12/26/12 Trail Conditions Thread

No trail info, but the roads in north Arlington/Fairfax seemed okay. The busy roads were just wet, and the less busy roads had a light coating of sleet outside the car tracks, but I think it was warm enough that ice wasn’t forming on the road surface and I didn’t find any portions to be slipperier than if it were just raining. Where I could, I took the lane and rode in the car tracks, but even when I had to ride on the shoulder it wasn’t slick and the slush didn’t seem to be affecting my bike handling at all. Forecast is calling for it all to turn to rain, so things should be clear by this evening…but I’m not looking forward to rain and 20mph winds. Bleh.

My tweet was for this morning’s conditions. The NWS just revised its forecast for the evening. Temps are expected to be in the 30s, not the 40s. Bridges will be slick especially in low lying areas and outside the heat island of the cities (e.g. south of Old Town on the MVT). Keep in mind that the roadways will be treated but the trails will not.

It’s not just a bike commute; it’s an adventure.

A little late, but the W&OD bridge over 4MR between Lee and Little Falls was absolutely treacherous. Still covered in snow and very slick. Thankfully, it’s a short bridge. That was my only wood bridge crossing. The paved ped bridge over 66 to the Westover Connector was just wet.