Opening happy hour for Freezing Saddles 2016

[cvcalhoun]

Is anyone organizing the initial happy hour for Freezing Saddles 2016? No, I’m not volunteering to do it; I’ve already been abused enough over the registration forms. But I’d like to get it onto my calendar. I don’t think I’ve managed to get to one yet, and it’s about time!

ETA: Alas, I’m preserving my record of never showing up to one. I’m on a business trip to Arkansas that day (yeah, second prize was two trips to Arkansas!), and won’t get back until just after it ends. But the rest of you have fun–and thanks to the intrepid BAFS2016HHPC that organized this!

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[komorebi]

I plan to be there, although I’ll be on the late side. If there’s going to be a bike valet, I’m happy to take a shift. Thanks to the organizers for putting this together!

[msalemme]

I plan on attending. Thanks for organizing!

[pdubs]

I’ll be there

[melkell2]

I’ll be there! Anyone riding from the Pentagon/Crystal City area? I’ll be rolling at about 5-5:15.

[Mikey]

The entire Mikey clan will be there: 2 adults, 3 kids

[vvill]

Sorry for the late confirmation – I will be there, but only for about the first hour.

[Vicegrip]

I am in and bringing the 1/1/16 longest ride ingot.

[PotomacCyclist]

If the contest keeps growing like this every year, you may have to host next year’s opening HH at the convention center.

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FYI – (Since this place is just a few steps from Wisconsin Ave.) On your way back from the bar, you may want to take a minor detour and check out the arch underneath Wisconsin Ave. where it passes over the C&O Canal. The past couple of years, the Georgetown BID has been organizing a Christmas/holiday event called Georgetown Glow, a set of outdoor art installations using lighted structures or projections. This winter’s program ran from Dec. 11 to Dec. 20. However, I discovered that the neon sculpture underneath Wisconsin Ave. is still in place. Probably because it doesn’t affect the street-level buildings or streets, I guess.

Whatever the reason, that light sculpture is still in place as of this weekend, well after the rest of the Georgetown Glow event ended. Despite the name “WIRED People Project:
The Lovers,” it’s a “G-rated” sculpture (unless there’s something I’m completely missing). I don’t know if I would travel a long distance just to see it, but since it’s so close to the bar, it’s worth a look. It’s just a couple blocks north (up the hill on Wisconsin Ave.), although you can’t really see it too well from Wisconsin Ave. You can see part of one of the images at a time at the corners of the bridge over the canal.

The best way to see the sculpture is to head one block east, to 31st St. There’s a bumpy dirt ramp down to the towpath from there, on the north bank. It might be best to walk your bikes down because there’s a drop-off from the sidewalk to the start of the dirt ramp. After that, the path remains rough and there is no fence between the towpath and the water. The water isn’t that deep, but I don’t think anyone wants to be falling into cold water at night. Then walk your bike or ride very slowly on the rough dirt path to the Wisconsin Ave. arch.

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http://www.georgetownglowdc.com/

[Bruno Moore]

Oh, so that’s what that is. I was biking past that on my way to Key Bridge BA-PAL Coffee when they were putting it up. Got a little tight with all us folks, wires, frames and such in that passage under the bridge.

Oh, and I just found out I don’t get off work until after 7 that night, so if I’m able to show up, I’ll be late. Like, later than I usually am for things.

[historygeek]

I’m in, since it’s so close to my work (and thanks from this Marylander for having it in DC). I’m happy to convoy back to the Hyattsville area (otherwise I’ll just metro).

[LeslyJ]

Thanks for the DC location. I’m in!

[Allan C]

I’ll plan to stop in on my way north on the CCT.

[Nadine]

I’m planning to come & hoping to arrange to caravan with at least one other person afterwards, a little on the early side.

Looks like a fair number of people are talking about bike caravaning back on the Custis trail. ANyone want to do that at ~ 6:30-7?

The woman-alone-at-night thing sometimes grabs me by the shirt and shakes me. I have been known to blow off plans because of it. So I’m more likely to go and actually be able to relax and have a beer (if they have a good IPA on tap ) if I know I have at least one for pretty sure person to ride back with….. I see that both organizing Steves live near me, but I bet they’re not leaving before 8….

Nadine

[eminva]

Hello Crazy Winter Bicyclists:

If you are planning to attend the happy hour, even briefly, or if you think there is a good chance you might, please RSVP as soon as you can using this thread. I am making name tags and the tags will indicate your team. The only way to know what team you are on is to RSVP.* So don’t hesitate.

Also, if you are bringing a spouse, kid or random hanger-on, please indicate their first name.

Team 14 wins the spirit award so far — seven of their members have confirmed attendance at the happy hour. But Team 17, what’s up?? Only one confirmed attendee?! Don’t let poor [redacted] be all alone crying in his or her beer!

Thanks much.

Liz

[Kitty]

Hey hey! Back from holiday travel and now able to RSVP for Thursday! Apologies for not doing so sooner, it’s been go-go-go for about two weeks now.

[Author]

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