[Dirt]

@dasgeh 109408 wrote:

I’m hoping to stop by. It would be awesome if someone could update either here or on the Facebook page whether the new Rte 50 trail is passable tomorrow.

It is not. South side is snow/ice packed. As of 11am, the north side still had icy patches.

I’ll post up a how-to-get there in a little while.

[Dirt]

@dasgeh 109380 wrote:

Yeah, I figured it out, but you may want to be more clear on the other promotion sites (eg Facebook)

Thanks again, dasgeh! I’ll make sure it is clear elsewhere. I appreciate your help with this.

@UnknownCyclist 109296 wrote:

Can we light a bonfire in the middle of the street to keep warm?

Sometimes I wish we could build a fire for winter outreach events! Warming our hands over an old oil drum with a fire lite in it would be awesome!

Honestly, with a little preparation and a bit of caution, winter events can be very effective and quite fun! In the preparation department, I always stick an extra layer or two in my bag to add on over what I’m wearing when I get to an event. I also make sure I have a warm hat and gloves in the bag to change into. I sometimes bring a thermos of coffee or tea with me. Knowing where there are a few nearby places that you can dip into and grab something warm to drink while you warm up is also a good thing. I think most sites where we work have that as an option. This week’s event definitely does.

As far as caution goes, I tend to ride a little differently too. When going to an event, I ride a little slower so I don’t get sweaty. That way I arrive warm and dry. It is also important to know when to say when! This is supposed to be fun. There is a point at which it gets cold enough that it isn’t fun or wise to stay out. Call it a day and head for home before you get to that point.

We’re happy to have people volunteer with us for a few minutes or a few hours. Adding your voice for a little while on your way home is a GREAT way to contribute. When the weather gets warmer, the outreach events will be easier.

Thanks for contributing!

Pete

[Dirt]

Sorry that I missed y’all this morning. I didn’t finish up with work until late and needed an extra hour of sleep. I’ll catch up with you soon!

Pete

[Dirt]

@dasgeh 109309 wrote:

There are two intersections of 50 and N Pershing, and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why you would want to do an event over near my kids’ preschool… You may want to be more clear that you mean the intersection IN LYON PARK (or near BonChon Chicken or whatever).

Near BonChon Chicken, Across from Fort Myer. … Located at the top of the new section of the Arlington Blvd Trail. According to the Google, that is in Lyon Park.

Does that help? Thanks for helping clarify that.

Pete

[Dirt]

W&OD Conditions between Bluemont Junction and the Custis Turn-off.
http://youtu.be/grzcGdWiX18?list=UUtU84TrBcpSOJFZnDs7fnpQ

[Dirt]

Race has been postponed to March 8.

---

Moster Cross 2015 update: Monster Cross moving to March 8th
It is with great turmoil, consideration and consultation that we have made this decision.

There are many reasons for this decision… most are obvious if you live anywhere on the east coast.

1. Currently the course is 100% not ride-able. We really thought we were going to be able to make the course ride-able, but with temps in the single digits all week (and most of us snowed in) we’ve had no luck.
2. Today high temps of 19 prevents any further trail prep.
3. More snow/ice expected to fall in Virginia tomorrow which potentially will make it more difficult for many of the racers to make it to town.

I understand that some of you will not like this news, but we worked out all possibilities and this really is the best/only decision that can be made.

The event has been moved to March 8, 2015.

We hope many of you are grateful for this news.

Regards and hope to see may of you in two weeks.

[Dirt]

@dasgeh 108744 wrote:

Any updates on Key or Memorial Bridges?

Memorial has been good! MVT is still a mess, but the trail along 110 between Iwo Jima and Memorial Bridge is clear.

Memorial Bridge yesterday morning

Heading toward Arlington National Cemetery

Trail along Rt. 110

All of those were taken between 9 and 10am yesterday, so a lot of clearing has happened since.

[Dirt]

I’ll be there for sure. I’m pretty sure that they’ll be okay with switching which class you’re entered in. I’m thinking that I’ll probably bring my mountain bike along in case conditions are a little better for it.

Should be a fun race!

[Dirt]

Thanks y’all. That was fun and we did a lot of good!

[Dirt]

@Mikey 108308 wrote:

That would be but my photo needs 3 likes first, and the photo must be recent, I.e.taken today or later, but yes that would work.

I suck at figuring out the rules. Love the games though! I enjoy watching them. Thanks for making this fun, sir!

[Dirt]

So something about the right to bare arms would be appropriate for the 2nd amendment?

Sorry. I had to say that.

[Dirt]

18 people makes for a dang challenging mountain bike ride to lead!!! It was a lot of un thougn.

[Dirt]

Thanks Tim! And thanks to the people in this forum. Y’all have been a big part of the inspiration behind the Arlington PAL Ambassador program.

This forum is one of the most amazing groups of people not only because of your love of bicycles and cycling, but also for the creative ways that we all work to make the areas that we ride better, safer and more fun. Most of us have taken part in things like the light give-aways, happy hour meet-ups and coffee clubs. They all build a sense of community around bicycling in the area.

What BikeArlington and WABA are doing is taking that to the next level. The idea is to have a volunteer-based group that reaches out to the community to promote safety based on the PAL principles of being Predictable, Aware and Lawful.

The blog entry that Tim linked sets it out pretty well. Leading by example is one of the most important parts. The monthly Block Party events are our opportunity to reach out to the public in a big way. The monthly Pizza Parties are a great chance to brainstorm, plan and empower volunteers. Going on rides with the PAL Ambassador trailer takes the show on the road in a fun and creative way.

I’ve been doing this kind of work in the DC area for a few years now and there are a few things that I can tell you: This kind of outreach makes a big difference and IT IS FUN!!!

Keep an eye out on the Forum and join the PAL Ambassador Facebook group for upcoming news and events!

Thanks for reading!

Pete

[Dirt]

@TimV 106940 wrote:

I went from Falls Church to Herndon this a.m. on studs. A lot of the trail is clear, but there are sections where it’s not good. The pic is westbound W&OD at Wiehle. I hopped on the adjacent gravel portion in several spots where it was really icy. It’s pretty crappy most of the way to the town center. Gallows to Park is still a mess too.

I’ll be heading back through tonight and can give a status later.

Have an update of what the trail is like out west?

Thanks!

Pete

[Dirt]

I’ve been doing my own charity rides for almost 10 years now… I do 2 per year. They earn between 6 and $10,000 per year for the charities. It works pretty well.

[Author]

Replies