Mighty. Majestic. Magnificent. The Hills of Anacostia, Rock Creek, and Bladensburg don't take the winter off; they're still waiting for you to come and ride them every weekend at 9 AM. Be Prepared for the challenge - the right gear can make all the difference. 5. Mavic's stiff, strong, and light Ksyrium Elite wheelset will help you fly up Tilden NW, bomb Mass Ave SE, survive the potholes of Bladensburg NE...and that red-on-black color scheme looks durn stylish parked in front of Zeke's afterwards. 1. Lazer's Z1 helmet, used by pro road and cyclocross racers the world over, comes with options like rear lights, helmet mounted heart rate sensors, and a snap-on aeroshell that keeps out the cold wind and rain. 3,4 Shave precious grams (and look Totally Pro) with fizik's saddles and bar tape. Speaking of which, being able to feel your face as the wind whips past you on fast descents is also Pro...which is what the 6. balaclava's for. Of course, you can always chase hills on Zwift Island or Richmond from your basement on weekdays; a 2. Kinetic smart trainer will get you ready for the weekends.