[arlcxrider]

Largely agree with the statements here. A step backwards, lots of functionality lost.

• I can’t mark threads as read.
• Can’t filter by new posts. I used this feature all the time on the old forum. A quick catch-up on what’s new, once a day.
• No direct message capability. (Very useful for team leaders and pointless prize sponsors.)
• Posting pictures is cumbersome.
• Can’t reply to a previous post and embed a quote.

Maybe it’s time to scrap this as the primary FS platform and just move it to the Strava club.

 

[arlcxrider]

Rescheduled for Feb. 18. Hope to see you next Sunday.

[arlcxrider]

2/10/24 MARC BWI to Union Station

[arlcxrider]

Forecast is looking a little iffy for Sunday. I don’t mind some sprinkles, but if it’s a persistent rain I will cancel. I will post a no/no go decision here and on the Strava group by 8 am on Sunday. If canceled, it will be re-scheduled.

[arlcxrider]

I’ve updated the Ride with GPS file to remove a couple of glitches:

 

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41713328

[arlcxrider]

As we near the half-way point of FS (day 39 on Thursday) here are a few notes.

 

1. First of all, thanks to all the participants and posts–keep it up.
2. I hope to post another round of preliminary results over the weekend.
3. Reminder — only posts to the Forum (here) count towards the Pointless Prize. The leaderboard based on the Strava hashtag #goldenspike is unofficial.
4. Reminder — photos must include a bike. Handlebars, saddle, etc., are fine–as long as I can tell it’s a bike.
5. Reminder — to claim a 3-point “trip,” your posting must have start point photo (with station sign), end point photo (with station sign) and a photo on-board. With a bike, or some bike parts, as above.
6. There is a #goldenspike “rural” group ride from the Ashburn Silver Line station on Sunday, Feb. 11. Details here–https://www.bikearlingtonforum.com/forums/topic/goldenspike-ashburn-group-ride-feb-11-gravelish/
7. Have fun!

[arlcxrider]

Too bad DDOT lacked the foresight to build a dedicated bike parking and light repair facility at Union Station.

 

“what’s up with the bike storage at Union Station?”

[arlcxrider]

Thanks, Alan Adams for the Silver Spike.

 

Trivia time: there were four ceremonial spikes used at the “last spike” ceremony at Promontory Summit in 1869. The gold- and silver-plated “Arizona” spike sold at auction in 2023 for $2.2 million.

 

I’ll spare you the suspense. It will not be awarded to the winner of the pointless prize.

[arlcxrider]

I’m doing a #goldenspike group ride from Ashburn on Feb. 11. Cross-post:

 

RESCHEDULED #goldenspike Ashburn Group Ride, Feb. 18, gravel(ish)

[arlcxrider]

Took the lane on Key Bridge yesterday (south) and today (north). Bridge is mostly OK, but on the Arlington end sidewalks are covered in ice and snow, especially in front of the dead Marriott. Are these County-maintained?

[arlcxrider]

Please add me:

 

arlcxrider / Paul Wilson (43537271)

[arlcxrider]

Preliminary standings as of Jan 14

DCAKen  — 17

CaseyKane50 — 12

consularrider — 10

Dachs6 — 10

bikesnick — 4

cvcalhoun — 4

sszibler — 4

RobbieRob — 3

Serdar — 3

shwong — 3

SophieCW — 3

Joan — 1

Laurie E. — 1

LeftyLaura — 1

SarahBee — 1

[arlcxrider]

Hi,

 

Yes, I have to track the bonus points on a spreadsheet. The two bonus points won’t be reflected in the standings on the FS home page, which rely solely on the Strava hashtag. I hope to get preliminary standings posted later today for the first two weeks of Freezing Saddles. An additional factor is that some folks haven’t been using the #goldenspike hashtag in their Strava ride titles.

[arlcxrider]

Yes, you need both the start and end points to qualify for three points. Station sign with your bike.

[arlcxrider]

VRE, unlike Amtrak and MARC, does not have dedicated bike racks. That said, I’ve not been hassled for not having a “bungee.”

 

Last time I checked it was a flat fee of $20 each way on Amtrak for bikes, and must be reserved at the same time you purchase the ticket.  Almost as much as the rail fare. I have been toying with the idea of an Amtrak round-trip to Culpeper. The schedule gives you plenty of time to bang out at least a metric and then enjoy a nice meal before catching the evening train. A lot of nice, scenic routes around Culpeper.

 

Another thing I’ve been thinking about. On the MARC Brunswick line there is an early “getaway” train that runs Fridays only. Departs Union Station at 1:30. Ride to Dickerson, Point of Rocks, Brunswick, or similar get in a good ride back to DC. Would require playing hooky for a half-day. Doable in complete daylight in a few weeks, and especially after the time change in March.

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