Ride to Lake Artemisia on St Patrick’s Day (Lynn S leading)

[Mtansill]

Hi Nadine!

Couple of things about the route – at least in the College Park area (my stomping grounds).

After going around Lake Artemesia, instead of going north on the Trolley Trail after passing behind Paint Branch Elementary, I recommend going south. Then cross Campus Drive at a really excellent crossing that has an on-demand actual red light for pedestrians and bicyclists, continue south on Rhode Island Avenue, turn right on Guilford Rd. Continue through the route 1 intersection up Guilford Rd and past the religious student unions, and then take your third exit out of the traffic circle to continue on Campus Drive over to Adelphi.

The reason why I recommend this routing is because going up Campus Drive where Lynn S’s route suggests is a narrow, busy hill – both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Going up Guilford is still a hill, but it’s a lot more gracious and forgiving, and there is much less traffic. Oh, and since St Patrick’s Day is a school day, school will be in session… usually not fun at all to ride up Campus Drive with all the pedestrian traffic – not to mention vehicle.

My second note about the College Park area is to be wary about the fair weather crossings on the Northeast Branch trail south of the duck park. It’s can be a bit sloggy if we’ve had any weather, and people like to hold glass breaking parties in that section as of late. I usually avoid bringing a road bike through there, though it will probably be all right as long as folks are aware of the potential hazards.

Hope this helps. Lake Artemesia is such a nice place to ride around.

[Nadine]

Thanks Millie! I don’t suppose you might be free to join us to ride that day??? SOmeone I was riding with today said that’s your stomping grounds — and it sure isn’t ours! We’ve been struggling with this route for years….and usually end up having a lot of map breaks.

And for ANYONE interested in joining the ride — please RSVP to Lynn S at: mathtree@icloud.com
I will try to remember to check here — she’s pretty sure she’ll forget….

Nadine

[Mtansill]

@Nadine 156868 wrote:

Thanks Millie! I don’t suppose you might be free to join us to ride that day??? SOmeone I was riding with today said that’s your stomping grounds — and it sure isn’t ours! We’ve been struggling with this route for years….and usually end up having a lot of map breaks.

Hi Nadine! Unfortunately I have to work long hours on Friday and can’t take off, otherwise I would absolutely love to! There are a few other folks around here who also live in the area… I will see if I can rustle up someone available and point them in your direction.

[drevil]

@Nadine 156868 wrote:

Thanks Millie! I don’t suppose you might be free to join us to ride that day??? SOmeone I was riding with today said that’s your stomping grounds — and it sure isn’t ours! We’ve been struggling with this route for years….and usually end up having a lot of map breaks.

And for ANYONE interested in joining the ride — please RSVP to Lynn S at: mathtree@icloud.com
I will try to remember to check here — she’s pretty sure she’ll forget….

Nadine

Nadine, unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to join either. I know that I’ll be working hot and heavy this week because I’m leaving for vacation on Sunday. If you need help planning a route, I can help come up with one on Ride With GPS. Cheers,

-rickyd

[Nadine]

Updated from Lynn:

The weather is not with us for riding to Lake Artemesia on Friday. I’m hearing about ice on the trails. I want to give it one more day for trails to clear up so I’m moving the ride to Saturday.*The forecast is for high of 53 and partly sunny.*Everything else is the same. I realize this means some folks who told me they were in can’t do it now and I apologize. Please RSVP again.*

mathtree@icloud.com

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[Greenbelt]

Hi Nadine. Trails clear in this area as of this morning between the NW branch trail and Lake Artemesia. Only a few small places in shady spots where you might have a bit of ice here and there, but there’s asphalt showing through pretty much everywhere except the wood bridges. Note, I did not ride the Anacostia River trail all the way down to DC, so I can’t vouch for the trails south of Armentrout Road. I’ll try to ride that tonight after work and will report back. Also, if it’s below freezing in the morning, there’s a chance melt puddles could freeze, but I think the trails are back in good enough shape with only a few very brief slowdown spots left. -Jeff

[IMG]https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17349701_1297932246940156_132646791924972342_o.jpg?oh=cbdbc74cab366ebbb584ca6c1d630768&oe=5973276A[/IMG]

[Nadine]

Hey thanks Jeff! That’s so helpful!

The ride is set for Saturday, 9am Bluemont, and THIS ROUTE (Millie’s suggestions have now been added)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19372598

Everyone’s invited! And RSVPs are good…. Here is okay and Lynn’s email is maybe even better: mathtree@icloud.com

Nadine

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