[OneEighth]

Update.
Got some help from another cyclist and a couple of walkers and got the downer tree mostly out of the MVT by 14th Street bridge. The 4 Mile Run underpass under Route 1 was still blocked at the end where it meets the MVT but was completely passable as was the rest of the trail. Honestly, road tires are fine.
Low tide in Alexandria is expected at approximately 4:30 AM tomorrow with high tide at just after 10 AM. So, as long as you come in before 8, I would expect you to be fine on the underpasses. Low tide in the evening will be just after 4 PM.
Happy riding.

[OneEighth]

Now why didn’t I put my blurb here where it belonged?
Rode the Custis to the W&OD, 4 Mile Run, and MVT north into town. Lots of debris and wet leaves, closed underpass under Wilson, closed-ish underpass under Route 1, one tree across the MVT by the 14th Street bridge. All passable on 25mm road tires. Might switch to cx tires for tomorrow.
Heading home in a little while will post again afterwards.
Beautiful day to ride.

[OneEighth]

I came in a bit later than Dirt. Took the Custis to the W&OD, 4 Mile Run to National, and then north on the MVT into town. The underpass under Wilson was blocked. Route 1 just before the MVT had been blocked off (someone had moved the cattle/crowd fencing when I rode through) but was not flooded—clearly had been at one point, though. Basically, the trails were pretty clear. Bits of debris and leaves, but otherwise pretty passable. Saw a couple of downed trees, but only one was across the path—right where the MVT goes under the 14th Street bridge. The tree was covering all but about a foot of the path, but it was still possible to get around it without hopping into the grass.
I’ll see what can be done with that tree on the ride home. Who knows, maybe the trail fairies will have moved it by the time I roll through.
Bottom line—today was fine to ride on 25mm road tires, but switching to cx tires might not be bad for tomorrow especially if more folks start riding in and you need to hop on and off the path.
Two more things—the lights at Columbia Pike and George Mason were out this morning and Hains Point was not only closed but was being patrolled (so don’t go hopping the curb, etc).

[OneEighth]

I’m really gonna be disappointed if I don’t get to try out the studded tires this winter.

[OneEighth]

Basically the same reasons I commute by bike rather than drive.
It was a beautiful evening. Walking to the Metro let me enjoy it.
I didn’t have to deal with traffic.
I didn’t have to look for or pay for parking. Frankly, I like my car very much and the less I expose it to the lousy parking skills of all those NDMF out there, the better. I even bring my bikes into my office.

[OneEighth]

Good point. People are comfortable when they color more or less within the lines. Maybe talk to building management?

[OneEighth]

From the photo, it looks like the simple solution would be to park the motorcycles perpendicular to the wall on the right of the photo. More motorcycles would fit that way, too.
But then, simple solutions don’t pop into simple minds.

[OneEighth]

I just want everyone else to get off my road/path/sidewalk/line. Is that really too much to ask? This is DC, after all.

[OneEighth]

I have the Exposure Diablo, too. I just like to rely on the Force.

[OneEighth]

@Dirt 34287 wrote:

Dialing back the speed also makes it so that I can ride safely with less light too.

Does not compute.

[OneEighth]

@Dirt 33529 wrote:

I was riding up the C&O canal at 0430 Sunday morning and got repeatedly buzzed by an interested barn owl. I used to have that happen all the time during late night mountain bike rides. Bugs were attracted to my head light. Bats are attracted to the bugs. Owls swoop down to get the bats. Not really sure I want to know what’s gonna come after the owls though.

Insert opening lines from Fear and Loathing…

[OneEighth]

I love those things. So motivational!

[OneEighth]

One more thought (blame the snarky geese)—my suggested approach is applicable in other situations, say regarding how a federal agency such as NPS uses appropriated funds for enforcement efforts or for rumble strips and signs at road/trail crossings.
Don’t get me started on how FOIA can come into this.

[OneEighth]

There are two separate issues.
The issue of the OP’s ticket is his to sort out.
The question of how county resources are used and whether this sort of use indicates excess FTEs in a tight budget climate is an entirely different (and political) matter. If you are so inclined to change enforcement priorities, go after the funding for the activity you don’t like. ie, talk to the County Board. Perhaps with special emphasis on that board member who is focused on a certain upcoming Tuesday in November. And, don’t forget, Arlington has a Sheriff whose officers provide what is arguably a duplicative service when it comes to traffic enforcement.
And, know your edges.
This is general advice and does not necessarily reflect my views on enforcement or on the OP’s issue specifically. Just food for thought.

[OneEighth]

Dasgeh,
Can you provide a physical description of the rider, the kit, the bike?
Thanks.

[Author]

Posts