2014 February Trail Conditions

@consularrider 77321 wrote:

Well, Washington, Wilson, and Clarendon were clear so I’ll be able to ride in tomorrow. Too bad Java Shack was closed, hope they’re open for FCCII.

Glad they finally got Wilson and Clarendon cleared. Neither had been plowed by mid morning between Courthouse and Rosslyn. They’d just started clearing Lynn Street by 10:30 and Ft. Myer was still unplowed and a single lane when I rode through at about 2pm.

Clarendon Blvd at 10:30am.

Clarendon, Wilson and Washington Blvds are all still icy above Rosslyn. Lots of ice.

Given the state of the roads (esp the neighbourhood ones), I didn’t bother with the trails this morning. I will probably try some of the Custis/W&OD on the way home though.

@Dirt 77376 wrote:

Lots of ice.

@Dirt 77379 wrote:

still very challenging.

WSGFABR!

CaBi says they will try to reopen later this morning. But no definite time given.

Alright! Here’s the scoop.

The W&OD from East Falls Church to Bluemont is plowed and just wet pavement with the exception of the climb up to and down from Brandymore Castle.

The entire Custis trail has been plowed, but it only about 20% wet pavement. The rest is an icy, slushy mess. I rode the whole thing from Rosslyn to the W&OD without needing to put a foot down, but it was a bit of an adventure ride. It is definitely doable as long as you have studded tires that have some tread to deal with snow. This afternoon regular mountain bike tires or very aggressive cross tires would likely work, but keep in mind there is a lot of soft ice out there. Two sisters climbs are VERY difficult. They are slushy and snowy, but fun! The bridge east of Lyon Village… the one that goes along I-66 over the top of Spout Run Parkway is by far the worst. It was plowed nicely, but the snow at the sides has held the water in. It is 4″ deep in slush and extremely difficult to ride through.

Here’s the thing for tomorrow!!!! Everything that is wet pavement now is likely going to be very icy tomorrow. As the temps drop, ice will form. More melt water will spill out onto the ice and form into more ice…. and more ice on top of that. The W&OD will be a bit icy. The Custis is going to be VERY icy.

It was a BLAST riding the trails today. At 11am I was first, second, third or 4th bike tracks on the trail. Someone rode most of it with a set of Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires. Consularider perhaps??? The trails are fun, but for the next day or so, i’d suggest them only for the very adventurous.

As others have said…. outside of Arlington, forget the trails entirely. They suck and will continue to suck for quite a while.

I can’t wait for tonight and tomorrow’s snow!!!! Mondays and Tuesday’s snow and sleet is going to be even more awesomer!!!!

Have fun riding. Today’s ride home can be FUN FUN FUN with the right attitude, clothing and tires.

Has anyone ridden from Rosslyn over the memorial bridge via Netherlands Carrillon and the little trail by 110? Doable with a CaBi by this evening? By a normal person in work clothes?
Thanks

15th Street Cycletrack is packed with snow and ice.

Pennsylvania Avenue is plowed, but has some huge piles of snow that force you out into the lane.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/sets/72157640979029854/

That has a bunch of photos, plus some stuff about today’s ride and conditions. I will post some around here later tonight. I need log out and spend some time away from the bike and computer.

Have a great afternoon and evening. Happy Valentines Day!!!!!