Trail and Road Conditions — 2/1/13

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  • February 1, 2013 at 12:04 pm #961770
    dbb
    Participant

    I rode my hybrid with narrow tires. The MVT was clear with blowing snow and wind. Recommend something on your face

    February 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm #961772
    Steve
    Participant

    I only have road, so that’s what I rode. There it was flurrying hard, but so windy I don’t think it should accumulate. Paths and all were very clear with no ice or anything. Pretty dry conditions.

    February 1, 2013 at 1:50 pm #961764
    pfunkallstar
    Participant

    The W&OD from West Falls Church in to town was pretty doable with 700×23 – crunchy but doable. Custis had a few slick spots, but in the normally curvy spots. TR Island boardwalk was harrowing as ever.

    February 1, 2013 at 1:51 pm #961765
    TwoWheelsDC
    Participant

    Custis had some coverage, but it wasn’t slick, at least not on my slightly underinflated 28s. It was practically dry by the time I hit the hill down into Rosslyn. TR bridge also was clear, but a few degrees colder and the detour path would’ve been pretty icy. If they’re going to force us to go down that steep hill, they really need to at least salt it. Streets in DC were barely wet.

    February 1, 2013 at 2:13 pm #961761
    ShawnoftheDread
    Participant

    I put the studs on last night and didn’t regret it. Mostly it was clear, but Banneker Park and Brandymore were icy, as were a couple of side streets.

    February 1, 2013 at 2:13 pm #961762
    eminva
    Participant

    Thanks for your help, everyone. I went with the 700 x 23s. Like pfunk said, it is “crunchy but doable.” I would only amend that to add that in parts of Vienna and Dunn Loring, it is more powdery with up to an inch of accumulation in those stubborn sheltered spots.

    In retrospect, I would probably have ridden the MTB with studded tires because I’m afraid the crunchy parts will be icy by this evening. If there are any early shift commuters who are riding the W&OD west of Falls Church this afternoon, can you post what your experience is? I will probably be leaving 6 p.m. or later. Thanks.

    Liz

    February 1, 2013 at 2:32 pm #961753
    vvill
    Participant

    I took my CX bike with “textured” 32s. The snow was all powdery fresh and was falling as I rode, so I could’ve gone with less but I left pre-dawn so wanted extra insurance. There was some snow-covered debris on the trail so I was happy with my choice. Only the bridges and odd hill seemed to have any chance of being slippery.

    February 1, 2013 at 4:58 pm #961706
    slowtriguy
    Participant

    Hi everyone,

    This morning around 1000, I rode the W&OD from West to the Custis turnoff. The surface conditions are variable from dry pavement to nasty glaze ice — yikes. I saw notable worrisome spots at the Brandymore hill, which is especially slick on the west side, and at a couple of places between the Washington St crossing and Great Falls in Falls Church City. I was riding my commuter with Nimbus Armadillo tires and skidded a couple of times despite slowing down, and almost had a fun time unclipping to stop and stepping on a hidden bit of ice.

    The very cold wind also made things exciting. Gusts from the side + saddlebag + ice = wow, I’m paying attention now! That + cold = frozen bits despite layers.

    Be warm and safe on the rides home, folks.

    February 1, 2013 at 6:00 pm #961705
    consularrider
    Participant

    Yeah, it’s a late report, but it’s lunch time.

    I put the road bike with 700x25s back in the shed last night and got the winter setup out for this morning. Still prefer to use the wider 26×1.75 studded tires when there is any chance of ice. I was a little suprised that in the time it took me to shower and get dressed for the ride, we went from nothing on the grass/sidewalks/roads to just more than a dusting.

    February 1, 2013 at 10:40 pm #961678
    ShawnoftheDread
    Participant

    Custis/WOD are clear as a bell to Falls Church. Wind is harsh.

    February 2, 2013 at 12:09 am #961674
    TwoWheelsDC
    Participant

    @ShawnoftheDread 42938 wrote:

    Custis/WOD are clear as a bell to Falls Church. Wind is harsh.

    Clear and most definitely uncrowded. Tonight was one of those rare times that I just realllly didn’t want to ride home. The knowledge that I had two jerseys and a set of bibs waiting for me in the mail was the only thing that got me through it.

    February 2, 2013 at 12:11 am #961667
    consularrider
    Participant

    Ditto … brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

    February 2, 2013 at 1:23 am #961669
    KayakCyndi
    Participant

    Glad to know I wasn’t the only one questioning the sanity of riding home tonight. Once on the bike though it wasn’t too bad … until I turned west on the W&OD!

    February 2, 2013 at 2:22 am #961663
    vvill
    Participant

    I had a hard time riding home today too. I was wishing I wasn’t on underinflated 32s (my fault), freezing fingers (my fault), and tired legs (my fault) but mostly it was the cold wind (not my fault!).

    February 2, 2013 at 1:55 pm #961646
    pfunkallstar
    Participant

    @vvill 42949 wrote:

    I had a hard time riding home today too. I was wishing I wasn’t on underinflated 32s (my fault), freezing fingers (my fault), and tired legs (my fault) but mostly it was the cold wind (not my fault!).

    Last night was just brutal – I guess it was mostly the wind – but definitely would consider wrapping myself in a six-inch-thick layer of neoprene if similar conditions arise again.

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