Slow as all get out. I usually try to get out the door by 5:30 to start my 16 mile commute, but this morning I didn't manage to get out until 6:00. When I got downtown I see tons of flashing blue lights. I pull up to the light which was blocked by a motorcycle cop and sit for 5 minutes watching a rolling blockade with about 20 forerunners, then about 25 cyclists, then another 15 or so rear guard. It turns out that Chesterfield County cops were doing their "Bike the Blue" fundraiser ride doo-dah between Richmond and DC. After all that mess passed, I follow up. Then pull along side one chubby cat in his cruiser who asks me: "Are you with the group?" I says: "No, I have a real job." Alright, I'm lying. I said I'm headed to work. I ride along side this cavalcade for about 20 minutes and pass most of the rear guard because they're only doing about 10 mph or less. Then I realize that they're taking the same stinking route I am. Trying to be sneaky, I broke off and took a side road hoping to get around and away from them with no luck. After waiting at another light for the whole progression again, I finally pulled up next to the same guy in a cruiser and asked where they were heading and what route. Luckily they were taking Va Rt 1 to DC, not Bike Rt 1 which I use to get to work. I was afraid I'd have to join their group just to make reasonable time although it'd be nice to have a huge escort for lil' ole me. After all that, I made pretty good time just to get threatened by a pack of geese.
I'm not really sure I understand why it takes 50+ vehicles to escort 25 or so riders. The two or three vans pulling trailers, I understand. Maybe five or six motorcycle cops to run the rolling roadblock I might could understand, but not the other vehicles. (shrug)
On the bright side, my girlfriend started riding a bike to her new job, so add one more conscious soul to the list.