[JimF22003]

@dkel 72297 wrote:

I rode the W&OD from Falls Church past the Ayr Hill crossing in Vienna between 10:00 and 11:00 this morning. It was almost entirely clear, but it was damp throughout, which has me slightly concerned for my ride home late tonight. Can’t speak to the Reston to Ashburn portion of the trail.

Thanks. I was thinking about heading out into the wind after work, and sailing back. Hopefully it will be above freezing for that.

[JimF22003]

What’s the story on the W&OD from say, Gallows west out to Ashburn?

[JimF22003]

Good luck, and have fun.

Just a comment on terminology: none of the events we’re discussing is a “race.” Except for a few high-level events (“Grand Frodos” as somebody called them) they usually aren’t even timed, let alone events where you are actually competing with anybody but yourself.

Take it at your own pace, and don’t let anybody goad you into turning it into a race.

[JimF22003]

It’s about 75% brightness. If I’m following a course, I don’t usually even have the map showing. I just rely on it telling me when there’s a turn coming up. The only time I use the map to actually find my way around, is when I’m lost

I really had no problems with the battery life until a few months ago. I’ve gone as long as 10 hours while following a route before, and longer if I’m just using it to track data. I think it’s just getting worn out.

I went ahead and ordered a replacement battery. It looks like the “special tool” required is just a screw driver, which is included.

[JimF22003]

@Dirt 71332 wrote:

My 800 is good for almost 12 hours if I don’t stay on the map screen.

Mine used to be too. I only used it for about 5 hours on Saturday before it died. I was using the nav, but wasn’t showing the map that much. The battery has just started lasting less and less for the last few months. Other than that it still works fine, so I’m reluctant to upgrade.

I guess I’ll go for the refurb, or take a shot at the replacement batteries available. I’m hesitant to take a crowbar to the back of the unit, or whatever it is you have to do to break into it to change the battery.

[JimF22003]

I didn’t cross it yesterday, but did ride past there on the MVT. I saw a runner and a biker waiting to cross, and neither of them knew (or thought) that they should push the button to make the light flash.

[JimF22003]

What do you know about replacing the battery on the Garmin 800? I see batteries available on the web but some information indicates you need a special tool, or you have to view a special installation video (??) My unit gives out after about 75 miles now if I’m following a route, especially if I have the map visible. Mine bit the dust on the way home from the cider ride on Saturday, so I have no official proof that I made it a 93-mile ride that day

[JimF22003]

thx! I don’t care about minimizing traffic so much. I just don’t want to get stuck going the wrong way on a one-way street wandering around like a befuddled tourist

[JimF22003]

What’s the best bike route to the ride start from the end of 14th St Bridge Crossing (i.e. Jefferson Memorial.)

I haven’t ridden that part of town at all.

[JimF22003]

@Tim Kelley 70861 wrote:

Someone is going to have a busy December?

Yup, got a ways to go to make 10K…

[JimF22003]

@americancyclo 70789 wrote:

to 9044?

It’s been a life-long goal to someday make it to 9100…

[JimF22003]

I can make javascript jokes too, but they’re not as laugh-out-loud humorous as SQL jokes

[JimF22003]

My tongue was hanging out like that for the whole ride… I’ve been inspired to de-commuterize my Specialized Tri-Cross (28mm tires, with rack etc.) and see how it compares to riding this stuff on the mountain bike. I remain skeptical after losing a few teeth on those washboards

[JimF22003]

I did a 70 mile ride out in Frederick up to Thurmont and back today. There was tons of the salty stuff on the road. I could even see that there were two cyclists on the road ahead of me from their tire tracks, but I never did catch up to them I’ve always just ridden through the salty snow. It should be fine if you clean the bike up afterwards. (Which reminds me…)

I have a carbon frame, and my shifting is electronic, so my main exposure is my brake cables. Probably need to take a little extra care with a steel frame and regular cables, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from riding.

[JimF22003]

@hozn 69735 wrote:

Actually breaks like that are apparently very easy to repair on carbon frames. My buddy shattered his chainstay on his On One carbon hardtail. He read up on it, bought the carbon fiber sheets + epoxy and did the repair himself. It’s held up great to lots of subsequent abuse. I was skeptical, but he says he is now comfortable repairing anything in the rear triangle (where error tends not to land you on your face). Obviously there are folks like Calfree that do this professionally too

I would like to ELITE your buddy.

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