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@consularrider 87344 wrote:

Well, we sure have been having some great cyling weather since the B2WD deluge.

This weather must really be putting people in good moods. In early April when I started commuting everyone just growled and looked angry all the time. These past 2 weeks it’s been nothing but friendly bikers–a few gave me encouragement on a big hill over the weekend, and last week on the MVT a biker who wanted to pass me waited until I got around some massive puddles before doing it, which was awesome–those were some huge puddles which would have soaked me. Outside of the occasional idiot, everyone has been really nice on the trails recently.

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looks like a couple of DC-area people won stuff, but no one in the all stars team from what I see.

I was really counting on the toilet paper too…I’m almost out

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@dasgeh 87022 wrote:

I have stopped going that way, but today I hit the light at 3rd on the left turn and didn’t want to wait. So, right on Madison.

That should be the last time I do that until Freezing Saddles (double bonus duh! for doing it when I got out of work early).

How do you get around Madison? I come from south of the mall, so my options are to take Independence Ave, or Madison to 15th st. I generally avoid Independence since it’s so busy, but maybe it is a better route with all the tourists on Madison now

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@dbb 87008 wrote:

You: Every damned bus in the district double parked, trying to parallel park, just parked and picking up/dropping off in the traffic lane. Between your piggishness and moisture induced stupidity, you (acting as a group) were able to completely shut down the traffic. Bravo! I had to go from one side of the traffic column to the other at least five times.

Today was especially ridiculous on Madison. I’ve never seen so many busses parked in the traffic lane. I ended up jumping onto the sidewalk for a block or two to avoid the mess

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You: the biker going the wrong way in the bike lane yesterday evening on N. Lynn Street in Rosslyn, heading towards Wilson Blvd from the MVT exit.
Everyone in the bike lane: Giving you seriously dirty looks as you make them bike into the car lanes or almost hit the parked cars as they swerve out of your way during rush hour traffic.
Me: watching from the corner of 66 and N. Lynn with a cocked head and confused expression wondering “Is this really happening? If he trying to die or kill other people?”

This is especially problematic right now, since the construction between Wilson and 19th means there is no bike lane for awhile on N Lynn–bikes have to take the full lane since its narrow with no room for cars to safely pass. I don’t think there is a way to navigate that stretch safely going the wrong way on N. Lynn.

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My first bike was pink and white, had shiny tassels, a white wicker basket, and was covered with pink, purple, and yellow kittens.

I was the coolest 4 year old in Michigan. I wish my current bike looked half as awesome as my first bike.

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Thanks everyone! I’ll bring the bike to Velocity this or next weekend (it’s a super short walk from home) and get it looked at to see if it can fit. If it can be done, I’ll spend the money @ Revolution or Fresh Bikes to get it to fit perfect and properly tuned up.

If it’s not going to fit, I’ll sell it on craigslist and then try to buy a used road bike that fits right. If I’m lucky, velocity will have something that works–I keep finding bikes there that are /almost/ perfect…

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@vern 86687 wrote:

Does anyone know if the trail has, in fact, reopened?

As of 7:50 am today, it was still closed…And it was also closed throughout the weekend.

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@jrenaut 86492 wrote:

It’s a good thing Petco opened up near my house recently. I’m going to start commuting everyday with a pannier full of kittens.

My boyfriend always jokes that my ideal bike is any bike, with a wicker basket full of kittens on the front.

He’s right

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I live right next to Iwo Jima, and have for about 6 years now. I learned my first year living in Rosslyn that the night before Rolling Thunder comes by is NOT the night to go out drinking. The noise, which is usually fairly early in the AM, is pretty awful and makes a hangover way worse.

It’s fun to watch though

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Protein (generally greek yogurt) and a banana are my go-tos when I am sore and tired. About a month ago after an especially mean commute into work (20+ mph winds against me the entire hilly 10 mile ride, while hauling 30 lbs on my panniers on what may be the LEAST aerodynamic bike ever), my legs cramped…for 4 days. I took the next day off biking, but even so, I was in pain for a week. My sports-trainer friend told me I needed to eat protein a banana within 30 minutes of every shorter ride, and also do the same during any longer rides. I was also told to avoid carbs for 60-90 min after a ride.

2 weeks ago the same mean commute happened. And a greek yogurt and a banana later I was angry at the world and a little tired…but no cramping and not nearly as tired as I’d been. I’m sure some of it is also that I’m building muscle and getting stronger, but still. The food made an immediate impact on my morning and evening soreness.

I also found just upping my veggie servings and cutting carbs in my diet overall (e.g. less rice, more green beans at dinner) gives me more energy, and I sleep better. Switching to homemade bread from store bought bread also caused a pretty quick weight loss for me, so I’d recommend that to anyone who loves bread, but also wants to lose weight and eat healthier. Bread is way easier to make than most people assume.

(note: this is all being written by a woman eating McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries for lunch because the Nats scored 6 runs…and I’m cheap and wanted my free chicken nuggets)

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Gravely Point, although most of the bikes there are the road bike or hybrid types. I also like Del Ray in Alexandria, especially around Velocity. You can sit outside at a cafe, and some cool bikes roll by if the weather is nice.

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Rosslyn had a crowd, although small. Plenty of bagels and coffee for everyone.

The volunteers were nice and offered me a second swag bag, which is awesome because my boyfriend broke his chain so he cant make it to his pit stop in Alexandria. He’ll be officially representing bike Arlington with his new vest, bag, water bottle and hat now

I love the roadside assistance kit and the surviving a crash book they were giving out. Very useful to have.

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Capital Weather Gang tweeted that the worst time for rain and wind is now through 7:15 am…so looks like I’ll be at the Rosslyn stop around 7:20 . It went from light rain to a downpour pretty suddenly over here. I just hope the road isn’t flooded.

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My friend told me he just got an email from the BTWD people saying not to show up at his pit stop in SE DC if it’s at all unsafe to bike in, and that they’d find an alternate date/time to distribute the teeshirts. I haven’t heard anything from Rosslyn, so I’m assuming its still opening as planned…

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