Bicycling (Commute) 44:19 [3] 12.0 mi (3:42 / mi) +117m 3:35 / mi
(injured)
From 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. to Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD. It was cloudy and so even starting out, the light was not so good. It was 55 F and I rode in a long sleeve t-shirt and shorts. Most of the way I seemed to have a slight tailwind, but not enough that I didn't still have to break the air in front of me. I got a pretty good start getting to and out of Georgetown since traffic was light. I used the waterfront in Georgetown which was almost empty. As I was about to join Water St., I let a guy with the right of way go past, and I got behind him. He was going close to my speed so I was comfortable hanging back. This being the first ride home in a long while on a bicycle, I felt like I was pushing too hard so I eased back enough for a separation. After getting 50-100m ahead the other guy slowed to about my pace. I spent a few miles catching back up while going up the long grade and passing others. Finally, by Dalecarlia, I was on his tail again. He pulled off before MacArthur Blvd. so I kept going alone. I didn't push quite as hard afterward as it went dark. I thought that this was a pretty good outing for me and my legs were probably relatively rested going into this ride.