Snowman - it's funny how you start to recognize other riders who frequent the same area and time. I swear I've come across the same group of 6 or 8 riders heading up 6th line about them same time that I am generally heading south back home on a weekend morning. Feel free to share any tips on gear selection and pace.
quad - thanks for the route suggestions - and the caution about the hills. One of many reasons I like to drive a new route before I ride it. Also because I am often starting out in the dark (and will be doing that more often and for longer periods as daylight hours shrink), it's safer if I've had a chance to scope out potentially troublesome spots before my first ride.