[BTC_DC]

@dkel 138756 wrote:

Not an easy task when you live in Africa! :rolleyes:

This brings to mind one of the strangest sites I have seen in a while for cycling. While I was being driven through Lagos last year there was an ex-pat middle-aged lady riding a commuter bicycle through the very congested roads (as they always are). This is a city where cars make 6 lanes of traffic where there are only 4 lanes marked on the road.

(The original poster seems to be based in Nigeria given their forum name and similar posts on Nairaland. I am not sure that the width of a recumbent is going to work so well given the traffic patterns in the metro areas in that country. Maybe if in Abuja, but not so sure about Lagos.)

[BTC_DC]

While it might be nice to have MVT cleared from 4MR to 14th St (and beyond), for simply getting from Alexandria to DC all that would be needed is the original proposal in this thread going from Boundary Channel Dr. to 14th St. Bridge.

Alternatively, if NPS would be clearing by the Memorial Bridge area, then Pentagon to Memorial Bridge would work just as well (along Washington Blvd). Logistically, this might actually be easier to manage for NPS if equipment is already in that area clearing other paths around Memorial Ave.

Given that no additional budget will be allocated, probably better to focus on what is practical rather than a request to have the entire trail cleared.

[BTC_DC]

Only one so far that truly counts.

I stubbornly insisted on riding over ice sheets on Crystal Dr during the pre-blizzard Thursday morning refreeze. Made memorable given the metro bus which (to me) seemed to be following too close behind. Nice thing about ice, you keep sliding forward after falling.

[BTC_DC]

@Terpfan 133375 wrote:

That or if the Memorial Bridge way on Wash Blvd is plowed/passable?

The trail from Boundary Channel Dr. was cleared up until the first bridge (crossing the river). Then the snow was quite deep, probably at least 6 or more inches, and wet on the rest of the trail to memorial bridge. That will take a few days yet to become rideable, at least since I am on slicks.

Jumping onto Washington Blvd was manageable in the morning given traffic speeds that time of the day, as was crossing Memorial Bridge by taking the lane (sidewalks on the bridge look like they have a way to go as well before being rideable). Not sure how well that would work if doing that route in the evening when traffic speeds are probably higher and it is dark out.

Otherwise everything else was clear for me, which includes Potomac Ave., Crystal Dr., Long Bridge Dr.

I am guessing going the opposite direction (DC to Alexandria) will pose a separate set of challenges this evening.

[BTC_DC]

Would love studded tires, or even just knobbies. Will keep working to get the most out of my 25mm slicks, but a winter bike is looking more and more sensible.

[BTC_DC]

I was coming from Del Ray area, and I thought the roads would be better than the trails as is often the case. Especially since I only have slicks, and just try and do the best I can on those.

Potomac Ave was fine for the most part, but sections of Crystal Dr. were pure sheets of ice, somewhat disguised by the alternating sections of wet pavement. Same problem in DC on 23rd St. NW at the top of the hill by the State Department. Lanes again became pure ice, and could barely stay up even with a foot down.

I am guessing this is the case in many areas, with sudden transitions from wet to ice, and sometimes difficult to see that change in shadows.

[BTC_DC]

@SolarBikeCar 129613 wrote:

The survey, the discussion…. Just too funny. Hilarious. I can’t stop laughing and take this vote seriously.

On the same page then with respect to your justifications for taking the LEF on multi-use paths.

[BTC_DC]

Perhaps just have a restriction against “semi-recumbent electric trike with a plastic body resembling a velomobile that has a built in solar panel” with “Adjustable Comfort Seat with Back Rest” and may not exceed the width of a MUP lane?

Not sure how that would work on the registration form…

[BTC_DC]

Thanks. Perhaps it is all in my head. But just the feel of Gatorskins to the touch gives a sense of limited grip. Maybe it was apprehension due to recent close calls on wet leaves impacting a confident and fluid riding style. Especially on downhill stretches on pot-holed roads with cars following too close behind. But I think I may experiment with a few of these other options on my next set of tires.

[BTC_DC]

This was a first for me:

A car salmoning the wrong way up the one way S. Clarke Street in Crystal City in that stretch connecting Crystal Drive to Potomac Avenue!

Can we use the term “salmoning” for cars? Or is that reserved only for cyclists?

[BTC_DC]

@hozn 126266 wrote:

I’ve also wiped out several times on wet pavement on Gatorskins; they have a reputation for poor grip in the wet, so I blame that.
]

That is my current dilemma. To the point where I prefer flats to the loss of confidence on wet roads. But I am new to this game, and past posts have mixed messages on optimal trade off.

Any thoughts on:

a) best grip while maintaining decent (i.e., above average, but does not need to be superhuman) puncture proofing?

b) significantly better grip than (a), but will not pop due to simply riding over a pebble

[BTC_DC]

After a flat rear tire this morning on the way to work, picked up the matching flat front tire on the way home this evening… Both from unrelated causes.

Does this mean no more flats the rest of the winter?

[BTC_DC]

Welcome back OneLessCar. What happened? Did your mom wake you up for dinner?

Oh right, I forgot. Your just back from work, and ready to dedicate another all-nighter defending capitalism, America, and ELF against the evil empire of Cannondale.

[BTC_DC]

My first response is usually to shift further left in the lane. Do not give an aggressive driver the chance to try and squeeze through.

[BTC_DC]

I would just like to put a quick word in for Judo. Provides instinct to land on your back while keeping arms and head up to avoid arm / collarbone / head impact in certain situations in my personal experience. Possibly helpful with the recent wet leaves and coming snow and ice.

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