[Rockford10]

Hey, I was there from pretty early (9:15 or so?) until about 1:00 and had a great time. I’m not sure if my expectations were in line with the actual event or what, but I thought it was fun.

In an attempt at being a good citizen and advocating for bike infrastructure, my family and I tried to make the FABB bike train out of Vienna. A flat tire on my dad’s bike and my inability to inflate the tube (damn micro pump!) caused us to miss the train. No worries though, once the tube was inflated, we rode my almost typical way to work, then Gallows and down International Dr. Sunday morning is lovely in Tysons!

We got some coffee and snacks from the Ritz Carlton booth (thanks!) and sat down and watched some riders. Then we collected some swag and I talked to someone about riding from McLean to Tysons. I don’t think we were talking about the same thing. I am still convinced you can’t do it without going through Falls Church or Arlington! Next were juniors races and more snax. (The juniors were hilarious. The winner kept thanking his teammates “guys, I couldn’t have done it without you” and the kids in kits were priceless.

We then attended the Commuting seminar put on by FABB and eminva. It managed to be fun and informative at the same time. I kept trying to get my father to pay attention! “Dad, we’re on this page.” My younger son exhibited some pout and wouldn’t get his helmet adjusted. Older son stepped up to represent dad’s helmet adjustment ability.

We then watched a race (go green helmet!!) and the kidz got even more snax.

I think at about this time DKel showed up and we went on the FABB course ride. Older son (without kit, but with new road bike) floundered and only completed a few laps. I was about done at one lap, but felt like I needed to stick with younger son. Younger son stepped up and powered through (maybe) 6 laps and was devastated he couldn’t go for 10 laps when time was called (I admit I lost count at one point, but we are sticking with 6). After some crepes, we headed home around the mall and via Gallows. Younger son, on the heavy MTB said, I can tell I’m getting stronger. Maybe younger son will compete next year…

My only constructive complaint is to have the announcer where it makes sense. I didn’t understand why he was on the side away from the finish.

You could add a kid area, but I almost only suggest this because there were lots of kids there that were incredibly bored. Either siblings of the racers or kids of the racers. Lots of boredom.

Oh and beer.

[Rockford10]

I’ve seen a lot of chipmunks lately scurrying around. They look a little like mice.

[Rockford10]

@dkel 88932 wrote:

Ah, yes. Legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese legalese.

Is that what it sounds like when I’m talking to you? What about when I’m talking to you at the Gallows light? What about when we are at the Gallows light discussing the fiduciary duties of a Manager in an LLC and how, in certain circumstances, you might want to eliminate such fiduciary duties?

[Rockford10]

I missed getting a picture, but there were about 12 people lined up at Gallows this morning waiting for the light (counting both sides). I think that shows the light is really long AND it was a lovely morning.

Also, I rode up Gallows for the first time in a couple of weeks today. No dead animals (that I noticed) were on the road, and the debris seemed very light. Perhaps in removing the dead raccoon the road was swept as well?

[Rockford10]

So, the 9-12 juniors races, are those “competitive”? Like, would my 11 year old look out of place on his mother’s old Mongoose hybrid? He’s interested in the race, and he’s got some legs, but he doesn’t have the right bike and I worry it’s not quite his style. In addition, I’m not interested in any trips to the ER.

[Rockford10]

@dkel 88406 wrote:

So I’m on West Street in Falls Church, sitting behind some cars at the light, waiting to cross Rte 7, when I hear someone in a car behind me yell, “get out of the road!” Immediately Dirt comes to mind, and instead of turning around and doing something I might regret, I start trying to think of some positive response that I can deliver when they drive up along side me for further heckling after we get going again. Well, it turns out that obnoxious driver was Rockford10, who had pulled up behind me with our kids in the car. Very funny…:rolleyes:

OMG! That was you?!!

Wow, this is embarrassing.

[Rockford10]

I have to wait until next Thursday!? *pout*

(Actually, I can’t attend – I have a work event that night in Tysons. I don’t know why I’m even responding at all except to have been excited there was the possibility of another happy hour!)

[Rockford10]

Hey – I know someone who just picked up a new Surly and has a couple of hybrids to spare. He’s about 5’11”.

:rolleyes:

[Rockford10]

@Phatboing 87515 wrote:

My other guess is that this is somewhere west of Gallows – here, maybe?

Yep!

How much did you lengthen and how was it?

Yep!

It depends on my time. If I have time, I will (leave from my home in Falls Church and) go east to Lee Hwy and then all the way out west to Maple Ave in Vienna to add miles before I turn north to Tysons. Along the way I realized I could avoid Gallows by riding past Navy Federal. After a route that literally had me riding around NFCU (I am sure they have a video of me doing this and they are currently investigating me), I found the right trail. I go W&OD, through the woods, cross Follin, continue through the woods, through the Catholic Church parking lot, neighborhood, Wolf Trap, Lord Fairfax, Old Courthouse, Aline. While Gallows isn’t bad, as you know, I struggle to get clipped in after the mid-hill stop climbing up to Idylwood and the busses irritate/frighten me.

[Rockford10]

From my attempt at lengthening my commute to Tysons.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5819[/ATTACH]

[Rockford10]

@dkel 86892 wrote:

My wife and I lived in Lex for three years (and my mother grew up there). Lex Coffee Roasters is great for your coffee needs, and Washington St. Purveyor is good for your beer needs. I wasn’t a cyclist there, so I don’t know about the LBS…

I rode my bike in Lex! I didn’t ever get as far as Byun-a Vista, but I rode!

Remember – there’s the (Super) Walmart on Rt. 11 going out of town? There’s your LBS.

[Rockford10]

… was fantastic last night. The hail that started just as I got to the top of the Idylwood climb on the W&OD was a nice touch. Riding the rest of the way home through the deluge and only being able to keep one eye open was inspiring.

I’m glad I went to church on Sunday!

[Rockford10]

This is fantastic for Falls Church – I know a few bike-friendly families that I will notify! My kids are older and can handle longer rides on their own wheels, but we know a few families with a younger child that aren’t really comfortable enough to go out on the trails (or very far) yet with everyone on their own bikes. This is a great opportunity to go out with a lot of support.

Our family is probably out because of the day/time; we’ve got other Sunday morning obligations. If you can plan some so that they aren’t all on Sunday morning that would be great! (Same too with Arlington KM!)

[Rockford10]

@bobco85 85789 wrote:

It was nice seeing everyone at Westover even if I didn’t stay very long (enough for 2 beers, though) because I could barely hear anyone speak due to the band that was playing.

What?

[Rockford10]

@mstone 85656 wrote:

The breakfast chinese food was great!

I stuck to the coffee and bagel.

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