Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo..

As a bicyclist, I feel so lucky to be living in the National Capital Region! I have been enjoying riding the trails and bike lanes, as well as biking to errands and meetings. This past weekend, we biked through farm country, just a short drive away.

Our trip took us to Thurmont, Maryland, near Camp David. There, we embarked on a 25-mile circuit that included three beautiful covered bridges and a number of historic structures, many dating from the Civil War -- including an old foundry that supplied the shells for Yorktown.

We rode paved country roads that are very quiet and peaceful -- past crops, cows, sheep, goats, even an emu (I think). At one point I said, "I wish I could see a llama," and lo and behold, I saw 2 llamas! (So next I said, "I wish I could see one million dollars in small unmarked bills in a suitcase." Alas, no luck.) We EARNED our trip to the enormous buffet at Thurmont's historic Cozy Inn.

Our companion was the guidebook, "25 Bicycle Tours in and around Washington, D.C.: From National Monuments to Country Roads." My teammate Tracy recommended it and we have found it to be very helpful, with great ideas and advice.

My advice to you? Ya gotta get out there! We're surrounded by wonderful treasures -- both urban and country -- and by seeing them by bike (vs. car), you can enjoy a much richer experience. You can smell the aromas, say 'hi' to the emu who wanders over, and appreciate the beautiful stonework in an early 1800's building. And you can be totally guilt-free at the all-you-can-eat buffet!

P.S. My thanks to the very nice bicyclists who stopped to help us with Bob's rear brake problem. Folks in the bicycle community around here are the BEST!

Diana Sun is Director of Communications for Arlington County, a walking commuter, bicylist, and happy resident of the urban village of Clarendon.