[Starduster]

I did a pre-ride of the route this morning, which included a special request for this ride, as well as the optional loop to the Capital (if everyone collectively wants to).

Of note, the trail alongside Washington Blvd, over Jefferson Davis Highway- many of you remember that bridge as scary narrow, with dangerous shoulders and no protection from cars at speed. That section is currently being rebuilt, and the detour is much much much much much better. One less worry.

And if anyone is coming from the Keenan Garvey Memorial Ride (or Kitty’s Bike Wash party) and wants to put down a few more *easy* miles, come join us!

We’ll keep the shop lights on for you…

[Starduster]

@f148vr 163704 wrote:

https://timeline.com/bicycles-blamed-insanity-women-f6c32b0830a9

http://bikeyface.com/2014/07/17/bicycle-face/

[Starduster]

@bobco85 163466 wrote:

(ninja’d by Kitty, how’d you know I was about to type this?) I was thinking about attending this, then leaving with my shiny and clean bike to do the Papillon Cycles Monuments at Night ride. Those thoughts are likely going to turn into actions

I only have one problem: I’ve got 2 dirty bikes, but I only know how to ride one of them at a time. Life is truly difficult.

Thanks for the shout-out. There *is* a certain ride going Saturday evening, and latest forecast indicates pretty darn nice weather for everyone!

[Starduster]

@dasgeh 163461 wrote:

If federal law required non-e-bikes to emit the sound of a two-stroke Puch Maxi moped, would you support allowing their use on multi-use paths?

I did that once… playing cards clamped to fork with clothespin.

Said at the risk of giving your kids ideas…

[Starduster]

@AFHokie 163410 wrote:

Feom a safety standpoint I highly discourage attempting to proceed through water (whether its moving or not) above your hubs.

From a mechanical standpoint (and forum mechanics please weigh on) submerging your hubs is probably not good for the bearings

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

I would definitely *not* willingly put my Shimano (or even the vaunted SON) dynohub underwater…

But your bottom bracket will go under first.

[Starduster]

@notinthe18 161941 wrote:

Agreed, just glad I survived the shock of the first ride onto it at speed not knowing it was gravel

Oh yeah! Most of the paths around the Constitution Gardens lake are now gravel with asphalt base. Once you adjust, it is far better than the severely degraded asphalt of before. But I haven’t ridden the route in a while. And as long as it is not loose and rutting…

[Starduster]

@reji 163404 wrote:

It was a blast! I love riding in a summer rain and so I took the long way home. I decided to check out the water levels of 4MR since it will be part of my new commute, starting in a month. I expected some flooding, but was surprised by the level of flooding. My preferred commute will include WOD to Shirlington->4MR->Commonwealth Blvd and the trail was flooded in 4 places:

1. WOD under Wilson Blvd. I expected this to be flooded and that was easy to avoid by crossing Wilson Blvd.
2. WOD under Carlin Springs. Water was up above my hubs and was moving. I was able to get through it by walking my bike but wouldn’t try it if the water was higher.
3. 4MR under Glebe Rd. Water was above my knees but not moving. Just walked my bike through that.
4. 4MR under Mt. Vernon. Same as Glebe with water above my knees.

Is this flooding to be expected during a typical rainstorm? And is there a way to cross Carlin Springs Rd? Thanks for any advice!

Yep. Welcome to Four Mile Run.

You found the way to cross Wilson Blvd. Good. Carlin Springs Rd is more complicated. Both the W&OD and Four Mile Run Trails cross under the bridge at water level, and while detours to get you through using Carlin Springs Rd. exist, they are not obvious or easy. Here is a map: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8694319,-77.1302939,17z/data=!5m1!1e3?hl=en

The section of Four Mile Run Trail under I-395 and West Glebe Rd is relatively new, and I am surprised they didn’t close the access gates if it was this flooded. Before this was built, we had to use a route through Shirlington, the ped bridge over I-395, and the Martha Custis Drive neighborhood to get to West Glebe Rd and the 4MR Trail. https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8418849,-77.0807602,17z/data=!5m1!1e3?hl=en

Mt. Vernon Ave? South Glebe Rd is just a half a block away, and going eastbound, there is access at S Lang St, between two apt complexes. (It might still be marked with the detour signs.) The sidewalk, until Mt Vernon? Yeah, but better than nothing.

Hope this helps. Ride well!

[Starduster]

Wow… We tell everyone else to be careful and then *we* get caught out. Been there. Done that. Sorry this happened, Casey… Best of healing, ideally with a non-surgical route. We’ll be thinking of you out there.

Sounds like you will not lack for cookies and pizza.

[Starduster]

@Sunyata 163206 wrote:

Wait… Is there a Duck Donuts at Bradlee?!?!?!?!

In the space that used to be Pro-Feed pet supplies?

[Starduster]

@bobco85- As promised, a picture of the Rosslyn skyline in 1977…before I-66, before Gateway Park. Sorta close to where we stood.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]15192[/ATTACH]

DC’s own Rosslyn Mountain Boys added a country rock accent to the famed DC scene that caromed from rockabilly to power pop to psychedelic surf guitar, garage style, to the beginnings of punk. With a blues chaser.

[Starduster]

What? No Spam Musubi from Hula Girl???

http://hulagirlbarandgrill.com/

[Starduster]

Yep, those tires are up to temperature…

[Starduster]

It *shouldn’t* fall back into obscurity. The Alexandria side has proven to be a very pleasant detour, and one that lets you get close to the wetlands. One problem though- a rather precarious dropoff on one end of the creek bridge. (Alexandria folks- has the city addressed this yet?)

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8398932,-77.0581876,190m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e3?hl=en

[Starduster]

That’s a pretty darn big one!

[Starduster]

Promoted here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/PapillonCycles/posts/?ref=page_internal

[Author]

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