Where to ride my ‘cross bike

[Adam J.]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to D.C. and looking for places to take the ‘cross bike out. Basically somewhere I could do a little race practice. Maybe some singletrack or some park space I could make up my own little loop on. I’ve got my own PVC barriers.

I haven’t raced in a couple years, so you all don’t want me at the starting line just yet. I live in Petworth, and the closer the better, but I’m realistic about having to do a bit of driving.

Thanks!

Adam

Topic

[americancyclo]

I don’t know that I’d be ready to ride my fendered mtb with a group that regularly does laps there just yet.

[vvill]

Yeah I’m definitely not ready, but sometimes it’s fun to ride with others out there anyway.

[CPTJohnC]

@MattAune 69693 wrote:

Some of the Hills are definitely not rideable with slicks, the grass wasn’t even wet this morning. Also, the run ups are nice and smooth with no stairs, no shouldering necessary. Cindy is displaying the perfect technique in her picture.

So I guess this means that I should not try a hot lap on a CaBi? I’m guessing the video makes it look much easier than it really is, but I will plan to bring out one of my MTBs with knobby tires, rather than my commuter (Panaracer Pasela 32s) when I finally take the plunge (hopefully not to my death…)

[GuyContinental]

@CPTJohnC 69959 wrote:

So I guess this means that I should not try a hot lap on a CaBi? I’m guessing the video makes it look much easier than it really is, but I will plan to bring out one of my MTBs with knobby tires, rather than my commuter (Panaracer Pasela 32s) when I finally take the plunge (hopefully not to my death…)

Oh, there is absolutely nothing technical or scary out there, you just won’t be able to ride it on slick tires since 1) you’ll spin out on every hill and 2) the off camber turns (two of note) will eat your lunch. In both cases you’ll land on nice soft grass but it just wouldn’t be too much fun. Also note that the guy in the video is a very good rider- makes it look effortless when in fact it is most effort-full.

[americancyclo]

Anyone heading out for the Gravelly point CX? I’ve got a nice muddy bike on loan that is begging for a lap or two before work.

[hozn]

@americancyclo 70763 wrote:

Anyone heading out for the Gravelly point CX? I’ve got a nice muddy bike on loan that is begging for a lap or two before work.

Oooh, I had tentatively signed up for some pre-coffee ride, but I could definitely be interested in some early AM CX if someone is going that knows the route.

[GB]

When would this ride take place? 7ish like the last one?

[KayakCyndi]

I’m in and 7(ish) works for me. I know the route but am fairly sure you all will ride it faster than me.

Meet at the gate?

[americancyclo]

@hozn 70770 wrote:

I could definitely be interested in some early AM CX if someone is going that knows the route.

This could be the only time that I ever ride in front of hozn

[GuyContinental]

@hozn 70770 wrote:

Oooh, I had tentatively signed up for some pre-coffee ride, but I could definitely be interested in some early AM CX if someone is going that knows the route.

I’ll be your huckleberry…

7am at the gates?

[hozn]

@americancyclo 70779 wrote:

This could be the only time that I ever ride in front of hozn

You beat me (all of us) up Mt. Daniel at the end of Kill Bill. Don’t sell yourself short!!

@GuyContinental 70782 wrote:

I’ll be your huckleberry…

7am at the gates?

Awesome; how do you feel about 6:30 at the gates? (And which “gates” are we talking about?)

[americancyclo]

@hozn 70784 wrote:

which “gates” are we talking about?)

route starts here: http://goo.gl/maps/iXcgC

i assume these gates: http://goo.gl/maps/P24A6

this may or may not help: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3746817

[KayakCyndi]

@americancyclo 70791 wrote:

route starts here: http://goo.gl/maps/iXcgC

i assume these gates: http://goo.gl/maps/P24A6

this may or may not help: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3746817

Yep, those gates. I call it the gate to nowhere since it only leads onto the grass.

I’ll be there but likely not by 6:30. If no one is at the gate when I get there I’ll start riding the course. Its not like you can actually get lost, lose the trail yes, get lost no.

[hozn]

Awesome thanks! See y’all there.

[GuyContinental]

Hard core props for Cindi for doing lonely laps after we left… (although the rest of us doing laps in the dark was pretty cool too

[Author]

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