[Joe Chapline]

I have fenders on my commuter bike now, but for many years bike racks did double-duty as a back fenders for me. The back fender is more important than the front fender. I had a rack with a solid middle section that helped keep a lot of the water from the back wheel off my back. Before that, I had a rack with a spring-loaded center section. When it rained, I could clamp a newspaper or piece of cardboard in there for a fender. It was also perfect for carrying a basketball — it would pin the ball to the back of the seat. I’d post a link, but I don’t know if they sell those any more.

[Joe Chapline]

@SteveTheTech 4038 wrote:

It really is a shame this forum doesn’t have a points system. As usual that was an epic post.

You can rate the whole thread, though. I haven’t noticed that anyone has used that feature.

I just rated it, so this thread has FIVE stars, while all other threads have NO stars.

[Joe Chapline]

I use one pannier as a briefcase that hooks to one side of the rack. I like this one because the front edge is angled so you don’t hit it with your heel. You can get it for the right or left side: http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FCP

It actually looks much better than the picture. I’ve never had any problem carrying a load on one side only. I don’t understand the physics of it. You’d think it would be a problem, but it’s not. The rack does not interfere with changing a tire. You’d unclip the pannier first, of course.

[Joe Chapline]

I use a rear-mounted kickstand on my Specialized hybrid. It looks like it might work on the Cross Check frame.

[Joe Chapline]

There’s a parking lot in Freeland, I doubt that’s ever full. New Freedom was a ghost town on Memorial Day; lots of parking there. Next time maybe I’ll drive there and check out the Pennsylvania side.

[Joe Chapline]

@CCrew 4046 wrote:

Thanks Joe. Curious, just how busy is that trail? I’ve also heard that parking can be a bit of a challenge? I know there aren’t a lot of trails in Baltimore and wondered if it took the brunt of the local cyclist traffic. Is it shaded, or more open?

The southern end of the trail is very busy on nice days. Lots of cyclists, including groups, but also runners and walkers. Much like the C&O near DC. At times you have to be patient and wait for an opportunity to pass. I enjoy seeing the people, though; that makes it more fun for me. It gets less busy north of Monkton, about 8 miles from the southern end. There’s a large parking lot off Paper Mill Road at the southern end. I got there at 8 am and there were only a few parking places left. When I got back about 12:30, there were ten or so cars parked along the road — overflow from the lot — so I guess that’s tolerated. This was a warm Memorial Day; I don’t think there would be any problem on weekdays or in cool weather. The trail is almost all shaded; just a few, short, open stretches.

[Joe Chapline]

Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes. — Henry David Thoreau

[Joe Chapline]

@OneEighth 3924 wrote:

Slower traffic should stay to the right whether in a car, on a bicycle, or on foot. Staying to the right is a simple, common sense solution that allows for more efficient use of the road, path, or sidewalk. Not only that, it is also a matter of common courtesy.
And, yes, faster traffic needs to display common sense and common courtesy, too.

I’m in favor of both sense and courtesy, common or uncommon. But the reality on a trail, road, or sidewalk, is that other people are using it, and we’re going to be in each others’ way. Everyone is “faster traffic” and everyone is “slower traffic.” (Except for two people in any given sample.)

[Joe Chapline]

I just bought a used road/racing bike for long rides. I’ve been riding hybrid bikes for many years without special clothes. So far, I haven’t gotten used to the rock-hard saddle that came with the bike, or the more expensive, rock-hard saddle I bought to replace it. So I caved in and bought padded shorts. Like I say, I’m new to road bikes and I’m sure there’s a reason for doing it this way. But I wonder if I could market a line of furniture to cyclists; all metal slats and hard wood. And a corresponding line of clothing with furniture cushions sewn to it.

[Joe Chapline]

I’ve often observed this in drivers — they MAKE UP rules, and are offended when others don’t obey them (or even know about them). The German thing is a coincidence because the Autobahn also comes up when drivers are explaining why everyone except them should stay in the right lane on the highway.

[Joe Chapline]

@KLizotte 3827 wrote:

Does anyone know the status of the cyclist that was hit on route 236 in Fairfax last Friday (Bike to work day)? Haven’t found anything online.

Article in Fairfax City Patch yesterday: http://fairfaxcity.patch.com/articles/ice-cream-truck-runs-over-cyclist-on-bike-to-work-day

[Joe Chapline]

@acc 3872 wrote:

Gasp! I was too mortified to say anything but I accidentally ate not one, but two bugs out near Sterling on Monday while on the W&O. One was crunchy. Tasted worse than power bars.

Ann

Funny! Power bars prepare cyclists for whatever might fly into their mouths. Lots of brown marmorated stink bugs around these days. I didn’t realize they flew until they showed up at my house recently.

[Joe Chapline]

I’m pretty sure that the possibility of a penalty is the only thing that will get the majority of trail or road users (cyclists, pedestrians, drivers) to obey traffic control devices. Just putting up the sign or light isn’t enough.

[Joe Chapline]

@acc 3805 wrote:

Spokes is right down the street and so is Whole Foods.

The Whole Foods is a good lunchtime destination from Arlington if you can take a long lunch. About a ten-mile ride each way from where I used to live near Arlington Hospital; stop at the Whole Foods right by the W&OD Trail, pick up a sandwich and a drink, have a little picnic, and ride back.

[Joe Chapline]

I’ll also chime in on the possibility of not needing a shower — even if it doesn’t apply to maximalized, maybe it will to others. I just wanted to mention that most people go to work early in the morning, and it’s rarely very hot, even in the hottest part of the summer. Going home is a different story, but then you’re at home and you can take a shower. I’ve always done my short commutes in business clothes (washable, business casual), no shower, no change of clothes. Again, I know it won’t work for everyone. Hair has not been an issue for me. If I do have helmet head on occasion, I wear it as a badge of honor.

[Author]

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