[JorgeGortex]

I wonder if WABA could work with NPS to sponsor a “power washer day?” Until a better solution is found this stretch of boardwalk needs to be cleaned. A gas powered power washer (or 3) and some hearty souls to use them could make the surface much safer just by blasting the goo off. Not sure how quickly it would come back, but it would be a start.

On the topic, I am not sure there is any substance you can put on the surface of those wooden boards that is not going to wear out and/or be slime covered itself soon enough. The constant shade, high humidity, nature of the surface makes it a goo breeding ground for sure.

-JG

[JorgeGortex]

Liz,

In plain terms: its not going to happen. As someone who has worked on a public access project in the area, close to the GW Pkwy in Arlington, for years I know that the NPS is about one thing: control. And they do not give it up willingly. They stick to their single minded view of how they believe things are, and that is the reality they live in. If everyone else doesn’t live in their reality… well then that is their problem. It is so sad, and so true. What makes it even crazier is that each “park” in the area is governed by a different director even if they are sitting right next to each other. The C&O Canal Park and the Thompson Boat Center as an example. So that means you have to get two administrators on board.

The fact is that nothing is going to happen until they decide they want it to happen, OR you can bring congressional weight to bear on the issue (Moran…).

JG

@eminva 21423 wrote:

Okay, trying some outside-of-the-box thinking here . . .

Let’s admit what the GW Parkway is: a major commuting highway that serves an essential function in the region.

What about a campaign to move the whole GW Parkway out of NPS jurisdiction? Call it an interstate and put it under the appropriate authority (is that VDOT? Sorry, not a transportation person here). They can keep the “park,” such as it is, under NPS control (e.g., all the land to either side of the road).

This would force them to admit that you cannot have bikes and pedestrians crossing the road and that appropriate infrastructure is needed for crossings/exits/entrances of all types. Given the large number of tourist attractions in the vicinity, I think they could not ignore this and would have to put something workable in place.

Motorists might like this because it would mean projects like the Humpback Bridge could be accomplished more quickly and easily. Also, it could eventually correct a lot of the crappy engineering that makes it such a drag to drive on. Finally, they wouldn’t have to worry that one day they might hit a cyclist.

Liz

[JorgeGortex]

@chris_s 19872 wrote:

Good point – coming across the Route 1 bridge is definitely more straightforward – it’s how I started out as well.

Guess we’ll find out tomorrow if the Carlyle Pit Stop is any good!

For what its worth they were putting up tents in the “stadium” area of the circle. Lot of people bike into the PTO. I hope its a good crowd there tomorrow to remind everyone that biking is an important and useful mode of transport to and from the area.

[JorgeGortex]

@chris_s 19867 wrote:

Not sure which would be faster, but would definitely warn you that getting from the trail to Dawes Ave may be dicey – King Street is basically a highway in that area. I know parts of the Holmes Run Trail are prone to flooding and parts are unpaved – not sure which parts so you’ll want to double check that if you aren’t familiar with that stretch. Perhaps someone else can speak to that.

I agree with Chris. The route that we have both suggested, more or less, is the safest way to travel. I got pretty comfortable riding along Commonwealth after a trip or two. I just keep my eyes up and make contact with as many drivers as possible. Crossing Mt. Vernon Ave. might be the only other confusing spot on the route as you have to watch and patient to go with the correct lights. Headed towards Carlyle, at this intersection, the oncoming traffic gets the light before your side does. Your instinct is to go as soon as you see movement of cars, so just be aware here. Otherwise, piece of cake.

[JorgeGortex]

@chris_s 19864 wrote:

JorgeGortex, if you pop across at Mt. Vernon Avenue and switch to the Alexandria side of the Four Mile Run trail then cut through the parking lot between the ball fields it saves about 2 minutes vs going all the way over to the Route 1 bridge (see my route map if you want detail)

Good suggestion Chris. I’ve been this way before as well. I remember the first time I took it I got a little confused and ended up going through some other neighborhood instead of popping out onto Commonwealth where I wanted. Hence my suggestion of my route for someone new to the route. Its a few simple turns and easy to track where you are. Thanks for sharing! See ya out there.

[JorgeGortex]

Yup. Thirded I take W&OD to 4 Mile run. Loop up and over Four Mile run next to Rt. 1 and then up Common Wealth all the way to Carlyle. I work at the USPTO there off Duke. If you look at my map of the route, you will see a funny dog leg near the Duke St. Metro. there is actually a little spur of road with a traffic light that will take you across into the Metro parking lot (google would not lay the route straight across through the light). I find it easier when going to wait at this light, cross King, and into the Metro lot than navigating the mess of streets. Coming back you have not alternative if you are riding through this area.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Washington+and+Old+Dominion+Trail&daddr=38.8431689,-77.08186+to:38.843572,-77.06035+to:38.80901,-77.06065+to:38.80711,-77.0599+to:38.80711,-77.0599+to:38.8068601,-77.0602332+to:38.8065267,-77.0601843+to:John+Carlyle+St&hl=en&ll=38.805855,-77.060187&spn=0.010484,0.017252&sll=38.878272,-77.132671&sspn=0.010474,0.017252&geocode=FYY_UQIdfPRm-w%3BFSCzUAId_NJn-yk1THoTSbG3iTEJYwLA4PZg2Q%3BFbS0UAIdAido-ylpSRc3KrG3iTGLdUlGf3SSfg%3BFbItUAId1iVo-ymhau8XAbG3iTGaqlftPFMgbA%3BFUYmUAIdxCho-ylbtP-NALG3iTF8O5uanWARUQ%3BFUYmUAIdxCho-ylbtP-NALG3iTF8O5uanWARUQ%3BFUwlUAIddydo-ykpHN-PALG3iTE72nsylRxO7w%3BFf4jUAIdqCdo-ylx3VueALG3iTEcLjS9ukNvOw%3BFZsaUAIdGSJo-w&oq=Duke+Street&dirflg=b&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=16&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&t=m&z=16&lci=bike

I’ll be out riding, taking this route, tomorrow morning for the first time in awhile. Have miss commuting via bike! Have fun with your ride.

G.

[JorgeGortex]

You may be down, but you aren’t out! Keep it positive and you’ll back out there soon enough. As stated cycling will always be there for you. For now, chin up and get well soon. Your friends on the forum are pulling for you. Cheers.

[JorgeGortex]

I can’t remember the name of the stuff, but when I was in high school one of my teammates burned himself with cooking oil (at work) during our rowing season. He used this neat stuff that was a water based gel in sheet form. If I remember, you pulled off one backing side and applied it to the wounded area. The other side still had a thin plastic membrane, I think. You covered the whole thing with a gauze bandage and tape. His wound was on his leg, and he wore spandex shorts for practice. Given that rowing is a very repetitive motion sport, and this stuff held up so well, I’d recommend it. He rowed for the next 3 weeks after it happened using the stuff with success… which brought us success in the form a national championship.

Good luck and hope you heal fast!

[JorgeGortex]

This is sad and all too true. As a cyclist and runner on the trails it upsets me to see so many impatient, rude, and inconsiderate people on the trail. From the giant groups runs sponsored by local clubs who fill 3/4 of the trail, to the cyclists who don’t seem to know how to use their brakes to give other a break. It appears the self-important these days merely get out their cars and onto the trail and ruin it for the brotherhood of good natured trail users. Naive? Maybe. But I’d sure rather be that way than a jackass.

[JorgeGortex]

Here is a link to their classy website: http://www.nps.gov/uspp/tele.htm

Central Station (District One) – 960 Ohio Drive S.W.,Washington , D. C. 20020 (202) 426-6710

Maybe if people start calling the precinct and filing formal complaints… especially if people are treated rudely or endangered while riding, we can make a difference.

[JorgeGortex]

Ah ha! Here is the company I have my flashing belt from. I really like it and they have other products too:

http://stridelight.com/index.htm

I have the belt and it is bright, flashy, and definitely catches attention.

@JorgeGortex 10923 wrote:

I also have a belt similar to this one (don’t have the brand for mine handy):

http://www.shop.safetylightbelt.com/main.sc

Mine flashes a bright blue that is very eye catching. I often sling it over my shoulder at night to help with side lighting. Amusingly, before I had one for me, I had a collar for my black Lab. It was amusing to let her off leash at night and all you’d see was a roaming, blue, pulse of light in the bushes. I never lost her though!

If I can find the name on mine I’ll pass it along too.

There is also the DownLowGlow product. http://www.rockthebike.com/the-down-low-glow/

[JorgeGortex]

I also have a belt similar to this one (don’t have the brand for mine handy):

http://www.shop.safetylightbelt.com/main.sc

Mine flashes a bright blue that is very eye catching. I often sling it over my shoulder at night to help with side lighting. Amusingly, before I had one for me, I had a collar for my black Lab. It was amusing to let her off leash at night and all you’d see was a roaming, blue, pulse of light in the bushes. I never lost her though!

If I can find the name on mine I’ll pass it along too.

There is also the DownLowGlow product. http://www.rockthebike.com/the-down-low-glow/

[JorgeGortex]

Dear older, 70 something rider near the USPTO in Alexandria,

You looked amazing in your full biking regalia, including helmet (kuddos), on your sweet ride. It was not, however, super cool that you meandered up the middle of the lane slowed, and made a u-turn in the middle of the street, without looking around or considering any of the cars, pedestrians, etc. nearby thus causing everyone involved to have a slight wide-eyed-white-knuckled moment. Maybe an extra bad call at a busy 4-way stop intersection in front of a busy Starbucks. If you would like to live into your 80’s enjoying your bike, I would suggest reconsidering said behavior in the future. Remember that you also make all (safe and considerate) cyclists look like idiots by practicing this riding technique.

Love, the person in the car (unfortunately not on his bike this given day) behind you.

[JorgeGortex]

As a long time biking enthusiast but rookie bike commuter I thought pretty hard about my lighting and how I’d implement it. This morning was the test. I follow what Dirt was describing:

I have my Niterider Mininewt USB 600 up front on the bars, and a PrincetonTec Swervelight in back. I am commuting from the intersection of WO&D and Custis to near the King Street Metro. On the trail I set the front light to its lowest constant setting on the trail. I figured this alerted others on the trail to me coming, and gave me a heads up if there was debris or something. Once I hit Commonwealth and was on the street I switched the light to flashing mode. I want my light to catch drivers, and pedestrian’s attention. I need this more than light to see the road. The PrincetonTec was set to flash the entire time.

With the front light I am also making sure to tilt it so its not aimed straight into people’s eyes, but aimed down so the center of light hits about 25 yards ahead of me. If the street signs are any indicator it is still visible pretty far away… but I am not blinding anyone. I’ve had super bright flashing lights hit me square in the face from on coming cyclists. The stroboscopic effect is very disorienting, and the light intensity blinding. It kills off you night vision and then you are seeing spots instead of the road like you should be. Its rude and dangerous. Also a great way to piss off drivers who we want to be supportive of sharing the road with us.

For night riding on streets I also have a electroluminecent belt that flashes that I sling over my shoulder or around my pack for side visibility. Add in bright yellow jackets and I am doing the best I can I think.

Cheers,

JG

@Dirt 9581 wrote:

Front lights on the trail have much less to do with being seen than seeing. For that reason, I personally think the people who ride with a 900 lumen light in blink mode are either exceedingly rude or unaware of how offensive their lights are.

There are a few camps out there. I know lots of people who I respect that use high powered lights on the trail and keep them on high even with approaching traffic. It helps promote safety, though it does blind other trail users.

I’m a little different. I turn my light down to its lowest setting when I hit the trail (125 Lumen is low). That is enough for me to see by, but minimizes the blinding effect. I also will cover the light if I can when I see someone approaching with reflective gear or lights on. I tend to be “holier than thou” about people who take no part in their own safety. If they can’t be bothered to be seen, I don’t feel like I need to cover my light. I know that achieves nothing.

Generally I find with the light set on low, I take advantage of what ambient light is there and actually have better night vision further down the trail. It helps that I’m usually riding into the sunrise and sunset on both of my commutes. I can see very well even with minimal light.

When I hit the street, the light goes onto high beam. When I cross the Lynn Street Death Zone, I put it on 900 Lumen Blink mode. It upsets some drivers, but at least they see me.

Hope that helps a little.

Pete

[JorgeGortex]

Well, I am late to this comment thread, but it is more than just the wooden planks getting wet. In those shaded areas the problem is also the mildew/green goo that grows on the wooden planks. With no sun to dry the boards out it just grows and creates the slime that helps make the boards slick. I doubt there is an easy solution to this problem, especially once the anti-rot chemicals contained in the pressure treated lumber fades away. Pressure washing the boards and then sealing with something like Thomson’s Water Seal will help lessen the growth of the algae like stuff. You might need to use a bleach on the boards as well, but NPS will never go for that.

Any use of paints will only make things slicker. It is doubtful that grip tape like that used on skateboards and boats will adhere to these old and already messy boards. Were they clean it might last for awhile.

My $.02 worth.

[Author]

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