[Bob James]

I met up with Robert on many a morning commute and coffee clubs and remember with fondess his skeleton rib jersey and dry wit along the way. Such tragic news. I will also miss his recent pre-4am leg 1 of his commute rides to the train.

[Bob James]

@mstone 191392 wrote:

That doesn’t take imagination, just pictures of other VDOT-provided bike/ped facilities. Also, it’s not just wind, it’s snowplows and service vehicles throwing stuff over the wall so it’s not blocking valuable car space in the breakdown lane.

Plowed snow onto the trail is what I would be most worried about. VDOT had little concern for bikes having clear passage to begin with. They cut grass and leave it strewn on trail becoming bumpy and a slippery hazard when wet, snow they leave piled up on trail access points and if the trail is close enough to road on the trail itself. I generally prefer bike lanes direct on roads, rather than sidepaths/trail. Being separate from the road, it not only gets little maintenance, but down right negligence or VDOT placed obstructions.

[Bob James]

@phog 191401 wrote:

That is a mind-boggling commute. Manassas to the Capitol, WITH an additional 10 miles of workaround, as a COMMUTE? Again, mind=blown. Respect!

Well, I only had to do it 3 times a week (telework other days), unless I went to a coffee club in Arlington before heading back. It wasn’t bad getting out of Manassas at 4:30am to the FFX Cty trail to WOD, but at night
traffic was much worse. Riding down 29 was the more direct route, but still had to cut thru Vienna on unfriendly roads to get to WOD.

[Bob James]

@scoot 191397 wrote:

Air quality along the 66 trail will be unbearable in the summer. The soundwall will prevent dissipation of heat, highway noise, and exhaust fumes. When the asphalt road surface chips, vehicles will kick up pebbles at highway speeds, some of which will be flung over the jersey wall. None of those issues affect the WWB, which is paved with concrete rather than asphalt.

Most likely true, but when I lived there and now frequently visit, I often ride the shoulder for the 20 mile 234 bypass between 66 and 95 and I don’t find the air quality bad. Granted 2 lanes of constant traffic is not as bad a 4, but its also just an exposed shoulder within a couple feet of traffic. I would prefer a raised trail surface with a fence, rather than an imposing soundwall between trail and hwy (I have claustrophobia). During rush hour, hwy sound would not be too bad as traffic is often crawling and I could more easily enjoy seeing myself riding faster than the cars are driving into DC.

[Bob James]

66 Commuter Connection Trail. I would have loved this trail along 66 when I was commuting between Manassas and Capital Hill. As it was, I had to go an extra 10 miles each way for the safest way in. I like direct trails along highways when you have to get from point A to point B the quickest way. I would ride more scenic routes for recreational riding. Custis is good, but it’s too hilly (especially westbound) to be commuter friendly (especially if when wet, snow, or ice on trail).

[Bob James]

@Rod Smith 189932 wrote:

No I didn’t start one yet. If I do, I’m going to call it a “group of friends” and I’m leaning towards naming it “Team Salovesh”.

Will it be DC area geographic limited? As it has much less local area social aspect then Freezing Saddles and there are State competitions for geographic category.

[Bob James]

Seems as if were unsafe anywhere. Just read an article about the potential danger on riding trails with people stringing a line or barbed wire across the trail to harm unsuspecting riders.

[Bob James]

Jesse, great job as MC. Your a natural at ad lib one liners.

[Bob James]

@Nadine 189189 wrote:

You’re coming to town? Really? [emoji3][emoji2186][emoji106][emoji2956]

Nadine, yes for GD and sons Birthdays and of course FSHH. Look forward to seeing you there.

[Bob James]

For me, I was saddened we lost the weather related stats mid-FEB. I was more focused on maximizing freeze points than miles. Going out when it was the coldest, not the warmest part of day. Freeze points seems to best capture the spirit of winter riding, and does not require huge miles, just daily riding in coldest weather.

The 100 mile team cap did not influence my personal riding behavior, but when my team was in 15th and below all year and I couldn’t even try to move my team up a position it was discouraging. Competition does not have to be for 1st place, but can be between 15th and 16th place teams, etc.

As to retired riders, in the winter I think daily commuters might have a little advantage . They don’t need motivation/incentive to go out in the cold, as they need to get to work. That said, retired and nontraditional workers have more flexibility when they ride, e,g, wait for warmest, non-rainiest part of day. Freeze points would help take away that flexibility advantage.

So I favor random team selections, no team point caps and freeze points versus mileage points (for teams). Of course, only if possible to capture weather data again. Temperature is most consistent attribute, unlike snow, rain, etc. And for snow, riders who can spend more on “snow enabled ” bikes would have too much advantage.

While I didn’t have any team competition to capture my attention this year, I have to give a shout out to Dave (FFG) and Joan B. I truly enjoyed following their challenging each other through any and all weather conditions. I say challenge, not competition, as I don’t think they were trying to beat each other, just encouraged to match each others mileage, as evidenced by finishing at a coordinated tie.

[Bob James]

@Judd 188998 wrote:

So I managed to do an endo on a CaBi Plus yesterday on 21st street on the way home from work. I’m not exactly sure how I did it. I was going probably 8 miles at the time and used both brakes. A taxi stopped somewhat abruptly in front of me.
The right elbow is a bit sore and the right knee got tweaked a bit again but I’m ok.

Sending well wishes for a speedy recovery and belated Happy Birthday

[Bob James]

I’ll be there

[Bob James]

So sorry to hear Jon. Hope you and Gremlin 2 heal quick.

[Bob James]

Jesse, I’ve submitted pointless prizes for:
Highest Elevation Gain Per Mile (Both Male and Female)
Highest Elevation Gain – Total (Both Male and Female)

Thanks, Bob

[Bob James]

@Toubob 188317 wrote:

Nice, so you will be in DC for the HH on the 27th?

Yes, I’l be at the final HH on the 27th. Hope to see you there.

[Author]

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