[lordofthemark]

I have heard that as of yesterday, MVT was ice and snow except at certain bridges where Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail cleared it.

Other trail info – I rode the Four Mile Run Trail on Thursday, it was quite rideable from Shirlington at least to South Meade (IE near the shopping center with the Giant) I have heard that there were issues on the boardwalk by the power facility.

W&OD was rideable from Walter Reed to Bluemont (that was the part I rode today) if a bit narrower in spots. Note most side connections to neighborhoods, like at 7th, or at Park, looked absolutely NOT rideable. Bluement trail was rideable, mostly, though narrower in spots. Lucky Run Trail (by Walter Reed) was rideable, with a couple of spots that were absolutely NOT (solid ice)

Last I heard Holmes Run Trail in Alexandria was still covered with snow.

Around Alexandria and Arlington there are still lots of ramps to crosswalks filled with snow. Bike lanes are iffy. In addition to snow in the bike lanes, cars are often parked well into the door zone bike lanes, as drivers compensate for snow near the curb.

[lordofthemark]

Thank you. If you are not already attend meetings of Alexandriaa Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, you should – this kind of suggestion is just what we need.

[lordofthemark]

“can we repeat forts others have already done?”

Yes. Each person’s Civil War Defense journey is their own. You could also organize a group ride to one, if you want to be that regimented.

[lordofthemark]

More progress. This PBLm pair is complete and, IMO, very good, and its heavily used.

[lordofthemark]

Thankful for progress. The new medical office building on the north end of the campus has abundant excellent bike parking that I use whenever I go there (and used when I rode for a follow up appointment after my fall a year ago)

[lordofthemark]

I had the opportunity to discuss this with a non cyclist who likes to walk in Hains Point a few weeks ago, and she said its MUCH better now.

[lordofthemark]

More material to help find forts

https://npshistory.com/publications/cwdw/brochures/index.htm

https://npshistory.com/publications/cwdw/cli-1996.pdf

The alphabetical list

https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/civilwar/hrsa1-a.htm

An NPS facebook page, for interesting facts, and maybe a place to ask questions

https://www.facebook.com/cwdwnps

[lordofthemark]

And don’t post a gazillion things about infrastructure, coffee clubs, or solar powered ebikes to the Freezing Saddles forum. I guess.

[lordofthemark]

To no one’s suprise, I wish to be a Friend of BAFS in 2025, as I was in 2024.

My contributions will be to do the Civil War Forts pointless prize, to argue with Steve patiently explain to Steve the benefit of the Friends leaderboard, and to discuss BAFS trivia, and all other trivia

[lordofthemark]

That PBL on Mt Olivet is quite something, I must say.

I’m actually glad to see that the Fl Avenue full PBL is not done yet, as I did not ride the entire length of it yesterday and now I feel justified in waiting and coming back to explore later.

[lordofthemark]

Ah, it didn’t even occur to me to consider the Palisades Trolley Trail, I rode on it once years ago, and while for a while I followed discussion of it, I have not lately.

I believe at least one member of our community used to use the connection at Potomac near Norton to get from CCT into upper NW. I got from CCT to MacArthur by taking Canal>Reservoir up from the boat house – not the optimal choice, I think.

Good to see focus on connectivity.

[lordofthemark]

My intent is to wait and see if the 250 (?) slots fill up. If yes, I want to be a Friend of BAFS. If no, I would take a slot on a team. So, just wait?

[lordofthemark]

Yesterday I did an “infrastructure ride”

Arizona – well done. I assume it was mainly for traffic calming? I will not likely be using it much, both because of location and that hill. Though I can’t imagine climbing that hill without a PBL. The connection to CCT will help if anyone is actually going to use it for transportation.

Columbia Road on the other hand – it was being used yesterday by numerous riders. While I am not in AdMo that much, I would see using it at least a couple of times a year, and it might motivate me to get to AdMo more. I can see issues with the floating bus stops, but they work okay elsewhere and I would hope they will hear. Other than that, excellent design. I didnt explore all the connectivity issues as it was nearing time to head home, but PBLs on at least part of Connecticut would really help this.

Next DC infra ride will probably be Mt Olivet.

[lordofthemark]

Thanks Chris.

Columbia has been in the news, and its definitely on my list to check out – as is Arizona, though that is less convenient to get to. I vaguely recall seeing something about Mt Olivet.

M Street of course I see regularly, and have used (and Eye Street SE-SW which also is now protected)

I was on Potomac not that long ago, there was more infra there than I had remembered, but not sure if that was before the project was finished.

I have a lot of recon to do.

[lordofthemark]

I have now used the bridge a couple of times, I’m pleased with it.

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