[MRH5028]

When the Freshbikes in Ballston was still Conte’s I stopped in a few times. Always felt that they were a bit pretentious and not super friendly unless your bike cost as much as a base model Kia. For the record, I have had good experiences at the FB in Mosaic.

[MRH5028]

Glad this thread has sparked some discussion about infrastructure in the area. This morning on my ride in instead of making the left onto Gallows from Prosperity, I stayed straight and cut through the condo development. I then made the right onto Gallows at Belleforest/Avenir. This let me get the jump on cars on Gallows when the light changed. Worked pretty well.

I think simply putting sharrows and some “bikes may use full lane” signage near the bridge would help things a lot, at least by making cars more aware.

The sidewalk over the bridge is very narrow and I think if using that route I would get off and walk my bike, in case another bike or pedestrian comes the other way.

[MRH5028]

Taking the lane seems to be the best option, especially because the shoulders over the bridge have a lot of debris.

[MRH5028]

That video was scary to watch knowing how many people I see on a daily basis using their phone wile driving. Using a phone while driving needs to be raised to the same level of stigma as DWI/DUI.

Also knowing that teenagers are often the culprits of cell phone use I think we really need to start talking about adjusting the driving age or implementing more restrictions on younger drivers. Not to say that the over 70 crowd is any better at driving.

Protected bike lanes would be nice, but that is not a cure for the real problem of distracted driving. In a perfect world we would have protected bike lanes and fully attentive drivers, but sadly that won’t happen anytime soon.

[MRH5028]

Me: Riding down Gallows towards Dunn Loring after a morning ride on the W&OD
You: Honda Civic SI Hatchback speeding down gallows, passing me with 6 inches to spare, and swirving into the left lane narrowly missing a truck. Your job must be very important to be in such a hurry.

Also a thanks to the Fairfax Connector bus driver who pulled up next to me at the light near the metro station to commiserate about the crazy driver above. At first I thought you were going to tell me to stay off road, instead you made my morning.

[MRH5028]

@vern 104837 wrote:

I just rode the WOD from Reston to past Park St. in Vienna on slicks. Very doable up to Park St., with the large majority of the trail having at least some clear space. I only had to get off the bike at Buck Thorn, as the approaches on both sides of the hill were snow covered, causing me to spin my wheels going up the hill. On the other side of Park st (east), conditions deteriorated markedly, and someone who passed me going the other way told me it was much worse heading further east, so I stopped and turned around. Hopefully the sun this afternoon will melt some of that.

Can confirm. Just got back from riding WOD from Gallows to Hunter Mill and back. Gallows to Maple is mostly packed snow and ice, was ridable with my CX tires, but certainly some slick spots. Past vienna to Hunter Mill was basically all pavement with some patches of snow.

[MRH5028]

Just to provide an example of how a similar assault went down in a state where you can carry (PA) read this article: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/weird/Thun-Trail-Shooting-Juveniles-Cyclist-138097778.html

That being said I think the answer to the assaults lies more on the enforcement and patrol side of the debate, rather than the concealed carry side.

[MRH5028]

Semi-Related article: Fairfax, hub of traffic, adopts master plan for bikes

All of this is good news for Fairfax, which has lagged behind Arlington and Alexandria in terms of bike infrastructure. It may not be everything we want, but it is a large step in the right direction. A lot of truth in this quote: ‘ “Fairfax is competing with Arlington, Alexandria and the District for companies and for young professionals, and those young professionals don’t necessarily want to get in their cars and go places,” said Bruce Wright, chairman of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling.’

[MRH5028]

Friday, around 8:30am where Park St. in Vienna crosses the W&OD

Me: Unclipped on one foot and obviously slowing to a stop to wait for a clear slot to cross Park St. and head towards Dunn Loring

You: Little old lady in late 90’s Civic coming to a screeching, sliding, halt and waving me to cross from about 10 feet away

I obviously was planning on waiting for you to cross the intersection, but I appreciate the thought. Maybe just roll through next time and save your brakes.

[MRH5028]

Saw this guy absolutely crushing it on the Tour de Cure sunday.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5807[/ATTACH]

[MRH5028]

@americancyclo 86436 wrote:

If you reply to todays event, I’m sure we can get you on the reminder list for next week:
https://www.facebook.com/events/784637408214353

Done! Thanks!

[MRH5028]

I think I may have seen you guys, you passed me then I was behind you for a bit until you peeled off for the pop-up tents in Falls Church. Had no idea what it was. I had a black backpack, blue jersey, on a black and white trek.

Will have to look into the caravan for next time.

[MRH5028]

Was my first time riding to my new job today. Took the W&OD from Merrifield to the Custis then across the key bridge. From there I took M to Pennsylvania to L down to 16th. Was a nice easy ride, but may not be an everyday thing. Probably an every Friday thing.

[MRH5028]

I think for the first one of these he did he released a “behind the scenes” thing where he said he only had 1 flat during filming and no issues with rims or frame. Pretty amazing.

[MRH5028]

I did the 8am cat 4/5 race (bib #160, was wearing the jersey with the Reddit alien on it) and it was probably the best race I have done this season. The mud had yet to totally kick in and by the final laps there was decent snow cover. Perfect CX weather. I wasn’t able to stick around and watch the later races but from all the pictures it looks like it was pretty epic.

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