Some W&OD reflections

[Kitty]

Well thanks to your info and inspiration, I set out yesterday and rode the W&OD all the way to Pucellville yesterday! 😎

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9475[/ATTACH]

I started out from Mile 0 of the Custis Trail in Rosslyn (largely to get counted by the bike counter – #10 for the morning!) in lieu of going down to Shirlington for the W&OD trailhead as both routes are about 4 miles until the converge.

Following LotM’s suggestions I made the GreenLizard my first stop for a smoothie (and was probably the only one who bothered to lock my bike…), rode on to Purcelleville where I chatted with nice folks for a bike before returning to Ashville for the famous BBQ and a visit to Old Ox. (If you haven’t had their seasonal raspberry basil, it was amazing!). From there a final stop at Cafe Amouri where the only thing better than the cold drink thing they made me (too brainfried by midday heat to care, asked them to make me something good) was the classic rock soundtrack!
The hit of caffeine. and the adrenaline of familiar territory convinced me to not take Custis home, but instead go down to Shirlington so I could say I did the whole W&OD, and sucked it up and took MVT home. When I hit the Rosslyn bike counter I was no. 1647!

Best part was at the end of it all, I did a full century. A great way to spend a Saturday and add another trail to my “Conquered in Full” list.

[lordofthemark]

Thought I would just update this. Finally made it to Purcellville on Saturday.

1. It was a friendly kind of day. Said hi to RCannon at Caffe Amouri, where I stopped in early. At Green Lizard while partaking of a smoothie I chatted with a family. At the end of the trail in Purcellville, while collapsing, I chatted with a couple of riders (from around there, I think)
2. Again with bike parking in Leesburg. Very little, not very good, and difficult to find. Maybe next time I will try to get to Purcellville before eating lunch?
3. It would be nice if the Purcellville train station/museum would post the hours they are open.
4. I finally availed myself of the little water fountain equipped rest areas along the trail.
5. I really only meant to stop at Old Ox to use the rest rooms. And cool off a bit. Didn’t want a whole beer. And then, doncha know, they have half pint tasters!
6. This time I made it up Buckthorn
7. Vienna WF was well located for my last stop. I had no idea their happy hours (which I did NOT avail myself of) are so popular. I got a cliff bar. Somehow I craved something more than water, less than a meal. Not too familiar with sports foods and drinks.
8. Last leg home from Vienna I really felt bushed already. Strava confirms lower wattage. When I got home (92 miles) I asked myself if I had it in me to go further (not that I wanted to) and thought, well if it was a matter of life or death, maybe. Took first post ride advil since the ride upthread.
9. I don’t think I got nearly as much tailwind on the way home as I was expecting.
10. This took a really long time. Altogether about 12 hours – about 4 hours each way, I think, and about 4 hours of stops.
11. I don’t think I want to try for 100 miles for a while.

[MRH5028]

Taking a Saturday to ride the W&OD is a favorite activity that I rarely have time for. Couple of additional spots for people to check out:

-Old Ox has already been mentioned but there are a few other breweries close to the trail. Aslin in Herndon is a great stop, as is Lost Rhino in Ashburn (little bit further from trail)
-If hunting for food and a good turn-around point, check out Doner Bistro in Leesburg, about .5 miles from the trail Get yourself a Doner and a German beer
-Caboose Brewing in Vienna is literally steps from the trail as well
-Keep your eyes peeled for 7-11s out on the western end if you need a food stop or a refresh on water

[mstone]

@MRH5028 141291 wrote:

Old Ox has already been mentioned but there are a few other breweries close to the trail. Aslin in Herndon is a great stop, as is Lost Rhino in Ashburn (little bit further from trail)

I’ll plug crooked run brewing. You can pair it with the doner stop.

[MRH5028]

@mstone 141297 wrote:

I’ll plug crooked run brewing. You can pair it with the doner stop.

Ahh yes another good stop. Also Fireworks is right there too.

[consularrider]

More than a snack, less than a meal in Vienna? Try Pure Pasty next to Bikes@Vienna. Come on, you know you want one!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11929[/ATTACH]

[mstone]

@consularrider 141303 wrote:

More than a snack, less than a meal in Vienna? Try Pure Pasty next to Bikes@Vienna. Come on, you know you want one!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11929[/ATTACH]

Those things are delicious

[elbows]

I’ll add a plug for Mediterranean Breeze in Herndon. Sort of Greek-American, but with an amazing salad bar. I re-discovered it when I was getting something done across the street at Green Lizard and it has become a new destination. My experience with the servers has been very good too. When I’m ready to go, they are on it.

[consularrider]

@elbows 141399 wrote:

I’ll add a plug for Mediterranean Breeze in Herndon. Sort of Greek-American, but with an amazing salad bar. I re-discovered it when I was getting something done across the street at Green Lizard and it has become a new destination. My experience with the servers has been very good too. When I’m ready to go, they are on it.

Isn’t there another Mediterranean Breeze in Ashburn across from Carolina Brothers? I’ve stopped there for a couple of times on a weekend before Carolina Brothers opened for the day.

[Author]

Posts