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@Tim Kelley 13233 wrote:

I think he defined grocery stores as the traditional/popular style of grocery store one might imagine whereas Costco and the Glebe Market don’t really fit into that definition. (Although Food Star might be a bit of a outlier…)

What defines “traditional/popular”? Chains that sell only groceries? That would explain Food Star being an outlier and explain why Glebe Market (not a chain) and Costco (more than groceries) were excluded. I guess I will have to ask Brian.

I’ll send you the info when I have a chance to get some pictures of Glebe Market.

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While I don’t normally wear glasses, I either wear clear lenses or sunglasses whenever I am riding. I probably ride two miles a year without then.

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Glebe Market at N Pershing Dr and N Glebe Rd is missing from the list.

The Harris Teeter at 600 North Glebe Rd used to be far worse. The rack used to be under the outside emergency stairs and blocked by all the shopping carts. The rack is not that well lit for anyone who rides there in the middle of the night. (I used to use a sign, near the door, when I’d go at 4:00 a.m.)

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@Dirt 12860 wrote:

The early morning fog was awesome though. I rode the Monster bike in so that I can enjoy it on the hills home. I Winter Miles!!!!

What fog? I think we have a different definition of “early morning.”

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@Dirt 12586 wrote:

There are, however, some conditions where I will not ride. There’s a point in a snow storm where road conditions are bad enough that cars are really struggling to move and drivers are making questionable decisions to move their vehicles.

While the temperature won’t stop me, snow and ice can. As you point out, it’s normally not because I can’t get around, it’s because others can’t. As I told someone once, if I can go faster and straighter on my bike than you can drive, you should not be out on the road.

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@americancyclo 12565 wrote:

If you’re a regular bike commuter, as I know a good handful of us are, the folks at the security gate get to know you, particularly when they see you consistently on the hottest and coldest days of the year on your bike.

As long as it’s the same guards. I had a new one a few weeks ago, who wanted to inspect my ID, front and back — the first time that’s happened in more than ten years.

It also depends on how lax they are, too. One guard I see every week is my neighbor — two doors down, on the same floor of my building — so he knows me and my bikes, but he always checks my ID.

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@Dirt 12571 wrote:

One thing that I like about them is that they’re truly made in a mom and pop shop. It is a really nice couple who sew them at night when they get home from work. Unfortunately, it can lead to some long lead time.

I like that, too. They also do not make them year-round. Orders palced during the summer are held and filled first in, first out.

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@pfunkallstar 12576 wrote:

I think an interesting question is exactly when one should stop biking?

Since I moved here, I can’t recall it ever being too cold to bike in this area. (I used to say “never,” but I am sure someone will look up some record low and I might agree it’s too cold.)

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Although it probably only applies to a handful of people here — if that many — remember that your commute might add special requirements that would not apply on a weekend ride. (I know, that’s an awkward sentence.) For example, if your commute involves riding onto/into a secure facility (military base, parking garage, etc.) where you have to show an ID, you may not be able to wear a balaclava or anything else covering your face. A face shield or scarf, that you can pull down is probably easier than taking off your helmet and balaclava. (Getting an ID out while wearing lobster gloves is a pain in the butt, too.)

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The “trickiest” spot might be from the MVT to 4MR Trail. I don’t know how that is during the morning rush hour. Prior to that, the biggest “problem” would be the various road crossings on the MVT. Once you hit the 4MR Trail, things should go smoothly.

Changing a tire in the dark is not too bad. You can walk to a nearby light or use the light on your bike/helmet. In the dark, especially if it’s raining or freezing rain, just replace the tube, don’t bother trying to patch it.

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Traffic was about the same. (At that hour, it’s always “light.”)

No New Year’s Resolutions here, though.

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I get tired just watching it — it would take me a lot longer to make that ride.

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@KLizotte 11945 wrote:

1) Get to work at 3:45 am. Note: I don’t usually go to bed till 1:00 am.
2) Bike to work and still manage to arrive at 3:45.

As someone else who normally gets to work no later than 3:45 am, I’ll toss in that it’s usually a very quiet and peaceful ride. (Except for yesterday, when someone was burning down southwest D.C.)

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At 3:00 a.m. this morning…
Ninjus Chromus Domus
This rare ninja is encountered running on the trails in rain and fog. Naturally dressed in black to remain close to invisible, this ninja can be identified by the large bald spot reflecting oncoming light.

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@rcannon100 11452 wrote:

This is “Bike Friendly Arlington.”

Where is this mythical place of which you speak?

Just from a commuting perspective, I get hassled — yelled at, cut off, close calls, etc. — by more drivers in Arlington, than I do in D.C.

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