Just got back from a nice 17.30 mile bicycle ride along River Road, here in the western suburbs of Richmond, Virginia. I rode along River Road all the way out to Patterson Ave (Route 6), turned around and rode the same way all the way back home. A nice, smooth, 17.30 mi "out 'n back" ride.

Maybe someone could explain something for me... You know that I had a recent bout with sciatica and trouble with my lower back at L5/S1. I was told by a neurologist to take it easy, do exercises, don't do this, don't do that, etc... and very slowly and carefully work my way back to where I was. I did that 17.30 mile ride in 1hr 8min and 30sec, for about a 15mph speed (avg). I took it nice and easy and was cautious about going up onto the 52t chainring. But anyway, whenever my lower back would start to "feel funny", I would reach down to the lower handlebars, straighten my back, and it seemed like there was no pressure on L5/S1 and my back muscles, tendons, etc... were getting stretched out while maintaining a straight spine. Is that right? Using the lower handlebars can help with back troubles?

Here is a view of the 288 expressway, looking south from River Road. Way way in the distance, is the James River and the 288 bridge crossing (don't know if you can see it though).

My beautiful C&V 1985 Fuji Del Rey, 12 speed, road bike on the bridge overpass (balanced by the handlebar against the steel railing).