[JimF22003]

they were just setting up on Sterling Blvd last week, so I didn’t stop. Somebody did holler out to me as I passed “wanna fill out a survey about this intersection?”

I was already past her by then, so I just yelled back, “YES, it SUCKS!”

[JimF22003]

As I understand it “Bike Route 1” is not the same as “Car Route 1”. It’s a recommended route for bikes to travel north/south. I’ve ridden parts of it from Aquia down to Fredericksburg. It’s not bad. It meanders a bit.

Here’s an article with some links: http://www.vabike.org/us-bike-route-1-richmond/

[JimF22003]

Took the long way into work this morning, and rode down that little stretch from Harrison (newly paved, thanks.)

Wheee!!

[JimF22003]

I saw a pedestrian get nearly chopped in half by the Marriott on the Custis Trail yesterday. She walked right out into the path without looking, and a rider coming up the hill blew through the stop sign. Pretty deadly combination. They made some contact, but fortunately it didn’t look like there was any major carnage.

[JimF22003]

I was stuck behind a tour bus at Hains Point last night (he pulled out in front of me…) Oh the diesel fumes!

[JimF22003]

I get the impression that the folks in Purcelville aren’t so crazy about the W&OD traffic. I got hassled by somebody who thought I should be on the trail when I was riding on Hirst Rd. Yesterday, coming in from Hillsboro after riding to Harpers Ferry, had no trouble with any traffic for the whole 80-mile day, until somebody called me an “idiot” when I waited for him (though i didn’t have to) when trying to turn left onto the trail from Hatcher Ave. I get the feeling the locals think the trail is just a nuisance…

[JimF22003]

I gotta get more creative. I end up stopping at the BP station in Leesburg where the trail crosses Catoctin Circle

[JimF22003]

Rotate heel outwards. That’s about all there is to it. What kind of pedals did you get? Mtn bike style (SPD) pedals are usually a bit easier to clip in and out of, and they can be adjusted so they’re easier or harder to get into and out of. The shoes are easier to walk around in too. I use those on my cross bike. For the road bike I use Look-style cleats.

Are you physically having trouble getting out? Or do you just forget? That was my main issue for the first couple of weeks. If you physically have trouble getting out that’s an adjustment issue hopefully.

[JimF22003]

@FFX_Hinterlands 4636 wrote:

There appears to be a bike counter at the crossing of four-lane Sterling Blvd in Loudoun Co.? It’s trained on the road crossing. Can only confirm? It’s a couple of pelican cases with what looks like a small camera on a mast about 12 feet in the air.

Don’t remember seeing this the night before last. Must have just added it.

Maybe they’re doing research for putting in a crossing light there.

[JimF22003]

@CCrew 4643 wrote:

Nope. Make it worse on the east side of the bridge rather than resurface the trail they paved a 18″ wide strip to widen it slightly so it was a bit less of a transition. So now you have a nice seam/line from old to new pavement that runs in the direction of travel to boot.

Whoever signed off on this one should be dragged out there and horsewhipped.

It looks like they might be getting ready to lay another layer of pavement from the bridge ends down across the part where they added the strip on the side. Hopefully the part with the strip is just a temporary base for the new layer.

[JimF22003]

I wasn’t commuting, but I did get out and ride for a couple of hours this afternoon. Just got a new bike, and had to get out there and try it out.

I did 30 miles, and didn’t bring water or stop for any. I should have though. I was getting borderline overheated and weak by the time I got back.

Not bad as long as you keep moving (and bring water.) But as soon as I got off the bike I was dripping like somebody who just won a wet t-shirt contest…

[JimF22003]

I wasn’t commuting, but I did get out and ride for a couple of hours this afternoon. Just got a new bike, and had to get out there and try it out.

I did 30 miles, and didn’t bring water or stop for any. I should have though. I was getting borderline overheated and weak by the time I got back.

Not bad as long as you keep moving (and bring water.) But as soon as I got off the bike I was dripping like somebody who just won a wet t-shirt contest…

[JimF22003]

I’m sure I announce my passes way more than the average user, but I won’t if 1) the trail is plenty wide, and I’ll be passing completely on the left side of the trail, 2) the person is wearing earbuds, 3) it’s a Mom/Dad with a wobbly kid on a bike. 99% of the time, the poor kid will be startled, look back, and just swerve right into the lane in front of me. I just coast on by with my hands on the brakes ready to ditch if I have to.

Basically I’m not an “always” person. I’ll do it when it makes sense, and when it is actually helpful.

[JimF22003]

I’ve heard of people using the quick-release levers from their wheels as an emergency tire lever. Luckily for me, I’ve never had to try it…

[JimF22003]

When I was in highschool (in the 70’s, ahem) I used to be able to tear my Campagnolo-equipped bike down to the last bearing and put it back together again. Now I’m afraid to touch half the stuff on my bike. I can do cassette changes, chain changes, pedal and saddle swaps, and brake pads, and minor derailleur adjustments. Anything else just gives me the willies

I bought a fancy Parktool torque wrench a couple of weeks ago because I got a new seatpost, and was afraid of over-torquing the seatpost collar. For some reason I was expecting that when the torque wrench hit the limit it would sort of “ratchet” multiple times like a freewheel or something. Instead it just makes a single “click” to tell you it went over the limit. So like a dummy when mine did the “click” I just kept turning. Sort of defeats the purpose

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