[hoffsquared]

This just posted.

https://www.arlnow.com/2016/06/14/woman-critical-after-crash-at-weekend-bike-event/

[hoffsquared]

Hello,

This was my first Air Force Challenge Ride. I would say that this is not a family friendly ride. I am daily bike commuter and have done many non-drafting triathlons. Riding amid so many and so close was pretty intense for me.

I like the idea of a staggered start to spread out the field. It would be simple to do and not add much time to the event.

There should be emphasis on staying to the right to allow faster riders to pass. I did this as much as I could.

[hoffsquared]

@Tim Kelley 141340 wrote:

I’ve been told that it was worse than it looked like, a lot of road rash and a broken collar bone. But yes, she’s okay.

And left over blood stains for the rest of the laps??

Thanks for the info. Glad that she is okay and not worse that description above.

[hoffsquared]

@MRH5028 141272 wrote:

Did the ride as well and saw the aftermath of the crash you mentioned, when we went through it must have just happened. When we were waiting at the end of the ride they were doing announcements that anybody who saw what happened should head to the police command post. Really hope they everyone is OK

There was also a crash on the downhill from the Air Force memorial, heard somebody crashed into a police officer.

This mix of people taking the ride way to seriously and people who are new to riding in groups is disastrous. They should really a) discourage the “race” mentality, and b) stagger the starts so people are spread out.

Yes, agree on both counts.

[hoffsquared]

@mstone 137378 wrote:

The rei bikes tend to be a pretty good deal, especially with the coupon. You may be able to do better online, but being able to test ride is worth a couple of bucks. If you look closely at the components you can generally see where they hit a price point, but the do a decent job of knowing where to spend money. Any one in particular that you’re looking at?

I am looking at the Novara Forza Donna (https://www.rei.com/product/888344/novara-forza-donna-womens-bike-2016). This probably has more gears that I need but I like the suspension. Or the Corsa Donna. I have not taken a test ride.

Another factor for this purchase is that I am leaving the area in the near future and need to use my bike subsidy before I go. This bike will primarily be used to rides to the grocery store, pool, and around neighborhood streets at a leisurely pace. So it just need to be a decent bike. I would ride it commuting here in NoVA until we move. I also like it that REI does a tune up after you used it for 20 or more hours.

Thanks!

[hoffsquared]

@S. Arlington Observer 135493 wrote:

Head’s Up. The Storm Prediction Center is saying that there is a 95% chance of a tornado watch being issued for the District and points south this afternoon. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md0145.html . The Post’s Capital Weather Gang is on top of it. Best to check radar before heading out. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/02/24/enhanced-risk-of-severe-thunderstorms-for-d-c-area-this-afternoon-and-evening/.

I am hoping that Accuweather’s MinuteCast is accurate. Will be riding around 4:30pm. MinuteCast says no precip on my route by then. Cross my fingers.

[hoffsquared]

@Tim Kelley 133440 wrote:

All of the W&OD Trail in Arlington has been cleared by the NVRPA!

https://twitter.com/NOVA_Parks/status/692453911945482240

Yeah! This morning I walked part of it (with bike). This afternoon was able to ride most of my route — there are still slushy spots and I did walk but tomorrow’s warm weather should help clear everything.

[hoffsquared]

Thx for all of these updates! I will venture forth tomorrow or Thursday.

[hoffsquared]

Anyone try W&OD from Carlin Springs to end towards city and then Four Mile Run to Crystal City? Thx.

[hoffsquared]

Thanks!

[hoffsquared]

Thanks very much! I’ll be checking these various routes out.

I usually get to W & OD via Nevius to Glenmore to Glen Carlyn @ Columbia Pike then through the Glen Carlyn neighborhood.

[hoffsquared]

@americancyclo 93316 wrote:

Got these and a pair of socks for $63 after a $15 coupon code. doing laundry is getting old, i need more bibs!

Thanks for the heads up. Just ordered a pair of bibs.

[hoffsquared]

Thank you for the updates. They are very helpful. Based on a quick peak at the WOD trail while driving and the posts late last night I rode in this morning. Glen Carlyn WOD to FMR to Crystal City. All clear except one bridge. Some ice at Shirlington area on the concrete but there was a clear path the whole way.

[hoffsquared]

@ 7:15 am the WOD from Carlin Springs to Shirlington was wet but not icy. Exception being the bridges. FMRT from Shirlington to MVT another story. Patches of slush on the concrete portion of the trail right near Shirlington. Big white paint stripes at intersections also a bit slippery. I am glad it is supposed to warm up today.

[hoffsquared]

@Jason B 72258 wrote:

Icier than you may think. Took a nice fall on my face this morning coming around a simple turn before the underpass past Giant on Four mile. However, prior to the fall, I was not attending to any ice. Afterwards, I was more attentive and all was well.

Ouch. Was a much slower than usual ride for me. Could hear the crunching of tiny ice particles the whole way. (WOD & FMR to Crystal City). Was glad when I finally got to work…wait what did I just say?

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