[tnelson]

@JanaeBixby 146125 wrote:

I am starting to think it is gremlins! I in fact yelled at my husband this morning that someone is playing an awful trick on me, except I would have evidence of a perpetrator based on all the grease they would get everywhere doing so! Ha! I do not do any shifting towards the end of my ride, as all of the area is pretty flat. I am sure this is not the issue. Because it is so flat around both work and home, I keep my gears pretty even, about midrange one the back gear, and on the large of the two gears in the front. I think that is what you mean by cross-chaining?

In general, I have been doing this commute for years, and it is only in the last few weeks/months this issue started. I can only think it is somehow gear related, as I haven’t changed how I ride, where I store my bike, or the bike itself (other than routine maintenance). I even had my bike get a 1-year tune up done- if I think about it, I am pretty sure this issue started post tune-up.

Based on your comments, maybe its with the derailleur? I think that’s where I will focus my investigation! Thanks.

Yup, doesn’t sound like cross-chaining so my next guess would be the front derailleur. May be worth it to just take the bike by a shop for diagnosis. Otherwise, I don’t know any natural predators of gremlins. (I think sunlight?) Good luck!

[tnelson]

Are you cross-chaining at all? (In the big ring up front and one of the big cogs in back.) Derailleurs can be finicky if you pedal backwards when cross-chaining. If you normally ride in a chain ring-cog combo like that, just try using a smaller cog in the back.

[tnelson]

Seconding KLizotte on S. Joyce Street. I’m curious just how many of the cars blocking the lane are from people double parking to use the USAA ATM.

[tnelson]

cyclosportive?

[tnelson]

Thanks everyone! This was all super helpful information. I was already leaning towards prescription lenses vs. inserts and this confirmed that decision for me. I’ll definitely look into Rudy Projects. I actually wasn’t even considering photochromatic lenses but with so many recommendations I’ll have to give them a shot. I don’t have an FSA, unfortunately, so it looks like I’ll have to make some out-of-pocket investment… maybe I can at least get a free jersey out of the deal like americancyclo mentioned.

[tnelson]

Call the police? It seems like they’re the ones who would have to instruct construction vehicles to move.

Otherwise, take photos of the situation, and send them to VDOT. Hopefully it’ll make it from customer service down to the crews.

[tnelson]

I wouldn’t be able to do it regularly but would definitely participate! Are you thinking of doing this as a training ride or something more leisurely?

[tnelson]

@VA2DC 143620 wrote:

A couple of months ago, I reported to Arlington County (https://topics.arlingtonva.us/reportproblem/) broken glass and debris on Fairfax Dr. north of the pedestrian island at the southeast corner of Fairfax & Glebe. I reported it under “Street Surface Damaged” with a description. It took a few weeks, but the service request was completed, and the street was reported to be swept–I don’t know whether the work was done by Arlington or VDOT. It did look better, although the street sweeper didn’t seem to pick up all of the bits of broken glass.

Second this. Used that same description, said it was glass in the bike lane, was fortunately cleared within 48 hours.

[tnelson]

I’ve done a group ride, Bumps of Belle Haven, that tackles some pretty good hills in quiet Alexandria neighborhoods. This is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5066410

If you want to try it with the group, they meet on Wednesday nights. You have to join the VeloDCity group on Meetup to be eligible, however, and it does usually fill up pretty fast.

[tnelson]

@JustinW 143656 wrote:

In many ways a simple approach is to avoid the Pike. Unless one needs to go directly where the pike goes (east<-->west) it is easier and safer and more fun to simply avoid the area. Maybe when all / some of the changes noted in the article are done…

Problem is, I want to be able to ride my bike to places on the Pike. I’d probably go much more often if the bike infrastructure were better.

[tnelson]

@sjclaeys 143492 wrote:

The kids and their dad are our next door neighbors. I let them know how much you appreciated them!

Much appreciated!

[tnelson]

I was finishing up a 60+ mile ride this morning on the W&OD trail, and the heat had me feeling exhausted and a little defeated. Just past the EFC metro stop, I came upon a young brother and sister along the side of the trail who, along with their father, were giving out free lemonade to passersby on the trail! (Apparently they had already made a killing selling it around the neighborhood.) I didn’t manage to get their names, but just wanted to say thank you. Not only was it a much needed cold drink, but it lifted my spirits enough for me to push through those last few miles before home.

[tnelson]

Rode on S. Eads just last night and was thinking the same thing about all the road debris. Traffic and driver behavior can’t be fixed overnight, but I wish the county would send a street sweeper! I’m tempted to just fasten a couple brooms to my bike and do it myself.

[tnelson]

@Crystalcity_one 143121 wrote:

I can meet you by the water park. That would be great! Thank you so much!!!

Do you ride everyday?

I do! Send me a PM and we can coordinate.

[tnelson]

@Crystalcity_one 143104 wrote:

Hi! Does anyone from this site ride into Foggy Bottom- from Potomac Yards or Crystal City?

I usually ride only in the summer and usually go south on Mt. Vernon Trail, to Old Town or Mt. Vernon, for fun. I would like to start commuting, however am worried about safety and traffic. My roommate actually confessed that she is riding her bike since Safe Trak started too, but thinks she may be too fast to ride with me. She is very athletic…

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I ride from Pentagon City to Dupont Circle, going through Foggy Bottom. Crystal City is an easy detour for me, though, and I’m happy to meet by the water park. There’s also a group that meets for coffee at the water park on Tuesday mornings full of experienced commuters, many of whom ride into the city.

[Author]

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