I go 8.5 miles. I start downhill as I head toward the beach. I ride along the beach, then it gently starts to rise. At the end is a steep hill. It begins gently for the first quarter mile, then the last quarter mile it is a granny gear affair. Twisty, no shoulder, no room to share, lots of frustrated short-cut seekers and diesel trucks--I can barely breathe--all lined up seething in anger behind me, waiting for their chance to make a break for it.

I think 8.5 miles is just right.