[Arlingtonrider]

Maybe we should consider having a separate kidical event, just in case of space or venue limitations. It might be worth considering as a possible back up plan, unless someone knows of a large bike-friendly venue available at no cost.

These sorts of things can be worked out later, right? Let’s not get too far in the weeds just yet.

[Arlingtonrider]

I’ll work on setting up happy hours.

[Arlingtonrider]

Wish I had seen that a few weeks earlier!

[Arlingtonrider]

This was a nice event and well-attended despite the chill. Great to see LordoftheMark and some FCC and other friends there too. WABA is spearheading a collaborative effort to try to bring greater connectivity to our trails, funded in part by a very generous grant from our own local REI stores. (Please thank them if you have a chance – my understanding is that they gave 3x what was requested.) Lots of folks were there to provide information about all of our area trails, including representatives of Rails to Trails and WABA Ambassadors and Trail Rangers. Among other things, WABA shared a new concept plan for an Arlington Boulevard Bike and Ped Corridor from DC to the City of Fairfax. Tours were provided of a couple of miles of the Met Branch Trail showing, among other things, the new ramp being built and the recently opened bike coop (Gearing Up) just adjacent to the trail. I also heard a rumor that new DC bike maps may be coming out within the next few months. Aside from all the great info, we enjoyed having a tent, hot cocoa and warm cookies to offset the chill, as well as REI mechanics working nonstop on a long long of bikes doing adjustments, lubes and checkups. Many thanks to all who are working to improve our trail network and who helped with this event!

[Arlingtonrider]

I started using my Moose Mitts yesterday. I’m a wimp. My hands get cold easily.

[Arlingtonrider]

I rarely bother with winter gloves anymore. Moose Mitts or Bar Mitts FTW. They always keep my hands warm with only light gloves needed under them.

[Arlingtonrider]

Add to that list Will, who went on to ride about 129 miles for the day(!). There might be others too.

[Arlingtonrider]

WABA is reporting that bikes won’t be allowed on the closed roads. No details given on when that goes into effect, but a closed road cyclovia might not be in the cards. WABA also requests some simple courtesies – that bikes not be locked up to trees, other bikes, or members of the E Street Band.

[Arlingtonrider]

Hmmm . . . trending toward 8:30 a.m.??

[Arlingtonrider]

In!

[Arlingtonrider]

I’d be up for St. Elmo’s. DTSS is a great idea, but just a little too ambitious for me that early on a holiday.

I’m taking tomorrow off too and am toying with the idea of heading out for a mid-morning coffee (9:30-10ish?) at Caffe Amouri. Anyone else playing hooky is welcome to join me!

[Arlingtonrider]

The person depicted in the original post of this thread is me. No doubt about it. I’m missing a few things, like the cupholders, fenders and a mirror, but I make up for that by rocking two (2) bells on my handlebars.

[Arlingtonrider]

I’m now 100% certain I’ll be able to help out at the Columbia Pike light event tomorrow. Will be there around 5 p.m.

[Arlingtonrider]

Just fyi — The Sunday Mount Vernon Ave. farmer’s market that Lord of the Mark mentioned above is small in terms of vendors (it has all the basics) but awesome for its incredibly easy accessibility from Four Mile Run trail and totally ride-through-able shopping. Also, great live music played at a nice background volume. I almost always see biking friends there.

I’ve wondered about that bike in the middle of the stream too. I like it as art, at least on a temporary basis, even though I know it’s debris and I probably shouldn’t.

Also, as Lord of the Mark mentioned, the pedestrian bridge across Rt. 50 is extremely difficult (impossible without a map) to find and get to, at least from the north. I wish Arlington or VDOT could improve the safety of the Rt. 50 crossings in that general area, or at least provide signage to the (not bike friendly) bridge. It would be really nice to have a bridge designed for bikes somewhere around there. I cross at the lights when I need to, but it’s always just a little nerve wracking with all the crazy drivers and the history of bike/ped accidents around there.

[Arlingtonrider]

Oh no! And that was just the start?? Is J. ok?

[Author]

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