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@ColumbiaHeights 47261 wrote:

When it comes to mapping my way to new destinations, I’m old-school. I refer to a hardcopy of the DC Bike Map. I keep the map in a jacket pocket, bookbag or in my jeans back pocket as I ride. If I get lost while riding I pull out the map. I find that the maps aren’t super durable. With frequent use, it doesn’t take long for the maps to rip along the folds. I’m now adding scotch tape at the “corners” pre-emptively, in the hopes that this will prevent the map from ripping.

Anyone have any other tips for making the maps last? Thanks!

Perhaps an off the shelf laminated map might help. Or Google maps on your phone if you have it.

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Ehh, I’m not really out there to break records. I just wanna ride & save money on gas.

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I used it when it was free online. I don’t fancy using the trainer at all but it comes in handy when the weather is questionable. I used it with my Garmin 800, cadence sensor and USB Ant Stick.

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Good to know your ride is good to go. Bicycles are very simple machines to maintain but taking it to your LBS for a safety inspection makes a big difference in the ride and feel of it.

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@CPTJohnC 37842 wrote:

Is it okay as long as I’m blasting “We Own the Night” or, to be more current, something by Skrillex…?

I definitely don’t strobe on the trails, but I use them on the street (one strobe, one steady) most of the time in high traffic areas.

I’ve noted the problem of having a high powered light come from behind before (increased shadows) but never really thought it was bad enough to get angry over.

Juvenile reason to get all torqued up. I’m just sayin…

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Wow, this Rod Smith guy sure is an angry fella. Anyway, I used be more vocal about these little things while riding on the trail but It’s not worth it anymore. YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYBODY. Since lights are a must nowadays, when the oncoming rider has their light angled too high and it’s blinding me, I just put mine on full burn and blind them back. If they say something back I just say “Blah blah blah blah” and ride on. Flashing doesn’t usually bother me unless it’s super dark. Of course I return the favor once again. Lastly, if you wanna draft behind me, BY ALL MEANS. I welcome the challenge if that’s your intention. The plus side is I get to turn off my light to save power. You just have to keep up. I’m not gonna wait fo yo azz if you get dropped.

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bobco85, pfunkallstar, ehh, it was no trouble at all. I’m happy to assist another rider if need be.

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So far I’m at 3,547 miles YTD. Pretty average mileage for commuters in this area I believe.

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ronwalf, he didn’t look good at all when I saw him on the ground. It was dark but I could see that his eyes were open and his body was almost motionless. I’m guessing I probably saw him less that a minute after he went down. I just hope he’s ok. I’m sure whoever was on the other end of that phone call from the EMT’s were in a state of panic after they found out what had just happened.

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Actually this happened on my PM commute at around 8ish tonight. I noticed a rider down close to Madison Manor Park by EFC Metro as I was riding back to my car. So naturally I asked him if he was ok but no response. He was conscious but dazed. Also noticed excessive blood dripping from the top of his left eyebrow. Apparently he was riding that downhill sweeping left to the bball court when his front tire slipped and eventually landing on his head and in the process his rear view mirror lacerated his eyebrow. Called 911 and by that time he was coming around but doesn’t remember where he was or what he was doing. (not good) He also had a hard time remembering his age after I asked him. Finally the EMT’s came and asked him a few simple questions but he was having a hard time answering them. He also thanked me multiple times (and I mean multiple) for stopping and asked if he was out when I saw him the first few seconds. Clearly he has some kind of brain trauma. I forgot his name (now I’m the one with the memory loss) but he said he was riding to Vienna and he’s 58 years old. I’m crossing my fingers on this one. I hope he’s ok.

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Now that’s a violent cyclist. That person should be locked up.

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What works for me are Windstopper gloves like GORE and pure Merino Wool glove liners like Smart Wool or Arcteryx. Staying DRY is the key to a comfortable ride in freezing temps.

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acl,

Lemme know if you need help with your steed. I will be on duty at the Pro Shop in Gtown tomorrow pretty much all day.

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I rode once ON Columbia Pike to go to Performance Baileys from 4MR Trail. It reminded me of Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon dodging asteroids with Chewy. Kinda sketchy.

@MBernier 4774 wrote:

I live off Columbia Pike and have started biking to work downtown, but have to schlep over to N. Arlington and catch the Custis Trail, or over to the Four Mile Run trail to Mt. Vernon. Columbia Pike is simply not bike friendly, although once I get to the Pentagon, it’s fine. Anyone have suggestions on how to cut THROUGH central Arlington, without having to go around the edges? It would be great to have bike lanes on Columbia Pike….

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My morning commute was WET. Also left the helmet on the DR table. Sorry bout that. So my AM ride to work sucked.

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