[eminva]

One of the comments to that article suggested that Tennessee has a state law requiring children 12 and under to be within 50 feet of a responsible adult at all times. I hope Virginia doesn’t have such a law because, well . . . I better stop talking now.

One problem in our area is the traffic. Our house is on one side of Maple Avenue (aka Route 123 or Chain Bridge Road) and my son’s school is on the other. He is 10 and is very hesitant to cross that by himself either on bike or foot. He takes the school bus normally, although he readily rides his bike to locations that don’t require crossing that road. Hopefully the Safe Routes to Schools and other initiatives will help, but it is an uphill battle.

Liz

[eminva]

I was thinking on the commute home last night that I would have been better off in my swimsuit and Chaco sandals. As it was I had on my Cabelas cheap rain jacket and pants. They were totally ineffective after about 30 seconds and just weighing me down. I do have fancy rain gear in technical fabrics, but I find the Goretex stiflingly hot unless the temperature is quite cold.

If anyone can suggest an effective warm weather rain jacket, I’d be very grateful.

Liz

[eminva]

Pete, did you ride through that river on the W&OD right past Ohio Drive? You are brave. I stopped at the edge and took a look, and there were people on the Ohio Drive overpass yelling and whistling at me to turn back.

Liz

[eminva]

The W&OD west of Ohio Drive and before East Falls Church was completely flooded with a fast moving river crossing the path at about 6:15-6:30ish this evening. I considered it impassable and took a detour on the streets. Thanks to the many kind citizens of North Arlington who gave me directions on my impromptu tour during a torrential downpour.

Next up: more rain!

Liz

[eminva]

Okay, the bell finally tolls for me. I got my first flat this evening. I mentioned above that I had about 3900 miles on these tires; this is my first day back after vacation so the mileage is not much higher now.

The flat occurred about two blocks from home and I was rapidly losing daylight, so I walked the bike home to change the flat at home (although I had everything I needed on the bike). This is my first real flat change outside of practice at the Bike Shop flat classes.

For you neophytes out there, it went well! It only took me about 10 times as long as a normal person.:rolleyes:

Because I was at home, there was plenty of time to troubleshoot the cause of the flat. There was a little piece of glass embedded in the tire right at the valve stem.

Some observations:

1. The Old Man Mountain rack made the process quite a bit more difficult (it was the rear tire that was flat). The whole skewer had to be removed.
2. In the great outdoors during non-daylight hours, a helmet light would be really handy for this operation. Yet another reason to consider that upgrade.
3. In an abundance of caution, next time I’m in a bike shop I’m going to ask if they think it’s time to replace the tires. It sounds like my mileage is pretty high comparatively; they don’t owe me anything.
4. It’s really unfortunate I can’t find the grease removing hand soap at the moment.

Liz

[eminva]

@jabberwocky 7820 wrote:

I also wonder whether its legally ok to ride through such intersections when the walk signal is lit (as opposed to walking).

As much as the turning motorists hate the mad dash by cyclists across Lynn Street, I imagine it would drive them even more batty if we all took the time to dismount and walk our bikes across the intersection.

Liz

[eminva]

They might have quite a few customers stop by on the way home! Jsnyd, will you be working this afternoon/evening?

Liz

[eminva]

I’m sorry, I never had a trailer so I can’t answer your question. I have had good experience with Burley products, though. I realize the OP has space limitations, but his kids are getting older so he might want to consider a Burley Piccolo soon, if not now. I believe they have been discontinued, so you would have to search Craig’s List. They are solid and well made so used is fine (We bought ours on Craig’s List for $150 and sold it the same way when he outgrew it). I took my son to school, dropped off him and the trailercycle, and continued on to work solo. I would pick up the Piccolo at school in the evening (my husband had already picked up my son by then). It can also be used on a trail if you also mountain bike. The Piccolo differs from other trailercycles because it attaches to a “Moose Rack” to which you can affix panniers, rather than the seat post. If I understand it, this is more stable and helps the child learn the balance he or she will need to transition to a bicycle of his or her own. They also have gears so your kid can get the hang of that.

We had lots of fun with that and rode all over the place, including the city, where we lived at the time.

There’s also the Big Dummy with child seat approach — I’ve seen pictures on the internet with three kids on board!

Liz

[eminva]

I’ve never cycled in this area, but we were driving on the ICC about three or four weeks ago, and I noticed a nice trail to the side of the road. It seems to stop around Georgia Avenue; I don’t know if they plan to continue it. I’m also not sure where it begins. If someone lives in that area, it might not be a bad idea to go out on a reconnaissance mission before using it as part of the commute, etc.

On a related topic, does Montgomery County have a trail map like Arlington, DC and Fairfax? Was looking for one a few months ago without success.

Liz

[eminva]

Yes, I know all about the swimmers — my high school was a big swimming powerhouse.

I suppose if you feel faster, then you are faster, so carry on!

Liz

[eminva]

Okay, I’ll bite. Why? If you are trying to be more aerodynamic, wouldn’t you shave your arms and keep your face clean shaven, too? Whatever’s not covered by clothing, helmet or shoes?

I’ve always been a bit puzzled by this cycling guy’s convention.

Liz

[eminva]

Congrats to you on your accomplishment and big congrats to your wife on hers!

Let us know if there is any way we can support your fundraising ventures.

Liz

[eminva]

Have you ever noticed how poor the signage is on the “parkways” around here generally? I think I remember long ago learning that that was because they are not supposed to be like highways or interstates, they are more of a recreational byway for touring the park (which also explains the unrealistic and unenforced low speed limit). As if the GW Parkway was the equivalent of the drive around Yellowstone.

Just pointing out that as difficult as it is to deal with NPS, I think they have philosophical objections to helpful signage.

Liz

[eminva]

I use the same program as Justin. So far, I haven’t had any 14 hour days so it works for me. I think it is a great solution for a budget minded application. If you want all the bells and whistles, or if you need 14 hour coverage, go with the Garmin.

Liz

[eminva]

@OneEighth 7222 wrote:

Everywhere else I figure it’s either laziness or stupidity.

I tend to agree — my office overlooks L Street NW, which is one way eastbound. M Street is one block north and is one way the other direction. I see people salmoning down the street all day long, and there’s not even a bike lane. Why don’t they just ride a block up and go with traffic? Oh well.

Liz

[Author]

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