[jpaulwhite]

@Drewdane 127508 wrote:

Riding erratically, mostly. Speed (or lack of same) doesn’t really bug me one way or another. One lady headed the opposite direction cut right in front of me to pass a runner and then basically forced me to swerve aside. I guess worrying about a head-on collision is for “other people”. Another guy decided that me ringing my bell and moving to the left to pass someone was a signal to speed up and try to pass both of us first; only the sound of his drivetrain alerted me to the fact that I was about to get run into (and yes, I could’ve checked the lane before moving over, but AFAIC the onus is on the passer to WAIT until the path is clear before ALERTING the passee before actually passing – like I did for the jogger in front of me). I got to watch still another rider a ways ahead of me brush by pedestrians without any warning, visibly scaring the crap out of several of them. Not cool.

Ahhhhh. The excitement of dealing with an overcrowded trail. Almost as exciting as looking over your shoulder every five seconds to try to make eye contact with any cars about to zoom by you when riding in the street lol.

[jpaulwhite]

@Drewdane 127485 wrote:

My commute this morning was frustrating. A lot of clueless people apparently hellbent on causing an accident along the WOD and Martha Custis. Sadly, most of them were cyclists.

Were they going too slow? Or too fast?

[jpaulwhite]

Had a great ride in today. Can’t wait for this evening

[jpaulwhite]

@creadinger 126845 wrote:

Goddamnit…. as I’m wearing more layers with the chilly weather I have forgotten to hang them all up so they dry while at work. Ugh… starting a chilly commute home in cold, damp clothing sucks.

That’s the WORST! I keep a heater in my office to assist the drying

[jpaulwhite]

Hello

Had a great ride in this morning. I come down Columbia Pike in Baileys Crossroads and take Carlin Springs to Ballston. I’m finally starting to feel stronger yaaaaayyyy lol. Can’t wait till tomorrow and those upper70s

[jpaulwhite]

@skins_brew 93478 wrote:

It was 60 degrees this morning, which to me, is a bastard of a temp. Just cool enough where I am going to be really cold in short sleeves, and two warm if I wear a jacket. My jacket is an REI one that has windstopper panels in front and spandex/poly in the back. I opted for a merino blend long sleeve shirt and a dry fit short sleeve over that. I was pretty cool for the first 3 or so miles, but got comfortable after that.

With that said, I am a real wiener when it comes to being cold! Summer, please don’t go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is hoping for a scorcher in Sept!

I am so with you. I’ll take heat any day over the cold

[jpaulwhite]

Feeling better and better every day Great ride in this morning

[jpaulwhite]

@bobco85 93430 wrote:

Hmm, I always thought that route was relatively hill-free. I’m curious to know what route you take so I can understand a less hilly route through that area.

Oh ok now I see. I’m traveling the opposite direction. On my route (Straight up Carlin Springs) theres only 3 hills, and you can build up enough speed to make them negligible. If I go your route I don’t think I can build up speed to make it up the hills as easily (There’s a couple of long hills IIRC) Same thing applies when going home (The other way)

[jpaulwhite]

@bobco85 93394 wrote:

What area are you headed to? Between Ballston and Route 50, I use Carlin Springs until I cross the bridge over George Mason, then I turn right onto Edison (first street after the bridge) and cut through the neighborhood to reach the Bluemont Junction Trail which takes me to the W&OD/Four Mile Run. (Edit: this is for heading from Ballston to Route 50.)

(Edit: adding this) If heading from Route 50 to Ballston, you could use W&OD/Four Mile Run -> Bluemont Junction Trail -> Wilson Blvd to get to Ballston

I have been that route before but the hills are a bit much for me and it takes a bit longer. Thanks fo rthe suggestion though

[jpaulwhite]

@CPTJohnC 93354 wrote:

Yesterday was one of those evenings when I felt like all the cars were trying to kill me. I rarely have those feelings. Let me set the stage: I left the office around 4:15, walked over to the CaBi station and grabbed a bike, taking time to adjust the seat and placing my helmet on my head (1st mistake? who knows!). I pedaled over to the 1st intersection, 3d st. and Independence SW. I was trying to cross Independence, with the light, and 4 cars completely ignored the pedestrian (and cyclist, and oncoming car) right of way, just bulling their way through to turn left, so they could get to the 395 entrance. I cross this intersection almost daily, and this is NOT normal. Shortly thereafter, I had a tourmobile pull away from the curb on the mall seemingly without looking, forcing me into the left lane (where I dutifully pedaled hard enough to pass the large motor vehicle). I crossed Constitution without incident, then had a car pull out of a “no parking or standing” area again seemingly without looking. Admittedly, this was not into me, but rather in front of me, however I was forced to brake… going uphill… on a CaBi – way too close for my comfort. Next incident involved a car turning right across the cycletrack on 1st st. NE, completely ignoring the 3 bikes already proceeding through on the green light, one of which was me. I managed to arrive at NoMa metro station without further incident, but not happy about having so many incidents in a 2 mile, 10 minute ride.

But almost more disturbing: after I got home, I was driving to an evening meeting and watched a cyclist cross 10-11 lanes of traffic, all against lights, with seemingly no regard for any traffic laws, rights of way or his own survival. It was dusk, he had no lights, no significant reflective gear, and he did nothing to signal his intentions or otherwise telegraph his actions for the many cars also negotiating the intersection.

EVERY Friday evening is like that for me. I swear I’m about to start riding on the sidewalks on Fridays and just deal with angry pedestrians. You do not want to be on Carlin Springs road between 6 and 620 on a Friday between Route 50 and Ballston

[jpaulwhite]

@pfunkallstar 93365 wrote:

Wonderful morning – but got caught in a gaggle of joggers by the Lincoln Memorial – is this a daily thing? If so, it needs more hot pants.

Man I need to get my GoPro back in working order. You should SEE some of the shorts (Underwear) women are wearing in public these days

Hope I didnt offend anyone im still a nice guy 😮

[jpaulwhite]

Had a great ride in this morning. My left leg hurt a tad on the left side right above my knee, but after I warmed up I was good to go 😎

And I 3rd keeping this weather. I was just thinking how am I gonna pack all my winter gear in my bag, I hope winter never gets here lol

[jpaulwhite]

It was a great ride in this morning!

[jpaulwhite]

@Terpfan 93136 wrote:

My exact sentiments for today.

Of course last night, I was never fully drenched. It was just a constant light rain the whole way. Annoying, but manageable.

I think we’ll be alright

Just checked…no rain till 7ish in my neck of the woods (By the Trader Joes on Columbia Pike)

[jpaulwhite]

I guess you all don’t remember the Arl County truck that fell partially through a bridge on the W&OD over there by the junction with the Custis trail lol…it sat there for almost a week! I was amazed that it didn’t go all the way through

[Author]

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