[eminva]

@Certifried 28611 wrote:

Roger, Roger. What’s our vector, Victor?

And if The Hunt for Red October references weren’t too much for you . . . .

[eminva]

acorn, thank you so much for the excellent review.

A question: I am loathe to admit it, but as a cyclist I must buy jeans by how they fit my leg rather than how they fit my waist. The photos make these look like narrow leg pants, but not too narrow. How is the fit in the leg? Thanks.

Liz

[eminva]

Google Maps is telling me 10.1 miles from Columbia Heights to the College Park Aviation Museum by bicycle (you’ve been by there on the way to TJROW rendezvous). Don’t know about french fries around there, but the gift shop has freeze dried ice cream!

Liz

[eminva]

When I was in college and my bike was stolen, my mother, ever the sunny optimist, said, “Maybe someone got it who needs it more than you!”

Uh, and there’s someone who needs it more than a hapless student working her way through college tending bar?

The replacement bike cost a month’s worth of wages and tips — in real terms, probably the most expensive bike I’ve ever bought.

Liz

[eminva]

@GuyContinental 28316 wrote:

I could amortize that over the 24 wheels* [/SIZE]

More than that! Don’t you think those kids will be riding one of these days?

Liz

[eminva]

@Jason 28310 wrote:

Am I ok in yelling out “control your animals” because thats what I did.

Jason, you are starting to sound like the rest of us here!

Anyway, the nice weather brings ample quantities of tourists, families and joggers to our trails. Expect it to be like this until serious fall weather sets in.

I’ve noticed it is not unusual for kids jogging or cycling with their parents behind them to turn their head to look back, and naturally their bodies follow, taking them right into the path of oncoming traffic. I usually give a sharp “Hello!” or “Heads Up!” just to get the kid’s attention and focus back where it belongs. I’m surprised at how few parents seem to register any reaction. You’d think the natural preservation instinct would kick in and they’d want to protect their kid from a head on collision.

Liz

[eminva]

I don’t think they come up terribly often. Get ready for the Festive 500 in December — you have about eight days to ride 500 km during the busiest, most overcommitted time of the year. That’s the only one I’ve tried. And I have the cute badge to prove it!

The rest of them came up when I was busy or out of town, or just looked too overwhelmingly difficult.

Liz

[eminva]

@rcannon100 28135 wrote:

We have a fitness center with a shower rate of $80 per year. Yes, that is key.

I would say we are at the “Build it and they will come” phase. The supporting infrastructure is fully there – so what is the catalyst to push people over the cliff and more people bike commuting? We are thinking of a small “bike to work day” thing in October – but in line with this thread – what I dont want is just another swag-surfing event. I want converts to our religion!

Have you already had a brown bag lunch with WABA? Have you promoted the Confident City Cycling classes? Create a buddy system for new commuters? I think the intimidation factor is still an obstacle for many people, even with so many more bike commuters than a few years ago.

How about a PSA featuring different bike commuters from the agency? Be sure to include those who aren’t obvious candidates for bike commuting (e.g., working moms) so others who are similarly situated can see someone like themselves doing it.

Liz

[eminva]

Why did I start to bike commute:

1. The kid came along, eliminating all free time for getting and staying in shape.
2. Several really bad days on Metro too close together.
3. Nearly contemporaneous with #2, my son went to a day camp for a week that required me to drive to work and drop him off along the way. I noticed all these bike commuters who looked like regular people. Up until that point, I thought it was only an option for messengers or fully kitted racers.

1 + 2 + 3 made me think I could do this. I started off on my husband’s old hybrid because I didn’t have a bike of my own. A neighbor helped get me started by showing me the route, advising on urban cycling, etc. It built up gradually from there.

I think there are a lot of people who could make the jump. Emphasize freedom from metro! Freedom from traffic! And free showers are key, if you have those at the FCC, Bob.

Liz

[eminva]

Ah, the clock on the video must have been showing the gun time. Even better. Great, Tim!

[eminva]

He finished! About 12 hours, 23 minutes. How do I know this? I was stalking him.

Actually, I was looking at the website to see how he was doing and noticed they had a video feed of the finish line. It was oddly mesmerizing and inspiring to watch the finishers arrive and cross. After about three minutes, I saw someone really tall coming along. Could it be? Yes, it was.

He looked real good! Congrats, Tim!

Liz

[eminva]

Looks like he made it through the swim. He’s out there on the bike now. Go Tim!

Liz

[eminva]

I also inputted my usual commuter route — interesting that it routed me through the streets of North Arlington rather than the Custis Trail for the Ballston-Rosslyn stretch. I also thought the time estimate was too conservative.

I inputted some data for little routes around Vienna that I use for errands, just to “test” for those informal short cuts on paved trails. The mapping tool didn’t recognize those. I will look forward to any guidance that will be given on editing the mapping tool. It’s probably not something I can figure out myself (the household Chief Technology Officer nods his head emphatically).

Liz

[eminva]

@vvill 27945 wrote:

Wow. I cannot imagine OneEighth riding this bike.

It’s not you, it’s me.

[eminva]

Being a late bird, this is not something I could ever reasonably fit into my schedule, but it looks like fun. My son is starting middle school in three weeks and will have to leave on the crack o’ dawn bus, so I will be up anyway. Maybe I will go and see if they let me in. I do like coffee.

(This morning, however, was reserved for a plumbing emergency that resulted in me metro’ing in even later than usual).

Liz

[Author]

Replies