rsbob 

I acquired the idea by watching time trialists on the grand tour events. Am fortunate to live in the country-side without a ton of traffic except on the 55 MPH state highways which I try to avoid. But on the lesser traveled roads, with climbs and curving roads, I try to read the road to lessen my effort and/or to increase my speed. I’m not talking about going over the center line or taking unnecessary risks, but taking the more gradual incline on the outside, or inside, of a curve or maximizing a downhill before a short steep climb. There are countless examples of reading a road to my/our advantage. Of course having a Varia, makes it so much easier. I find the mental aspect of analyzing the road a nice compliment to the riding itself.

Who else?

Maybe a better question is how you read the road?