[ChipWrecked]

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But one day, I picture myself being able to take long rides in a beautiful, low-traffic countryside.

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I grew up in the beautiful countryside of the Arkansas Ozarks. Lived for a few years in the North Georgia Appalachian foothills.

Narrow roads with no shoulder, lots of blind curves and hilltops. What traffic you get is often menacing rednecks. You really take your life in your hands.

Small sample size I know, but riding in the countryside can be more dangerous in its way than navigating Montana Ave. trying to avoid renegade Lexus's(?). Our paved trail system here along the American River in NorCal is pretty good though. I ride now more than I ever did before, including bike commuting.