Did you know that you could ride in DC at rush hour and not be in the midst of cars? It's true!

Come join us on this beautiful ride, through the treelined streets of NW and out to Potomac. The ride goes up and down many hills between Dupont Circle and Potomac, great for building up for the season's big event rides like Mountain Mama, Eat A Peach and the Civil War Century (and it beats the pants off the repetition of laps at Hains Point).

The return, as the daylight is fading, is flat and fast along MacArthur Blvd, good for working on speed and paceline skills. Something for everyone - the division between "A" and "BB" usually happens closer to the return stretch, which most people (hopefully) know, though the cues are easy for said stretch.

Plenty of short cuts along the way to finish by dark or make your evening date, though it's STRONGLY advised to bring front and rear lights, just in case. Too speedy for your tastes? There is a "B/CC" group as well.

Ride leaves from Mitchell Park, S St NW, between 22nd and 23rd Sts. Parking in the neighborhood, but please be mindful of zone regulations, as ticketing crews are known to enforce as the ride distances lengthen (there is limited free parking in front of the Textile Museum and Wilson House). Leaders may alternate week to week, alternating according to availability.

No go in steady rain or impending thunderstorms - late-breaking announcements on Pedalers Google Group and PPTC website.

A: Mark Hemhauser [mbhhbm@verizon.net] 202/834-9309

BB: Keith Barron [barron.keith@gmail.com]

A: Jonathan Mirsky [mirsky2207@hotmail.com] 202/320-1310

BB/A: Rudi Riet [rudi@songfta.com]