My Evening Commute

[dplasters]

Only thing that gets me hugging my saddle as hard as sand/grit and rain in January is wet leaves in November.

[GovernorSilver]

Get well soon, PowerfulPete and wheels&wings!

[consularrider]

Bad things happen in threes, just saying everyone be careful out there.

[Steve O]

@consularrider 127742 wrote:

Bad things happen in threes, just saying everyone be careful out there.

We’re all good then. Because two weeks ago the metal grate in front of my parking garage was slickery in the rain and took me down. My left wrist and elbow are still nagging me. That’s three, and everyone else is good to go for the rest of time.

[Crickey7]

I hate to be the cosmic fly in the ointment, but I fell last week.

[consularrider]

Is this where Dirt jumps out and yells, “We’re all gonna die!”?

[ginacico]

My friend Peter went down last week as well, riding in the dark on the Holmes Run trail. One hip is still throbbing, and a Mac laptop that was in his messenger bag is in the shop getting repaired.

Clearly we’re all gonna die.

[wheelswings]

Wow. I am honored to be among such esteemed company! Sending more hugs to KLizotte, Powerful Pete, Steve O, Crickey7, Peter, and of course Pete D. I hope nobody else tries to join our exclusive little club.

If anyone wants to celebrate our shared misery, you can come the Bike & Brew event tomorrow night (Th, Nov 12 starting at 5:30 pm) at 624 T. St. NW in DC.
https://www.facebook.com/events/594946193988201/

Be safe! w&w

[slowtriguy]

Can I join the club? I, too, took a tumble last week – went down on the W&OD simply due to inattention. Both my bike and I were fortunate to get only scratches, but I was pretty sore for a few days. Back riding again, thankfully.

I’m glad to hear folks are recovering!

[wheelswings]

@slowtriguy 127769 wrote:

Can I join the club? I, too, took a tumble last week…

Indeed you qualify, slowtriguy. Sorry to hear, but very pleased to have your company!

I guess one of the benefits of our exclusive club is that we get special training in empathy (I know that Powerful Pete is already a pro ).
Whenever I get hurt in my sports, behind all my complaints about the pain is the realization that we are so darn lucky to be doing those things in the first place.
When I had a nasty ankle injury years back (and had to swim for a year… not my sport. I sink!), I became exceedingly aware of the torture that slanted sidewalks present to older people who have trouble walking. Likewise having smashed my ribs this week, I have at least a glimpse of what it’s like for those whose hearts and lungs are damaged by cigarettes and other unlucky fates.

So while it hurts for now, I am even more grateful for our ability to ride around happy-and-free on our bicycles.

[BTC_DC]

I would just like to put a quick word in for Judo. Provides instinct to land on your back while keeping arms and head up to avoid arm / collarbone / head impact in certain situations in my personal experience. Possibly helpful with the recent wet leaves and coming snow and ice.

[wheelswings]

Tomorrow – Friday Nov. 13 – is the grand opening of the new MOMs Organic store on the Custis trail at Lee Highway and N. Veitch St.

From their website:
The Grand Opening of MOM’s Arlington will be November 13-15! Join us for a weekend of local tastings, environmental activities, henna art and more!
http://www.momsorganicmarket.com/content/moms-arlington-coming-soon

Could be a fun place to stop on the ride home…

[consularrider]

How’s their bike parking?

[DrP]

Usually I complete the Arlington Loop for my commute (1/2 morning, 1/2 evening). Decided to try reversing the morning commute last night to see if that were less dark. Overall, MVT is less dark than W&OD, but a good light is still needed and MVT is far more crowded. Not sure which is better – at least on MVT should something happen and I needed help, I feel like it is more likely someone may actually pass by (less likely to have deer cross path too).
Case in point, the trolls got someone behind me on planks and I and others did stop to ensure he was okay (bruises, most likely).

When passing by the Marriott garage, I heard bagpipes and saw someone in the garage walking and playing them. I guess the acoustics are good.

[S. Arlington Observer]

Last year was my first one cycling home in the dark. I was impressed at the number of riders on the W&OD who would shield their headlight with their hands upon approach. I realized that was a good thing to do so started turning my head slightly to the right upon approaching others since my light is on my helmet.

This year is seems that nobody is shielding anything and lights seem to be getting brighter and brighter (right up there with motorcycle headlight range in some cases.) I know that it isn’t always feasible to shield the light (like when it is attached to the wheel – though down low like that is less of a problem). But when it is possible, and is done, it sure is appreciated.

[Author]

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