As you descend into the park, you start to notice that there’s more oxygen in the air and the temperature is cooler, fresher. After crossing the creek for which the park is named, you climb the first hill of the day. You get a sense of accomplishment first when you crest the hill, but then also when you enjoy the fruits of your labor, riding back down the hill to meet up with the creek again.
For Zack Gold, this is the best way to get going on a Sunday morning. As a regular leader of the Hills of Rock Creek Park ride, he has discovered the best climbs and drops with the smoothest pavement and the least amount of car traffic, and happily guides participants on favorite routes.
At BicycleSPACE we call this group ride a workout ride. Unlike other road group rides, we all stay together and go at a moderate pace until we reach the base of the hills. At that point, everyone gets into his or her own climbing groove. Charging up a hill channels your energy in the safest way possible, because it’s at a slower speed than if you’re to put in the same amount of effort on flat roads or going downhill.
Once at the top, the faster climbers wait for the rest of the group to join up before starting out again in search of the next climb.
If you’re looking for one of the best rides DC has to offer, we invite you to join us every Sunday morning at 8am. We’ll be back at the shop around 11am, which gives plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. We hope to see you soon.
“The first Sunday of each month is the beginners edition”