April 2016 Road and Trail Conditions

[vern]

@ian74 138518 wrote:

For anyone riding the Mount Vernon Trail, they did some work on the ramp that exits the airport, crosses the MVT and runs to the parkway. They seem to have taken the road surface down a significant amount. At this point be aware when crossing the ramp and there are now two pretty jarring bumps where the trail drops down to the road surface.

I discovered this yesterday afternoon and got to practice my bunny-hopping skills.

[worktheweb]

There was a cyclist who hit the curb and ended up landing hard on the trail yesterday afternoon. He got scraped up pretty badly and left some blood on the trail but claimed to be alright. Be careful out there.

[MFC]

Same here, although I did better with my front wheel than the rear. I saw someone fixing a flat just up the trail from that spot.

[ursus]

It’s probably been mentioned, but this was the first time that I have been there this season. Does anyone know what is being done in Vienna, west of Park Street on the W&OD?

I went to Purcellville and finally rode the new section at Clark’s Gap. Nice! It looks like that they left in the old switchbacks also. That wasn’t on the plans as far as I could tell.

[Terpfan]

@ian74 138518 wrote:

For anyone riding the Mount Vernon Trail, they did some work on the ramp that exits the airport, crosses the MVT and runs to the parkway. They seem to have taken the road surface down a significant amount. At this point be aware when crossing the ramp and there are now two pretty jarring bumps where the trail drops down to the road surface.

I hate myself for not reading the forum before this morning’s ride. I found this the hard way, but thankfully didnt fall. I had no idea it was coming either since I dont think they put up any signs. I saw a vehicle coming down, but figured I had enough time so I was looking right rather than straight. Plus side, nighttime riding has made me a pro at hitting big holes and continuing on my way.

[dbb]

I’ve contacted the NPS. They spoke with the contractor and were of the impression it was resolved. I rode it this morning and the lip was pretty significant (I relayed that to the NPS). The NPS will have their project management investigate.

[MFC]

@dbb 138568 wrote:

I’ve contacted the NPS. They spoke with the contractor and were of the impression it was resolved. I rode it this morning and the lip was pretty significant (I relayed that to the NPS). The NPS will have their project management investigate.

Many thanks. I really need to work on my bunny-hop skills. It also looked like the main path and the detour were both open just south of the Metro Bridge, but Col de Wood Chip was closed.

[dbb]

I rode that last evening. The lip is (crudely measured) 2-3 inches and seems worse on the south side of the ramp.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11584[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]11585[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]11586[/ATTACH]

It appears that (from the yellow paint, milling marks and temporary striping) that there may be another final asphalt overlay that will restore the trail profile.

I’ll shoot the NPS a note asking for a bit of asphalt to ease the lip.

[huskerdont]

Anyone notice whether the Rosslyn Bike Counter was working today? I went in later than usual and it was not working. Hope it’s working again. It’s a shame when the cumulative counts start all over.

[Tim Kelley]

@huskerdont 138658 wrote:

Anyone notice whether the Rosslyn Bike Counter was working today? I went in later than usual and it was not working. Hope it’s working again. It’s a shame when the cumulative counts start all over.

Tell me more…

I assume this is the Bikeometer in Rosslyn? What wasn’t working? No display? You didn’t get counted when you went over? Something else?

[Tania]

@Tim Kelley 138660 wrote:

Tell me more…

I assume this is the Bikeometer in Rosslyn? What wasn’t working? No display? You didn’t get counted when you went over? Something else?

No display this am around 7am (on both sides, I checked). It was like it didn’t have power.

Edit – yes, the monolith thingy at IOD.

[huskerdont]

Yes, that’s correct, looked like no power at all around 7:30 I think. Was so busy I forgot about it and didn’t report it, but since the tall speed demon is on it… :>)

[Tim Kelley]

@huskerdont 138664 wrote:

Yes, that’s correct, looked like no power at all around 7:30 I think. Was so busy I forgot about it and didn’t report it, but since the tall speed demon is on it… :>)

Can anyone else confirm that it’s completely broken?

Here’s what I heard from my guy as of today:

“One side of the bar graph is out again after being repaired two weeks ago, and will require another field visit and phone call to HQ. The daily and monthly displays were working fine two days ago.”

[JanaeBixby]

@worktheweb 138520 wrote:

There was a cyclist who hit the curb and ended up landing hard on the trail yesterday afternoon. He got scraped up pretty badly and left some blood on the trail but claimed to be alright. Be careful out there.

I have seen three people with flats/ruined wheel frames in the last 2 days. It’s only a matter of time until I am one of them. Does anyone know how/where to talk to NPS or those who maintain the Mount Vernon Trail? My previous attempts to contact NPS lead me in circles. If anyone has a contact I would most appreciate it for future purposes.

[JanaeBixby]

@dbb 138568 wrote:

I’ve contacted the NPS. They spoke with the contractor and were of the impression it was resolved. I rode it this morning and the lip was pretty significant (I relayed that to the NPS). The NPS will have their project management investigate.

DBB, how do you contact NPS about issues on the Mount Vernon Trail?

[Author]

Posts