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Shirlington is a terrific location, thanks for choosing it.

I will certainly be there, wouldn’t miss it.

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I learned so much last night from people who bike in areas of Fairfax County I’m unfamiliar with. I learned ways to get around using some backstreets and I heard honest observations about what is and isn’t working out here in Fairfax as far as bike infrastructure is concerned.

And my goodness it was just wonderful to see so many Forum people. I hope you had as much fun as I did. I look forward to the next one in Shirlington!

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Behold! Bike Stickers! Six of them have special messages written on the back telling the bearer they are WINNERS! But aren’t we all? After all, we ride bikes. We are exercising our bodies and cutting down on car emissions.

I am looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing my old acquaintances! My cowboy boots are ready, the margarita machine will be fired up, and the patio will open at 5:30 sharp. Many thanks to Dirt for coming out and leading folks. It’s always a great time when Dirt’s in the house.

And remember, be safe. Have lights for the trip home. It’s hot so be smart and bring at least a water bottle or two. If worse comes to worse, I’ll have my SUV with me in case you decide riding home is a bad idea.

ann

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My ten year old son, Rambo, has watched the video at least a dozen times. He even stops on the frame of the Lego Man “screaming” just before he gets hit. Don’t get the idea he finds this educational, mostly he howls with laughter. Probably the result of defective parenting.
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Yes, a cyclocross bike will work. It is one of my favorite rides around here. It’s beautiful, quiet and shaded. Bring your camera.

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I dropped by the Department of Transportation in Fairfax County today and picked up a dozen FFX County Bike Maps to distribute on Thursday.

But be forewarned. A brand spanking new map is coming out in the next two weeks. So it may make a lovely decoupage project.

Cyclocross dismount = extended time on the ground staring up at the sky watching cloud formations and spitting out pieces of grass while wrestling a metal bike off my legs.

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It’s also available on Amazon to watch instantly in their video rental section.
ann

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Rats! I always miss the kissing part.
I will have my small SUV at the Coyote Grill and will be there until the end if anyone decides the ride home is too much.

ann

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@Tim Kelley 23376 wrote:

Yikes–high of 99 degrees on Saturday. It is going to be a hot one!!

Good opportunity to try out my all white kit…

Please tell me it’s not *all* white. You know how that will turn out…

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The long-range weather forecast for Thursday predicts sunny and sweltering, such a nice combination.

The potential for finding a cold cerveza at the Coyote Grille is excellent!
On draft:
Blue Moon
Dos Equis
Negra Modelo
Corona
Pacifico

The other way:
Sierra Nevada
St. Pauli Girl
Sam Adams
Heineken
Bud and Bud Light

Appetizers
It’s important to conduct in-depth research. I stopped by the Coyote Grille and tried out some appetizers.
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Exhibit A: Nachos. The Black Bean Nachos are vegetarian
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Exhibit B: Combination Platter showing Calamari Aioli, Beef Taquitos, and Shrimp

On Thursday Black Bean Nachos, Beef Taquitos, Calamari Aioli, and two kinds of chip dips will be available.

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It wouldn’t be Happy Hour without reflective straps! We have them to giveaway!

And I’m bringing more than 100 assorted bike stickers, small enough to go on frames unless, of course, you ride a very fancy bike.

For the kids there will be scratch and sniff pizza, bubblegum, and banana stickers. I also have a few tongue tattoo stickers unless I use them all myself before Thursday. :roll eyes:

So put Thursday, the new Friday, on your calendar for a FABB Happy Hour 5:30-7:30!

Reminder: Happy Hours are for everyone, novice to expert. Even if the word bicycle is something you never bring up in polite conversation, please come. There will be more than 100 years of combined riding experience at this event. If you have a question about bikes, riding, safety, or equipment there will be cyclists who can give you an answer.

ann

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Walking into Proteus is like walking into the living room of a close friend. There is no other LBS like it. Where else can you walk in and find yourself being offered homemade cookies and then receive a giant hug from Jill who is happy to see you even if she just met you. In this world of commercial franchises, impersonal store clerks, and pressure to up-sell, Proteus is an oasis of neighborly friendliness. When you enter Proteus you become a member of the family.

My good friend Jill, you are a beautiful person and I hope you return to the area soon. I will miss you very much.

But I know Proteus is in capable hands and even though the news is distressing, the silver lining is that the spirit of Proteus lives on.

ann cavazos

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There are many options for you via the side paths and residential areas where you can wait out a thunderstorm under a front porch. There are a number of businesses in Falls Church where you can wait out a storm. Just before you reach Gallows Road there are side streets to take you to single family homes or if you head up the hill at Gallows there is an old elementary school less than 500 yards from the W&OD or a church within several hundred feet of the intersection. There is the Vienna Community Center right on the trail. There are several covered rest stops along the way also. You have a good commute for options in case of bad weather.

The thing about rain in warm weather, it’s a nuisance. But the trails will be quiet. And you have options. Remember your lights.

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@Tim Kelley 22831 wrote:

See–doesn’t it feel good to admit that?

Now, who else?

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I clearly remember holding up my first pair of bike shorts and innocently asking, “Uh, what exactly do you wear under these?” I think this was right after I asked if my road bike came with a kickstand.

All I will say is when you start combining chest straps with bib shorts, something else has to go too. Otherwise it just gets too complicated.

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I heard this at the end of the event and now it’s official. Tour De Fat Washington, DC 2012 was the most successful first show in history! Next year I imagine the crowd could easily double.

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