My Morning Commute

[DismalScientist]

@ebubar 49854 wrote:

Today, I present, that fabled path.

I can’t believe that this hasn’t made the official Arlington County bike map!

You can also take the easier trail between the towpath and CCT at the trestle where the CCT crosses the canal.

[TwoWheelsDC]

I would looooove to have a connection between Chain Bridge and the CCT. Even if it was just a stairway down to Canal and then a crosswalk to the bridge, I’d be okay with that. That said, the stretch of towpath between Chain Bridge and the trestle (the “stairs” from the CCT/trestle to the towpath also are sorely lacking) isn’t that bad on a road bike if it’s dry. Overall, I find the worst part of that connection is dealing with the unpleasantness that greets you on the Virginia side, where your options are narrow, high traffic Glebe; narrow, high traffic 123; or the the 41st St wall of shame.

[dasgeh]

@TwoWheelsDC 49883 wrote:

or the the 41st St wall of shame.

This is the correct context for Rule #5

[consularrider]

@TwoWheelsDC 49883 wrote:

…
or the the 41st St wall of shame.

I thought this was “walk of shame.”

[TwoWheelsDC]

@consularrider 49896 wrote:

I thought this was “walk of shame.”

I haven’t had to walk it in a while, although I admit that I have in the past. My usual 5-6mph riding pace, however, continues to bring me shame. But I must say that riding up the s-curve at the top has is great bike-handling practice.

[Subby]

@TwoWheelsDC 49898 wrote:

I haven’t had to walk it in a while, although I admit that I have in the past. My usual 5-6mph riding pace, however, continues to bring me shame. But I must say that riding up the s-curve at the top has is great bike-handling practice.

That’s actually part of one of my favorite segments called All the Way to the Top. That one can best be described as, “Did you like tasting your heart near the end of 41st Street? Well keep peddling, because you are about to see it explode out of your chest!”

http://app.strava.com/segments/2905777

I have done it on my commuter, but the first time I tried it on my Orbea, the derailleur hanger and derailleur exploded and took a few spokes with them. Haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it since I got it fixed.

[eminva]

You all are scaring the socks off me — I have to go through there early next month when work takes me out to Rockville. I have now conflated this in my mind with riding up the side of the Empire State Building. Maybe I will just keep going on the CCT and cross at Key Bridge — talk about “Wall of Shame!”

Liz

[TwoWheelsDC]

@eminva 49902 wrote:

You all are scaring the socks off me — I have to go through there early next month when work takes me out to Rockville. I have now conflated this in my mind with riding up the side of the Empire State Building. Maybe I will just keep going on the CCT and cross at Key Bridge — talk about “Wall of Shame!”

Liz

It’s a bit daunting when you first look at it, but ultimately it’s just a steep hill that’s over relatively quickly. I have no doubt you’ll be able to motor up it. The s-curve is the only part that ever makes me nervous…it’s a couple of incredibly steep (maybe 25-30%, I think?) switchbacks, where you’re hemmed in by handrails. Once you do it a couple of times, it’s actually kind of fun and really not that hard physically, it’s more about being able to handle your bike. If you’re riding with just flat pedals, there’s nothing to be worried about at all…with clipless, my concern always is losing my balance and falling over onto one of the handrails….but I’ve never even come close to having that happen, I’m just a wuss.

And it’s so short, you can just walk up in a matter of seconds…although that violates Rule #5.

[KLizotte]

@Subby 49899 wrote:

That’s actually part of one of my favorite segments called All the Way to the Top. That one can best be described as, “Did you like tasting your heart near the end of 41st Street? Well keep peddling, because you are about to see it explode out of your chest!”

http://app.strava.com/segments/2905777

I have done it on my commuter, but the first time I tried it on my Orbea, the derailleur hanger and derailleur exploded and took a few spokes with them. Haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it since I got it fixed.

Can anyone verfiy if the curvy bit at the top is actually 29% grade (as Strava is reporting). Holy cow!

[consularrider]

@KLizotte 49904 wrote:

Can anyone verfiy if the curvy bit at the top is actually 29% grade (as Strava is reporting). Holy cow!

I try not to focus on my GPS readout at that point, and yes, I have fallen over (before it was a switchback and was slightly steeper). If I get up that upright, I feel no shame, even at 3 mph. That said, this is one of the few places where my Garmin has registered above 25% (two others in Arlington are on the climbs in Glencarlyn Park).

[DaveK]

I don’t think it’s as bad as 29%. I don’t think it’s really that bad at all anymore… honestly it’s kinda fun.

[OneEighth]

@Subby 49899 wrote:

Haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it since I got it fixed.

Actually, riding that hill “fixed” was quite something, too.

[txgoonie]

@DaveK 49908 wrote:

I don’t think it’s as bad as 29%. I don’t think it’s really that bad at all anymore… honestly it’s kinda fun.

I think it’s possible depending on which line you take. But your bike would only be at that grade for a moment. As others have said, I think it’s the handling issue and the fact that it’s not the nicest paving job that make it such a bear. Oh, also that you’re sucking wind after the climb by that point. It’s all mental. I had to attempt it a few times, but once I figured it out, it was like, “oh, okay.” It’s just getting that first one under your belt. Anyway, that’s just the switchback part. Most people get up 41st street no problem, and then some dismount to get up the very last part. I still do when I just don’t feel like riding it.

[TwoWheelsDC]

Took the long way ’round to collect some data! Oh, and yes, I did ride all the way up before coming back down to take photos. Rule #5, obeyed.

This is from the entry ramp:

And from the S-Curve:

I think 6 or 7 more cyclists came through while I was taking photos. Only one walked his bike. This guy is riding exactly where I took the 28% measurement.

[rcannon100]

Heh – I always walk up that hill.

[Author]

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