L!g!a!

I’ve done these rides on 23s, but their suggestions are best!

Gravel grinders –

We will ride tonight. It’s been dry(ish), so the towpath should be OK. It’ll be warm but getting cooler rapidly as we ride. There may be a sprinkle or two toward the end.

Weather & Towpath Conditions:

Weather should be mostly cloudy, 58°F at the start, falling to 51° by end of ride (and cooler once on the towpath).

The first few miles between Georgetown and Lock 6 may have a few mudholes (it doesn’t drain well, to be frank), but after that it should be OK. If you have fenders or mudguards, they are highly recommended!

A few things of note:

Dress for the weather! Plan accordingly.

Bring FULLY CHARGED front and rear lights. You’ll need to have a FULL CHARGE for your lights, as they’ll need to last 2+ hours of sustained use. These need to be lights that will light the path in front of you – a simple blinker will not suffice. Need help finding good lights? District Cycle Works can help you out.

Less light = ride more slowly. Hazards on the towpath – mud holes, embedded rocks, fallen branches, deer, other trail users – are not as easily seen or avoided after dark. Let’s dial down the pace – it’s not a race, it’s not a ride to go for Strava segments.

Wider tires = happier you. Definitely consider riding a bike with wider tires to absorb any hits you don’t anticipate, and make sure you are running enough air in your tires. Road tires are not a sure bet once the ride is completely in the veil of darkness.

Bring the right tools to service your bike in the field! A few riders have been caught without unique/proprietary tools for fixing their bikes on the road. If you have a different setup (e.g. solid-axle hubs, locking skewers, odd-size wheels/tires), please bring the right tools and parts to fix things in the field.

Please: no blinking rear lights while riding in a group! Yes, even the subtle fade-blink lights need to be set to a sustained glow. Blinking lights tend to be hypnotic and, frankly, dangerous when riding in close proximity of other cyclists. Also: make sure your rear light’s attachment is stable: a shaking LED light is about the same as a strobe when seen from behind.

Bells are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We have done well with our bells – let’s keep it up! If you need a bell, District Cycle Works carries both Incredibell and Spurcycle models, both of which are loud and have a pitch that can be heard over music and conversation. If you need a bell, talk with Matt before the ride.

What is most important is that your bicycle is in proper running shape for a sustained effort of approximately an hour or two over mixed terrain. Inspect your tires, chain, wheels, and saddle bags to ensure everything is ready for the evening. Have questions about your gear? Find Rudi or Matt before, during, or after the ride and we can talk more. At the very least, please bringing a spare tube, proper to your tire size.

“Lights! Gravel! Action!” will roll Wednesday at 6pm from District Cycle Works (2603 P Street NW) – as long as the weather is up to the challenge. Any questions? Let us know.

Hope to see you there!

Rudi & Matt