I rarely do the local group rides, but I saw one the Potomac Pedalers were doing, so I decided to check it out. They only had the A/BB ride class, so I knew I would be outgunned, but I since I knew the roads well enough, I wasn't worried about getting dropped.

The ride took in the northern section of Skyline Drive, as well as a climb up Chester Gap, and Gid Brown Hollow (with a mile or so of STEEP dirt roads). 104 miles, 9200 feet of climbing.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119981380

I did get dropped more or less, but was able to catch back up with the group at the rest stops. There were still riders at the parking lot when I got back, so I consider that a major accomplishment

OMG what a beautiful day. Skyline was pretty crowded even though we're a week or two away from peak leaf-peeping season. Saw a small black bear. But the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Cool but not cold, no wind, not a cloud in the sky...

I want to do it again. But not tomorrow... Every muscle in my body was cramping up last night, and I can barely walk. But it was oh so worth it.