[Nadine]

I just wanna say that in addition to all the posts I’ve made about this with ideas, I promise to buy and wear whatever you get us, Komorebi.

I really appreciate that you do this and I wanna support it – in addition to broadcasting my participation in FS. I wear the previous years’ stuff year round.

If you get something I particularly like I might get two… [emoji16] [emoji3590][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji106][emoji106]

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[Nadine]

@Hancockbs 194658 wrote:

My wife and I resemble that remark and actually have Tigger and Eeyore Christmas stockings!

Hahaha what a great idea! Which of you is which?

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[Nadine]

@TwoWheelsDC 194654 wrote:

True…my point is that the *team* competition is inextricably linked to this individual competition, which I think detracts from the fun (and point) of the team competition.

As an introverted misanthrope I will respectfully agree to disagree on this point (I’ve been a BAFS participant from the beginning)! Which is why I’d like to see the core of the team competition be about the regular folks who just want to have some extra motivation and maaaaybe feel a little more social, but not have to worry about letting their team down if they aren’t out riding crazy miles or participating in team rides. For those that want to make it more social or individually competitive, they can do so on their own or using the side bets.

TL;DR -The rules/core of the team game should focus on inclusivity. The individual rules and side bets are what can allow for individual preferences/exclusivity.

Ah hahaha as an enthusiastic extrovert married to a guy who’d probably call himself an introverted misanthrope (think Tigger & Eeyore,) I really enjoyed that comment. Also I bow down to your longtime freezing saddle years. No wonder you’re getting a li’l jaded.

I haven’t seen the individual competition interfere with the team thing – but I haven’t been playing for as long as you….. The bigger perspective shaping difference might be the introvert / extrovert thing though.

Which means your point is probably more important than it seems to me – because FS has to work for all the ‘verts!

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[Nadine]

@TwoWheelsDC 194646 wrote:

I don’t think I disagree with any of your points in general, but it seems like the pendulum has swung toward this just being a battle of the ultra-milers, with everyone else relegated to the side bets table. For normies like me, the “competition” is basically just luck-of-the-draw on whether you get placed on a team that is heavy on ultra-milers, and it always feels like my contribution is inconsequential. Also, I’m a little perplexed that the spirit of the competition, which was essentially “grinding out winter commuting miles with moral support from teammates,” is now relegated to one (or multiple) side bets. I don’t want to have to join a bunch of stupid side bets just to make my daily commute “count.” I dunno, maybe make the die-hard, ultra-mileage shit the side bet instead? Why even have teams when this just seems to be a competition among a few? If the ultra-milers want to compete individually, that’s fine! But IMO the team competition should be geared more toward “normal” riders and making everyone feel like their contribution is important.

Gee I don’t feel that way at all. I think the ultra milers DO compete individually, the way it is now – Just look at the top 15-20 people on the individual standings chart & you’ll see it.

The side bets look cool but I’ve never partaken. I really find this community of diehard cyclists who ride through the winter to be the BOMB. Who cares how the other people play the game? Just look how many cool people we have to play with!

Having said that, it’s true that sometimes you end up on a team that doesn’t move much in the standings no matter what you all do, and that can be a li’l disheartening. Probably that will lessen if you get together to ride. But I like the “team” rides being open to everyone – because more people to play with [emoji16], and if you make friends among your teammates, once you’ve done FS for multiple years, you’re gonna wanna ride with your friends you made last year regardless of what team they’re on!

Anyhow I’m just chiming in to ask people to please not piss too hard on the only thing I like about winter. I don’t want our hard working volunteers to get discouraged. Long live Freezing Saddles! [emoji16][emoji3590][emoji106][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji944][emoji3587]

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[Nadine]

@komorebi 194631 wrote:

It is that time of year again! Join the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Alexandria Spokeswomen for a free family-friendly bike ride around Del Ray, on Saturday, December 14 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

About this Event

The residents of lovely Del Ray put on a great holiday light show every year and we plan to see it all on our bikes! Please bring a functioning bike adorned with as many lights and holiday cheer as you can find and whatever else you need for an hour and a half long cruise.

Meet us behind the George Washington Middle School in the parking lot. This will be a no drop ride, approximately 5 miles. We will be moving slowly and will wait to regroup if separated. After the ride, we encourage you to warm up at a nearby eatery – a number of us plan to grab a bite to eat afterwards. Make sure to bring a lock!

This ride will go on unless rain (or snow!) is anticipated. If the chance of rain is greater than 40%, we will postpone.

Helmets and bike lights are required and you will be asked to sign a waiver at the start of the ride. Decorations are optional

Please register on Eventbrite.

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[Nadine]

@jrenaut 194625 wrote:

…. it’s a balance. I want to promote the way I play the game without alienating the crazy people who ride 300 miles a week. To that end, I think the best thing to do is competitive leaderboards and lots of fun side things, so that everyone can find their niche. Ideally, the high mileage roadie gets a two mile city commuter to go for a long hill ride, and the city commuter gets the roadie to stop in at a few coffee clubs, and we all expand our biking comfort zone a bit and make some new friends.

I love everything you said here, Jon – especially ^^ that ^^. That’s what I love about freezing saddles – the mix of different people in different situations who all bike through the winter…

When I joined up 3 yrs ago my husband told me I was nuts. So I showed him the lesderboard & said “Look, Honey – I’m only in the middle of nuts!” [emoji38]

I mean, who can argue with that kinda validation? [emoji16]

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[Nadine]

@josh 194489 wrote:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20520[/ATTACH]

I’d like to commission a pool noodle with custom Freezing Saddles artwork (black sharpie on foam should work) by LeprosyStudyGroup.

[emoji38] I vote for Josh’s idea. Hahaha give us THREE FEET!

Also nice idea on the artwork by leprosy study group. That would give it an awesome personalized touch. I bet he’d do it, too…. If enough of us wanted it.

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[Nadine]

@drevil 194481 wrote:

You said you were planning to stick to neon green. Buuuuuut if you’re open to suggestions, the only thing I’d like changed is to a different color. Orange preferably.

If that’s not possible, can you change the font to as in the attached pic?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20518[/ATTACH]

[emoji848] Are your pix posting correctly? I’m confused – and I bet you meant to post something that’s easier to read.

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[Nadine]

@komorebi 194458 wrote:

Because I still enjoy spotting Freezing Saddles zipper pulls or ankle bands “in the wild,” I’m volunteering again to coordinate the identifier for the 2020 edition of Freezing Saddles.

I’m still planning to stick with the neon green color we’ve used for the past four years, but I’m open to suggestions about what the identifier should be. I’ve listed some options in the poll, and I’d welcome other ideas. Please vote by Sunday, December 8.

The poll is open to everyone who is thinking about (1) participating in FS2020, or (2) spectating from the sidelines.

P.S. If you were a participant in FS2017, FS2018, or FS2019 and have lost your (highly collectible!) identifier, I still have extras available. $1 for each zipper pull, $2 for each ankle band. PM me to arrange details.

Thanks so much for doing this again, Josephine!

Hmm I see what Jessica and Bob mean and I’d certainly be into an orange anklet if you end up deciding to switch colors. (I wouldn’t do yellow. Those are so common they won’t help us identify anyone.) Having said that, I do kinda feel like the neon lime green color has become a bit signature for FS.

The anklets from last year are SO good I’m not sure you could top them, though. The zipper pulls are good too – and I have more jackets with zippers than zipper pulls.

What other options can you think of that make sense?

I’m sorry my reply isn’t more helpful at this point. I promise to support (buy, wear, promote…) whatever you end up getting.

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[Nadine]

@accordioneur 194424 wrote:

Seen on https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/?post=130407509

This doesn’t affect many people, but will affect access to the W&OD for those accessing the trail from Madison Manor in Arlington. In particular, the Aronson-Claeys Bikeway (named after the visionary neighborhood association leaders responsible for its creation) will be closed for several weeks.

Upcoming Sanitary Sewer Relining Work: N Powhatan St b/w 12th Rd N and the dead end
Good afternoon,

A part of our sanitary sewer maintenance program, Arlington County will be installing a new 8-inch sanitary sewer line in your neighborhood.

Project Location: N Powhatan St between 12th Rd N and the dead end

The work is tentatively scheduled to begin on December 2 and is anticipated to take approximately 45 days to complete, weather permitting. Please note that there will be no work on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 and New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1. Between Monday, December 2 to Sunday, December 13, a small section of the W+OD trail will be closed. Please see the attached map for more detail.

During this project, a County representative may ask permission to enter your house to perform a dye test to verify the exact location of your sewer lateral for proper reconnection.

You may experience some inconveniences such as: no parking on the streets; temporary road closures and noise/dust. We will do our best to minimize the inconveniences and appreciate your patience during this process.

If you have a specific question about this project, please contact our contract manager, Hisham Wahdan, by email at Hwahdan@arlingtonva.us or by phone at 703-228-7628 between the hours 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. After these hours, please contact the County’s Water Control Center at 703-228-6555 and a dispatcher will address any issue in a timely manner.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20506[/ATTACH]

Wow. I wondered what that truck and those dudes were about. What about the pedestrian bridge that goes over 66 right beside your blocked access? I know it goes away from your neighborhood and you’ll just hafta cross 66 again to get home – but it’s worth it. That bridge is so cool sometimes I do that just for funsies. [emoji16]

I especially like how when you’re coming up to the ped bridge from the secret* trail on the other side it just appears outta nowhere like station 9 & 3/4 [emoji3346][emoji1].
[*That whole li’l trail is hiding in plain sight. I found it only after I’d lived here for… 13/14 years? I think during my first year of freezing saddles, though I live a mile from it and have always biked. [emoji2368] And it’s lit!]

Also thanks for the clarification about the name of the Aronson-Claeys bikeway. But if it’s all the same to you guys I’m gonna keep calling it “Anne’s entrance.” [emoji16][emoji2186][emoji2187][emoji106] @awitt

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[Nadine]

@elizsnyder 194385 wrote:

Thinking about the effort that goes into the programming, setup and continued maintenance during the Freezing Saddles window, I wanted to give a huge THANK YOU and SHOUT OUT to the volunteers who make this happen. This will be my 3rd year and I eagerly await the registration opening. I have low conviction on the rules and points calculation, as a 98% car-free diet person I love anything cycling related, and I love that feeling of being part of this cycling community “thing”, reading along and finding rides, happy hours, etc. to go to. I like the idea of local teams as it seems like it would be easier to meet for activities but again, I am just happy this is happening again! Coming off knee surgery, I am rehabbing at Physical Therapy like a mad woman getting ready to ride Jan 1. Thank you ALL again, I talk about Freezing Saddles A LOT this time of year, and pretty darn often all year long. Elizabeth I Like Wheels, Arlington Va

I love everything about your comment, Elizabeth! And also I share your feelings about this awesome group! I definitely share your gratitude to the volunteers! And I talk about FS often too – because it’s the only thing I like about winter! (Well okay, shorter hot flash recovery is good too – but it’s waaaaay down list from freezing saddles!)

Except the knee surgery. I don’t love that part of your message. I didn’t know you needed that. I hope it was successful and that you’re feeling as good as you sound!

Looking forward to riding with you! Don’t care who’s on what team for that! [emoji3]

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[Nadine]

@ShawnoftheDread 194277 wrote:

So you’re asking if we should skip 23 hours and 49 minutes of winter or allow 11 minutes of spring? What kind of wimpy question is that?

[emoji38] I vote for more FS days, so either let a li’l spring in our let’s start NOW! [emoji1][emoji2187][emoji2186][emoji2223][emoji3063]

[emoji2186][emoji3063][emoji2368][emoji16]

[Nadine]

@Steve O 193891 wrote:

I think this is fairly common among “veteran” players. Freezing Saddles has little additional affect on how much many of us ride, because earlier years playing the game got us in the winter groove.
Keeping that in mind, it makes sense to think more about the newbies than the vets in regards to devising scoring schemes.

Hmm this isn’t true for me. I’ve done FS for 3 years, and still….. Every single November right about now when it first gets cold I freak out abs probably have 1-2 really low biking weeks. My husband has confirmed that every (probably mid) November I say “Omg, I bike in THIS?” I’ve been doing that since before I discovered FS. I just hafta get through that I guess. This year I baked a lot that week…. [emoji2368]

I did bike through the winter before FS, though it was a royal pain finding company, which is often a deal breaker for me….. Also before FS I rode in winter only on the nice days. That was about 3 days/ 70 miles week. (When I lived in MA – college until 03 – it was more like once a week in winter, & closer to 10 miles.)

Last year (fs2019) my miles were DOWN because of the 100 mile /week team points contribution cap. Turns out that the team points contribution is my main motivator – and if riding >100 miles / week won’t help my team, I usually won’t bother. (Exceptions are when it’s a beautiful day and /or I hafta get somewhere, and /or there’s a nice group ride planned.)

Anyhow my point is, I think FS continues to be important for some of us “veterans” every year. Maybe some of us are slower to get the message. I think in my case the community is essential.

It’s certainly gonna be more of a total revelation to the newbies, but I bet FS continues to be an important motivator for a lot of seasoned players as well.

Oh and I support either no mileage cap or 150+.

[emoji16][emoji2186][emoji106] Nadine

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[Nadine]

Oh also I love multi team group rides. So many people I wanna ride with! Even if teams were made with an eye for putting friends together (the opposite of how it’s done, and rightly so) I’m sure I wanna ride with at least 3-5 teams worth of people…. [emoji3]

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[Nadine]

I neglected to mention in my previous comments…. My vote on the team contribution cap question is either no cap or a higher one (150miles /week would do – 200 would be fine too.)

I rode LESS last year (fs 2019) because of the team points contribution cap. I’m motivated much more by the team points contribution thing than by the idea of getting high up on the individual standings list (though I was probably additionally counter motivated last year by the company of my furloughed husband, who I can’t convince to ride in the nice weather these years so not happening in the [emoji3063][emoji2356].)

The only year I got kinda high up on the individual standings was when Lynn Salvo was training to break one of her world records (I think 2018, when she was training for the cross Canada one.) That’s because I’m the most motivated by riding company… [emoji16] That was the year Lynn finished 1st & Joan 12th…. I finished 27th I think, so still the lazy musketeer . [emoji16]

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