I've always found the cyclists around DC very supportive of each other. Whenever I've had a breakdown I've usually had someone stop to help. And I usually stop to ask when I see another cyclists stopped and looking like they need help.
Sounds like you had fun in NY. I was up there visiting my parents in NJ and was on the 75 mile ride. My first time riding in the Bronx (not counting the half mile they do on the BikeNY5B's)