, other than bruises; knees were a non-factor again; definitely could have gone farther, so that's a good sign. Must not have lost as much conditioning as feared while moving. Should have ridden Thursday to keep my every-other-day pattern going but just didn't feel up to it. Glad I waited, today much better other than the jitters. Also re-adjusting to solo riding after months and months of having a partner. His cardiac condition is several weeks away from being resolved and at that point he won't be able to ride much.