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@peterw_diy 71664 wrote:

I’m new to Strava so I guess I’ll figure some of this out as I play with the soft-launch BAFS site, but it really gives me the heebie-jeebies thinking that BAFS could lead to exposing so much info — routes, days I ride vs. days I might be on vacation, rough home location, etc.

How is that different from using Strava in general?

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Yep I attempted the beginning of Custis and saw how bad the overpasses were and bailed around Adams and then took Lee Hwy. I hate taking Lee (prior to this week, the last time I took it I was hit by a car) but the ice is even worse.

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http://freezingsaddles.com/

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Me too!

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@DismalScientist 71515 wrote:

I found the trails difficult with 28s and would suggest cross tires. After freezing tonight, studs will be recommended on the trails.

What do you mean, suggest cross tires? Do they make a big difference in slushy rides like Monday or snow like this morning? On Monday morning I took my road bike (my only bike) with its narrow slicks on Custis and didn’t have a great time so I’ve been thinking about getting a cross bike, but I’m not sure if it would help on days like tomorrow morning if there ends up being ice. Tomorrow I’ll probably take Lee Hwy instead of Custis, which I hate doing but is probably marginally safer…

This is my first real winter commuting (last year I biked but my entire commute was essentially biking over Key Bridge) so I’d appreciate any advice from any of you veterans!

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@TwoWheelsDC 71367 wrote:

The ride in on the Custis wasn’t too bad, except for the overpasses, which were frighteningly horrible. Lots of branches down too. The TR bridge was a mile long slush ride, which was kinda fun, but I couldn’t imagine doing it on slicks.

This was exactly my experience (the overpasses are apparently made out of some sort of magical cold-retaining substance) except I was on slicks and somehow managed to make it over Key Bridge without falling. I think next time I’m going to just take the roads.

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@dasgeh 71075 wrote:

The red herring is when people use that argument against protecting cyclists. But the fact is, that image exists, and it exists because of our behavior. It would behoove us to stop behaving that way. For example, at a PTA meeting, a parent mentioned that she finds the Custis dangerous because no cyclists stop at red lights.

Well, to be fair, that section of Custis is dangerous, just not (in my opinion) because of the light jumping. It’s things like the limited visibility for cars turning out of Quinn, the bad intersection at Lynn, and mixing pedestrians with bikes on a steep downhill section that make it dangerous.

@dasgeh 71075 wrote:

I could only correct her that “few” cyclists stop at red lights. C’mon.

Every cyclist stops at Fort Meyer Dr, when it actually makes sense to. But going west across Oak with no cars around? I just don’t see the point.

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Signed up!

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@consularrider 71039 wrote:

Since I almost never see anyone stop and wait through a red light cycle on the Custis at Scott, Oak, or Nash when there are no cars, people aren’t being honest.

This section is part of my daily commute and I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone stop and wait for the light to turn green at Oak or Nash without cars present. Even at Scott waiting is pretty rare.

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Sorry for the delay. Finally got around to doing this. Here’s what I reported:

Location 1: Custis Trail just east of N Vernon St
Problem 1: Large bumps in pavement on north side of trail that are dangerous for bikers and pedestrians, especially at night.

Location 2: Custis Trail – Between N Oak St and where N Pierce St would hit the trail; probably exactly where N Pierce Ct would hit the trail
Problem 2:There are 3 large pot holes on the westbound portion of the trail (north side). These holes are dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians alike. There are especially difficult to see at night.

Location 3: Custis Trail underneath the 21st ST N bridge on the north side
Problem 3: More large bumps that are difficult to see at night.

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Today was miserable. It didn’t really start raining until I had already left, but by the time I got to work I could barely feel my feet. Really could have used my shoe covers today . Too bad every cold weather cycling shoe I’ve seen has been ridiculously expensive…

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Custis is messed up in so many places.

Going west down the hill just after the turnoff for Uhle when you get to the bottom of the hill

Going west right before the turn onto the bridge over Glebe

etc…

I’ll try to figure out the exact locations (I can picture it in my head but when looking at a map I’m not sure) and report.

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Nice to meet everyone today!

-Ben

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@Dirt 69730 wrote:

One of the things that I always liked about Freshbikes as a customer was that they had all the cool stuff in stock so that I could touch it, feel it, try it on, take it for a ride, etc. before buying it.

Yes, I definitely agree, and this is why I sometimes find myself “accidentally” stopping by there on the way home from work. And because of their selection, I end up buying things there that I wasn’t planning to, but that I really like (like a thin base layer and a balaclava, both of which I’ve worn pretty much every day since…).

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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@Dirt 69718 wrote:

Freshbikes Mosaic has them in stock if you want to try them on too.

Is it bad form to try on stuff for sizing in a store with the intention of ordering online? I go to Freshbikes in Arlington to try things on a lot because they have decent selection but eventually feel guilty and start buying things there…

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