[MRH5028]

I feel guilty about this, but my commute to work is a mile. Ballston to Clarendon. I know I’m lucky to have an easy commute, but come next year my office is moving to the Reston area so that will come to an end. Some days I’m “lazy” and just walk instead of ride.

[MRH5028]

To the two cyclists that I almost crashed into as I was getting off of the Custis Trail on my bike in Ballston onto the Fairfax trail ramp near 66, I apologize. I took the turn a little too tight and thanks to an ungodly glare I didn’t see the two of you coming. Thanks for yelling and snapping my back to reality, I’m glad we didn’t crash. Next time, I’ll take the turn wider.

[MRH5028]

Even with everything going on, I still recommend It’s Not About The Bike by Lance Armstrong. A great story of recovery, and really worth a read if anybody in your life has dealt with cancer. Also a good amount of bike stuff in there too.

[MRH5028]

In Cat 4 you can race on a mountain bike, assuming hybrid as well.

[MRH5028]

Tim, that is exactly the info I needed. Thanks.

I used to do some mountain bike riding on mixed use horse/MTB trails in PA so the practice of getting off the bike to let them pass etc is well ingrained into my head.

[MRH5028]

As promised: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crashmaster/sets/72157630116423322/

[MRH5028]

I went with a friend for the 12:00 pro men’s race and had a blast. It was his first time at any sort of cycling event. We circulated around the course for a while while I snapped some pictures (will post a link later). Around lap 70 we ducked into Liberty Tavern for a beer and then Hard Times (great view from upstairs). We watched the last 10ish laps of the race from the finish area.

I think I saw a few people from the forum around, being new here I’m sure nobody recognized me. I was the guy in the “Ride Bikes, Drink Beer, Get awesome” t-shirt.

[MRH5028]

I live in Ballston so I will be there, cowbell in hand. Look for the guy in the “Ride Bikes, Drink Beer, Get Awesome” t-shirt. Will probably get there around 11:00 to scope out the place.

[MRH5028]

Been riding with Strava for a month or two now. Lots of fun and adds a competitive push to my rides. Joined up.

[MRH5028]

I get the feeling I should have hit more rest stops. If only I didn’t have to be at work early today.

[MRH5028]

If I do start to ride to work more often I suspect I will take a longer route, if only to avoid the main roads. Also about 10 minutes faster than walking (depending on lights) so I could sleep in for 10 more minutes, and who doesn’t love that?

[MRH5028]

Maybe an informal bike to work day happy hour is in order? Seeing as a lot of people went through the Ballston stop, I suggest Rustico which is right across the street and has 40 beers on tap. Cycling and craft beer just go together.

[MRH5028]

Khakis and a dress shirt for me. I was one of the few who decided not to wear the full biking outfit (that I saw at least). Luckily I arrived at work sweat free.

[MRH5028]

The dog is always the owners responsibility. I love dogs, and if there was no danger to myself and the dog was on a busy street, I would try and make sure it got home. But I claim no responsibility for it.

That being said, a dog biting me has never been much of a concern, a quick sprint or a squirt from the water bottle is enough to make them go away. In my opinion the real danger from dogs is them getting tangled up in my bike or me running one over.

Story time:

Last summer my Dad, an avid cyclist for well over 20 years, was out for a ride and had a dog dart out from a bush near the road, right in front of his wheel. He had no time to react and ended up flying off the bike, while going around 20mph. He landed and rolled on the pavement. The impact broke his collarbone, fractured three ribs, severely pulled his groin, and caused some fracturing in his pelvis. His helmet was cracked in several places and he would have been in a bad way had he not been wearing it. A few months of recovery and he was back on the bike. Moral of the story: The dog may be the owners responsibility, but look out for yourself.

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