My Morning Commute

[Certifried]

sucked I drove today, despite knowing the weather would be nice. I ate at the “Original Pancake House” in Bethesda yesterday, and by afternoon was feeling pretty nauseous. I’m not sure it was the food, nor do I really have any idea what the issue was really. Still feeling a little “blech” today, and woke up way too late to ride.

Just another manic Monday.

Topic

[CPTJohnC]

I thought today’s weather was just about perfect. Shorts and a jersey for me, and I was just fine.

I was amazed how few people were out in Vienna and on most of the Custis, though the people density picked up dramatically on the final push through Rosslyn, and there were plenty on the W&OD through Falls Church city.

Anyone know what’s up with the Falls Church flashing signs warning us to stop at stop signs? And why, for goodness sake, do they only apply to cyclists: Don’t pedestrians, scooter riders, in-line skaters and equestrians also have to stop?

[ShawnoftheDread]

@CPTJohnC 60885 wrote:

Anyone know what’s up with the Falls Church flashing signs warning us to stop at stop signs? And why, for goodness sake, do they only apply to cyclists: Don’t pedestrians, scooter riders, in-line skaters and equestrians also have to stop?

Don’t they say that “cyclists must stop at signs” not just stop signs? Stop at all signs! Legal ambiguities.

[CPTJohnC]

@ShawnoftheDread 60891 wrote:

Don’t they say that “cyclists must stop at signs” not just stop signs? Stop at all signs! Legal ambiguities.

Probably true – I’m usually not paying super close attention to flashing signs at intersections where I need to worry about cars, trucks, joggers, baby strollers, dog – walkers, etc…

[mstone]

@ShawnoftheDread 60891 wrote:

Don’t they say that “cyclists must stop at signs” not just stop signs? Stop at all signs! Legal ambiguities.

yes, there should be a growing pile of stopped cyclists in front of that sign

[americancyclo]

who knows how to change the wording on those signs? I vote we change ‘cyclist’ to ‘drivers’ and turn them 90 degrees.

[mstone]

@CPTJohnC 60885 wrote:

Anyone know what’s up with the Falls Church flashing signs warning us to stop at stop signs? And why, for goodness sake, do they only apply to cyclists: Don’t pedestrians, scooter riders, in-line skaters and equestrians also have to stop?

Falls Church has a semi-annual Two Minutes Hate for cyclists. It’s one of the endearing ways they earn their nickname, “little Loudoun”.

[kcb203]

@ShawnoftheDread 60792 wrote:

Yes, one of the stopped cyclists was still on the phone getting help when I went through.

When I went through, the EMTs were carrying a board to the downed cyclist, but he was trying to sit up while all those helping insisted he stay on the ground.

I found the commute on the Custis at 8:15 this morning very difficult. Maybe it’s my cheap sunglasses, but the constant contrast between deep shadow and full in-your-face sunlight was tough. I made a pass when I was in a sunny spot and didn’t see a huge gang of high school cross-country runners coming the other way. I got back in time, but hadn’t realized until that point how bad visibility is. I also have trouble going home sometimes coming down from the top of the hill up from Rosslyn toward the Italian Store. The walkers in the shadows hugging the sound wall just seem to disappear.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@kcb203 60923 wrote:

I found the commute on the Custis at 8:15 this morning very difficult. Maybe it’s my cheap sunglasses, but the constant contrast between deep shadow and full in-your-face sunlight was tough. I made a pass when I was in a sunny spot and didn’t see a huge gang of high school cross-country runners coming the other way. I got back in time, but hadn’t realized until that point how bad visibility is. I also have trouble going home sometimes coming down from the top of the hill up from Rosslyn toward the Italian Store. The walkers in the shadows hugging the sound wall just seem to disappear.

I find a cycling cap visor works better than sunglasses for that reason.

[rpiretti]

I’m wondering if anyone does this or it’s a few folks. I work in Shirlington but…

Normally, I take the WOD and cross Columbia Pike, George Mason, etc etc but this morning head east I veered off and intercepted the 4MR Trail. It took me under Columbia Pike, George Mason and spit me out to a bike lane at S Walter Reed. I could see someone not doing this for the steep banks at the onset but for me it might be worth it, especially when I’m not lugging my laptop with me which is about 90% of the time. The rest of the trail is flat and very nice and minimal foot traffic.

[mello yello]

Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It has been 6 days since my last bicycle commute…

… and I forgot to pick up the dry cleaning when I had the car!

This morning was gorgeous. I took the road bike out for the first time in a month, now that I have the shiny new super-tri Profile Designs Aquarack. Going back down to a smaller frame, high pressure tires, and narrower handlebars was interesting – I felt a little scrunched, but the bike felt twitchy and fast. Remembering how to use friction shifters after a month of fixed riding took half the commute!

[consularrider]

@Rando Guy 60986 wrote:

I’m wondering if anyone does this or it’s a few folks. I work in Shirlington but…

Normally, I take the WOD and cross Columbia Pike, George Mason, etc etc but this morning head east I veered off and intercepted the 4MR Trail. It took me under Columbia Pike, George Mason and spit me out to a bike lane at S Walter Reed. I could see someone not doing this for the steep banks at the onset but for me it might be worth it, especially when I’m not lugging my laptop with me which is about 90% of the time. The rest of the trail is flat and very nice and minimal foot traffic.

This has become my standard route going east for the past four years. Generally I get on the 4MRT at Glencarlyn. If I want an extra climb, I’ll get on just after the Rte 50 underpass and climb up to Jefferson. I share the trail with dog walkers, a few runners, and the occasional cyclist. I like being able to avoid the traffic lights on the W&OD. Heading west I just about always default to the W&OD unless I add the climb up Valley Dr and ride through Fairlington coming back down George Mason and then getting on the 4MRT.

[Enabler]

@americancyclo 60909 wrote:

who knows how to change the wording on those signs? I vote we change ‘cyclist’ to ‘drivers’ and turn them 90 degrees.

The access panel on the sign is generally protected by a small lock, but often are left unprotected. Upon opening the access panel you can see the display electronics.

The black control pad is attached by a curly cord, with a keyboard on the face.

Programming is as simple as scrolling down the menu selection to “Instant Text”. Type whatever you want to display, Hit Enter to submit. You can now either throw it up on the sign by selecting “Run w/out save” or you can add more pages to it by selecting “Add page”

Should it will ask you for a password. Try “DOTS”, the default password.
In all likelihood, the crew will not have changed it. However if they did, never fear. Hold “Control” and “Shift” and while holding, enter “DIPY”. This will reset the sign and reset the password to “DOTS” in the process. You’re in!

[rcannon100]

@Enabler 61020 wrote:

The access panel on the sign is generally protected by…

The law.

[mstone]

@rcannon100 61021 wrote:

The law.

they only enforce laws during targeted enforcement periods and this week is just bicyclists. highway signs are scheduled for the week after cars yielding to people in crosswalks. you do want to make sure you drive to the sign and do the above with your head sticking out the window–put on the flashers and you’re good to go.

[americancyclo]

@Rando Guy 60986 wrote:

Normally, I take the WOD and cross Columbia Pike, George Mason, etc etc but this morning head east I veered off and intercepted the 4MR Trail. It took me under Columbia Pike, George Mason and spit me out to a bike lane at S Walter Reed.

Westbound, if the W&OD light has just turned red, I’ll often bail over to 4MR at the intersection down the steep hill and rejoin the W&OD in Gelncarlyn Park. It only saves a few seconds, but it provides some nice change of scenery every once in a while. be careful here in the colder months though, as ice can build up on the trail underneath Columbia Pike.

[Author]

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