[Tania]

So…basically, I’m just a total chicken. But the thought of going out at 5:45am for my first snow ride (even with studs) made me stay under the covers.

[Tania]

Everything here in Merrifield is covered in snow (including side roads).

I made it home before the snow started. Any trail reports?

[Tania]

@Trailofgears 132695 wrote:

As snow approaches, we sit about 50 points out of first place! Some of us have studs and will be riding straight through the mess. If the rest of us can just get outside for our daily “sleaze ride”, I think we can win! And it would Be amazing to have a team of riders primarily from MD, where bike infrastructure is scant, won. Let’s do this!

Aw. It’s so cute how you guys are chasing us.

– Team 8 Ballin’

[Tania]

I see riders in balaclavas (or buffs pulled up around their nose) when it drops below 40F. Dontgetit. :confused:

Like bar mitts, I find them unnecessary (I run pretty hot). I use a buff when it’s below 20F but more to cover my ears; my face is completely exposed.

My FEET on the other hand are always an issue and only when on a bike.

[Tania]

So…yeah. Maybe I’m riding more than usual.

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Five of us were out there today riding together in the snow and logging miles!! And several others got in their sleaze rides. Go Team 8!

[Tania]

Just north of Gravelly Point.

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[Tania]

And she’s ready! Mostly, I think those are the stock wheels. If Jan/Pete put reflectors and the pie plate on my custom wheels we’re gonna have a talk.

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[Tania]

@hozn 132028 wrote:

My point was merely that this is not a priority IMO because it is an example of where something is unsafe merely because people aren’t following the rules I]or using common sense[/I. Cyclists (and peds) get injured all the time in situations where they’re following the rules perfectly; I’d rather county/state funding focus on those.

Well said, hozn (my addition in brackets).

[Tania]

Just want to say thanks Team 8 for having me on the team and pushing me to ride over the winter.

I absolutely DID NOT want to get up at 5am this morning and go out into 16F with single digit wind chills but I did. And you know what? I had a blast. Riding my bike is the best part of my day. 😎

[Tania]

Clothing: nailed it.

Although, really, I need to dress with fewer layers to make me push it a little more. I’d call my pace this am “sightseeing” (easier than conversational) and I’m supposed to start racing this year…

But still, it was lovely. #14 on monolith and a cheery hello from a fellow commuter in Georgetown just past the Key Bridge

[Tania]

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It’s almost ready…

Kona Rove ST. Dedicated commuter with fenders, custom wheels (Velocity Ailerons with Hope Pro 4 Hubs), upgraded brakes (TRP Spyres from stock Hayes), Salsa Cowbell 2 bars and…I think that’s all of my upgrades. The stock wheels that came with the bike will be mounted with studded tires.

Whee!

[Tania]

I love that the trail has mirrors in blind spots (I do agree the one there isn’t much help and trail ninjas, like vampires, have no reflection in mirrors). There was a jogger heading west yesterday afternoon as I came down the hill to that corner so I hung back behind her until we were both around the bend and then I passed. There are several spots on the Custis where I slow down, look and wait if necessary.

My building installed mirrors in our underground parking garage because there were so many fender benders (and fights, apparently) as people took corners too wide etc. People still drive like idiots but at least now I can see them coming. My parked car has been hit three times so my expectations are low.

[Tania]

@consularrider 131912 wrote:

So of course you wait until I leave town again to worry about attending! 😡 :confused: Must be some kind of “work” thing. :rolleyes:

Hey buster — you’re in charge of booking your flights, not me. If it were up to ME, you would have left NEXT Tuesday since this Monday is a holiday for some and I am able to attend MMPC.

[Tania]

It’s ridiculous to expect/demand the trail be rebuilt (or re-done) in spots that are perfectly safe at reasonable speeds. I brake for tight turns when I drive too.

Oh wait. We’re entitled cyclists. Braking is unnecessary. Yield is a dirty word. Strava times trump all!

[Tania]

Or, you know, people could slow down.

[Author]

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