Welcome to NOVA, the high cost of living the turnover every 4-8 years, the endless traffic and such. Lots and lots of bike paths around the Wash Metro area, pick up a bike map at your local LBS (Revolutions, City Bikes, there are also a few in Old town Alexandria near the waterfront. You'll hate the July/Aug humidity but Fall is a great time for rides. that being said DC used to be a swamp so the city itself is pretty flat.. just be prepared to climb a bit coming 'out' of the city in every direction.. not too much though (thinking Rosslyn). At any rate Welcome.