@khurtwilliams Congrats on the ride!! Sorry to hear about your road/driver encounter. Sadly it seems that many who drive a car are unaware that cyclists are actually also humans with rights to the road equal to their own. No doubt route choice is important for safety.

Also, something to consider, ride time! On a sunny morning or evening, you never want to be riding into the sunset or sunrise. Drivers coming up behind you will have the sun in their eyes.