[rcannon100]

First, very much like the idea. Is the document long? Can you just post it here?

Also, like the Wiki idea. One option is Google Sites. It’s wiki like, however only those people with your permission can edit the site. Helps keep some control and excessive demands on a moderator to constantly weed out spam.

I returned to full time cycle commuting a while ago. One of the joys has been – I eat thru parts. I am buying brake pads by the bag. Yes, I am big – and yes my commute involves the Custis Hill and lots of urban maneuvers. Just bought new tubes, and a new tire, as well. Do you mean there is a way of bike commuting that doesnt involve getting gunk all over your bike??

[rcannon100]

I contacted NPS a few weeks ago about this. They assured me that they care about bikes (bike route blocked this morning during rush hour because they were putting down some cement)

BTW the POC is

Eliza Voigt, AICP
Planner
National Mall & Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Dr., SW
Washington DC 20024-2000
202-245-4694
Eliza_Voigt@nps.gov

[rcannon100]

Will keep you in the loop.

[rcannon100]

This is old information but it may prove useful

Department of Agriculture Fitness Center
12Th & Independence Streets
Ag Promenade
(202) 720-8995

http://www.recgov.org/usda/FIT1.html
Contact: Ken Klotz or Sharon Fagen Carlstrom
Hours of Operation:
Monday & Wednesday – 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost:
Annual Membership $221 or Semi-Annual $115; one-time initial fee of $20; if more than 40 new members, there is a rate reduction to $195 and $100 respectively.
No. Members:
1,200
Avg. Daily Use:
400
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 250 half size lockers; 7 showers; 5 toilets, 1 scale.
Men’s Locker Room – 250 half size lockers; 7 showers; 5 toilets, 1 scale.
Lockers available for individual rent – $45/year or $23/6 mos.; 1 year wait list for women; 45 commuter lockers available daily.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 12 Eagle Cybex machines; Smith machine; Lifecycle; Recumbent cycles; 1 LifeFitness Cross Trainer (9500 HR); 2 Monarch stationary bikes; 2 Schwinn Aire Dyne bikes; 2 Concept II rowers; 1 Nordic Track; 3 Stairmasters; and 4 Treadmills.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. & Machines – dumbbells; barbells; flat and incline benches; plates (over 2100 pounds of weight); 12 Cybex stations.
Programs/Classes:
Strength Training, Body Sculpting, and BoxAerobics (21 classes per week); Karate; Yoga; Latin Dancing; military style boot camp fitness, and a weight management “Get Real” 12-week program; Reebok Group Cycling Classes (10 bikes) – 30 minute class is free; 45 minute class is $3.00 or 10 classes for $20.00.
Trainers/Instructors:
Several on duty. Also serve as aerobics instructors.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be arranged monthly.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FITNESS CENTER
12Th & Independence Avenue
(202) 586-9645

Contacts: Pat Rose, Chairman of the Board
Rose Cooper, Facility Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost:
$221 annually or $58.25 quarterly.
No. Members:
980
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 4 showers, a scale, 100 lockers (both half-size and full-size); half are available for individual rent but waiting list is 1 year.
Men’s Locker Room – 4 showers, a scale, 100 lockers (both half-size and full-size); half are available for individual rent but waiting list is 1 year.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Stairmasters (4400PT); 3 Lifecycle 9000 stationary bikes; 4 fan-style stationary bikes; 1 Stairmaster “Spinnaker” bike; 2 Lifecycle recumbent stationary bikes; 3 rowing machines; 4 Trotter 685 treadmills; 2 Nordic Track machines; and 1 Cybex upper-body cycle machine.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – free weights, benches, racks, and several plate-loaded systems.
Weight Machines – leg press; leg extension; leg curl; abs; fly; chest press; seated butterfly; upper back; military press; and Cybex knee lift machine.
Programs/Classes:
Aerobic classes (step, hi-low impact, abs, stretch, and “body works”) are regularly scheduled. Country line dancing and military boot camp fitness are occasionally offered. Yoga classes available for a fee. Cholesterol and full blood workup available quarterly for a fee.
Trainers/Instructors:
Several.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be arranged.

HUD FITNESS CENTER
451 7Th Street, S.W., Room B122
(202) 708-1180

Contact: John Kennedy, President of the Board
Sonya Robertson, Program Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost:
$260 annually; $20 one-time nonrefundable initiation fee.
No. Members:
800
Avg. Daily Use:
145
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – Lockers provided free of charge; permanent assignment of locker available for an annual fee – $25 for small locker; $50 for large locker.
Men’s Locker Room – Lockers provided free of charge; permanent assignment of locker available for an annual fee – $25 for small locker; $50 for large locker.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Rowers; 5 Treadmills; 4 Stationary Bikes; 3 Recumbent Bikes; 5 Steppers; 1 Nordic Track; and 1 Free Rider.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Full circuit Nautilus equipment (upper and lower body).
Weight Machines – Smith machine; Cable Crossover; 1 Flat Bench; and Dumbbells/Barbells.
Programs/Classes:
Step, Floor, Abs, Boxing, Muscle Toning, and Sports Conditioning. free of charge.
Trainers/Instructors:
Qualified with minimum Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health promotion, or related field. Certified in personal fitness consulting, aerobic instruction, and CPR. Personal individual trainer available for a fee.
Special Amenities:
None. Massages can be scheduled.

LOEWS FITNESS AND SWIM CENTER
480 L’Enfant Plaza, 11Th Floor
(202) 646-4450

Contact: Tim Hawkins or Darren Finder
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pool – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily.
Cost:
$348 annually; $29 monthly; no initiation fee.
No. Members:
600
Avg. Daily Use:
150
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 5 showers; and 36 lockers for daily use; towels furnished for swimming only.
Men’s Locker Room – 5 showers; and 36 lockers for daily use; towels furnished for swimming only.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 6 Stairmasters; 9 Lifecycles; 4 Treadmills; and 1 Rower.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – 29-Piece free weight room; Hammer strength; and Icaren.
Weight Machines – 22-PieceCircuit in Main Weight Room.
Programs/Classes:
25 Classes per week: Step, Power Step, Cardioblast, Aero Step, Funky Step, Step Challenge, Aqua Aerobics, Body Shaping, Box Aerobics, and Abs.
Trainers/Instructors:
CPR trained; certified trainers; certified aerobics instructors and exercise physiologists.
Special Amenities:
Year round rooftop swimming facility on the 12th Floor; other locations in Bethesda and Rockville. Poolside Bar & Grill.

ROB FITNESS CENTER (GSA)
7Th & D Streets, S.W., Room G-211
(202) 205-9731

Contact: Calvin Snowden, President of the Board
Tomica Carter, Fitness Counselor
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost:
$225 annually; $5 daily; both with an initiation fee of $25.00 nonrefundable.
No. Members:
500
Avg. Daily Use:
50-75
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – Lockers provided; permanent assignment is available for a fee; $30 small locker; $60 large locker.
Men’s Locker Room – Lockers provided; permanent assignment is available for a fee; $30 small locker; $60 large locker.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 3 Stairmasters; 3 Lifesteps; 4 recumbent Lifecycles; 4 upright Lifecycles; 2 Nordic Tracks; 2 Monarch stationary bikes; 1 Schwinn Airdyne bicycle; 4 Trotter treadmills; and 3 Concept II rowing machines.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Dumbells; and freeweights.
Weight Machines – Nautilus; Universal; Gravitron; and Smith Rack.
Programs/Classes:
Cardiovascular – Step; Floor Aerobics; Abdominal classes regularly scheduled.
Trainers/Instructors:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health promotion, or a related field. Certified in personal fitness consulting, aerobic instruction, and CPR. Individual trainer available for a fee.
Special Amenities:
None.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FITNESS CENTER
7Th & D Streets, S.W.
Nassif Building, Penthouse
(202) 366-9729

Contact: Rick Bradley, President
Hours of Operation:
Non-DOT employees – Monday-Friday; 6:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. DOT employees only may use this facility from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost:
Annual Membership of $156 (prorated as appropriate); no introductory fee; no guests; no free tries.
No. Members:
1,150
Avg. Daily Use:
300 – 500
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 34 half size and 22 full length lockers; 6 showers (incl. 1 handicapped); 4 toilets, 2 sinks.
Men’s Locker Room – 100 half size lockers; 11 showers (incl. 1 handicapped); 2 sinks and toilet facilities.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 5 stairmasters; 8 stationary bikes; 2 recumbent bikes; 3 rowing machines; 4 treadmills; 2 elliptical fitness cross-trainers; 1 Cybex upper body ergometer; and 3 TV sets.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – 1 lb. to 80 lb. dumbbells; no barbells; many light weight; few and mixed heavy weight; 2 benches;
Weight Machines – Atlantic squat, calf raise, tricep; Tital leg press, leg curl, leg extension, tricep curl, overhead press; Universal-style mixed use fly, overhead press, leg press, roman chair, lat pulldown; 2 weight assisted Gravitron dip/chin up machines.
Programs/Classes:
Stretch, Aerobic/Step, and Step Classes. No add’l. cost.
Trainers/Instructors:
1 “exercise physiologist” (DOT employee).
Special Amenities:
None.

WATERSIDE FITNESS AND SWIM CLUB
901 6Th Street, S.W.
(202) 488-3701

Contact: Tony Mason, General Manager
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday; 6:15 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost:
$49 per month with $50 initiation fee. Special during 1/99 of $25 initiation fee.
No. Members:
500
Avg. Daily Use:
50
Facility Includes:
Women’s Locker Room – 75 half-length lockers; rent for 6 mos. or 1 year @ $10/month.
Men’s Locker Room – 75 half-length lockers; rent for 6 mos. or 1 year @ $10/month.
Equipment Offered:
Aerobic – 4 Treadmills; 4 Bikes; and 4 Stairmasters.
Weight Lifting Eqpt. – Barbells for bench press.
Weight Machines – Life Fitness (Nautilus) and 1 machine for each body part to be conditioned.
Programs/Classes:
Step, Sculpting, Yoga, Kickboxing, Sports Conditioning, and monthly special classes.
Trainers/Instructors:
2 certified with college degree.
Special Amenities:
2 Pools; Sauna and steam room each in the Women’s and Men’s locker rooms. Massages by appointment only and for a fee.

[rcannon100]

Bumping this. Meeting is tomorrow at 11 am at the FCC. Several fed agencies will be represented. Please let me know if any more feds from SW would like to join us

[rcannon100]

I got a GARMIN Oregon 550 for Geocaching. Includes a camera. Nice touch interface. Has a trip screen, with 6 different stats, that you can set any way you want to. Average speed. Current speed. Time in motion. Time stopped. Max speed. Total Time. Distance until destination. Distance traveled so far. On and on. Set the one’s you like. It’s sweet.

Okay, so here is the important part. I went hiking this winter with the Oregon, with my dogs. Came back to the car, put the dogs in the car (left the Oregon on the roof). As I drove down the hwy, I heard a clunk clunk clunk. I knew what that was. Did a U turn, came back to the scene of the crime. There it was – it had gone skipping across the asphalt – had some good gashes – but it was still working.

This is an excellent all around GPS. It has a mount for a handlebar that works decent enough – its not small like some of the others that people are talking about – it is a hand held. But its sweet and if your are touring, you might enjoy seeing the map of the course that you are going on.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=26875

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[rcannon100]

earbudi

Two questions – first, do you not get a good deal of wind resistance creating noise

They go over your ear. Do you wear protective glasses? Do you find it hard to get the earbudi on as well as your glasses.

I bought a pair that were similar concept, but they conflicted with my glasses and now sit in a drawer.

[rcannon100]

If I understand, the site of the accident is also generally under the 66 overpass. Shaded. Less sunlight to zap ice, moisture, oily goop…. whatever. Probably a little cooler under the bridge too.

Do you think the troll under this bridge is related to the troll under the Roosevelt bridge, the one that keeps wiping out bikes on the boardwalk path?

[rcannon100]

Agreed. Always ring my bell several times as I enter the underpass.

[rcannon100]

Why are so many people on this forum so against people who ride for fun instead of transportion?

Well I’ll answer. I knew I was going to cause trouble – and it was largely tongue in cheek (thats why there were so many smileys).

I aint against the people who ride for fun. ALL I do is ride for fun (I also happen to ride to get to work – its fun).

No, what I am against :rolleyes: (picture Kruschev at the podium banging with his cycling clipless shoes) is posers – not people who ride for fun – but people who go out, spend silly amount of money on equipment they dont need, that they take out and ride once, and then never ride again. And I love calling out the spandex kings, cause, well, they just look so cute (honestly, 60 degrees tonite and the guy in front of me had full spandex pants on). I wear spandex – I am just smart enough to know that I look like a dope wear it

I have ridden since…. well frankly I cant remember that long any more. I would rather be on a bike than anywhere. I love riding. And I love watching the spandex boys fly through my neighborhood at speeds I will never again achieve (seriously – its kinda awesome to see how it has all taken off).

Look. I’m having fun. And it aint “because those people are different than me.” More because those guys are me – and I am the slowest oldest guy on the trail – and I wouldnt be trying to except fir I am having so much fun riding a bike.

[rcannon100]

But then again I wear spandex shorts, and I sense that is considered a bad thing.

😎 He He 😎 Nah…. I wear spandex shorts… It’s just that, well, its just so cute to see the noobs come out on the weekend, you know, the matching young couples, in their perfectly matching, brand new, spandex. On their bikes where all the equipment is original and there are no scratches on the paint. And they gleefully cycle down the MV trail, side by side – making it dangerous to pass – and they are not sure what the bell is for on their handlebar My favorite is the guys I see recently wearing full spandex pants, and matching jackets et al…. when its 50 degrees out.

When I see a guy whose equipment, 50 percent of it doesnt match, and his bicycle looks like its been through the ringer, and he’s wearing pretty much whatever he found on the floor (or his Bike to Work Day shirt from 8 years ago)… that’s a commuter.

[rcannon100]

First, I am 50, been bike commuting since I was 15 (use to bike several miles to church). I am almost a 100% bike commuter —- if you are going 12 mph, you are going faster than me! (Dont worry about the speed – at whatever sucky speed I go…. I beat the 3 bus up Lee Hwy yesterday – 12 mph will beat stop and go rush hour traffic any day).

Second, DC to McLean — curious as to what your bike route is?? Custis to Lee Hwy to Old Dominion??

[rcannon100]

As it turned out, blah , more inner suburbia – and more hills.

Whadyatalking about? That hill leads into nirvana! aka Arlington. Oh the places you can go. Turn left, and follow the road across Glebe Rd. Now, choices. This is a corner of Arlington – and from this corner you can do a great road circumnavigation of Arlington!!! Turn East, and go down Military Road, through Bellview Forest, Donaldson Run Park, Lee Heights, and past my favorite Windy Run. All on nice Bike Lanes – with killer hills the whole way. At this point you are in Lyon Village and can hop on the Custis Trail.

Or go South-West along Glebe Road until you hit Williamsburg. Bike lanes. Hilly but more slopey. This is taking you towards Falls Church. When you hit the circle, you take Sycamore South to 66. Now you can hop on the W&OD trail.

And at that corner on the top of the hill, that’s civil war Fort Ethan Allen. Not well marked but it is there, as well as some of the old fort walls. Just west, from the bottom of the hill, up a dirt path, is Fort Macy.

I am not sure what the “official” circumnavigation trail is – but every weekend the spandex kings are out on Military in droves making the tour.

And personally, the hill in question, I walk up in – I have never really attacked it as its so steep I fear falling over.

[rcannon100]

Yup: Custis Trail = deer, racoons, squirrels, red foxes, dogs, cats, rats, homo sapiens….

[rcannon100]

I have a low lumen LED and frankly its sufficient. The reason I like it is contrast :: the lighted area in the beam is only a bit brighter than the area outside the beam. Bright enough for me to see pot holes and ruts – but not bright enough that I cant see easily anything outside the beam, like pedestrians, or ducks, or homeless people. True, my ride is almost entirely urban, going into N Arlington – but your eyes are very powerful things – and there is so much urban light that I can see pretty well.

And TIP OF THE HAT to all of you who done or lower or cover your high powered lights. Very much appreciate that – those with high powered lights pointed forward – or strobing high powered lights – you are blinding your opposing traffic.

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