First day, Sunday, of a long visit to Washington DC (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, IPY celebrations, other various meetings). I took my bike out of its traveling case, put it together, and took it for a ride on the bicycle paths of Washington DC. Very nice day. I saw many other cyclists. In several places crowds of pedestrians, runners, and dog walkers brought the bikes to a halt. The bikeways travel within breathing distance of major highways in many places, and go right next to National Airport, but in the parks and wooded areas I heard cardinals, saw many flowering trees, and many picnickers under the flowering cherry trees.
Almost 70 kilometers, 40-some miles. My map and the signs along the cycleways disagreed in places, but I managed to do approximately the route I intended and to get back to my starting point. At one point I went past the same corner three times; checking the map got me out of that trap.
The bike has some strange squeaks; I'll tighten everything again before the next ride. The Custis trail, from the river up toward Falls Church, has some decent hills, but for the most part this route allows only a casual ride, not an exertion ride. I may try going farther west next weekend.
Still, it's nice to get out on your bike in the spring weather, even if it's too easy.
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