[txgoonie]

@Arlingtonrider 9009 wrote:

Does anyone know if the big box stores at Potomac Yards have bike parking? In the past, I’ve always taken my car to run my errands at the Target on Route 7/Leesburg Pike near Skyline. Riding a bike in that area is no fun. However, it occurred to me that I could enjoy a nice bike ride and run my errands at the same time by switching to the Target (and other stores) at Potomac Yards in Alexandria, which is only about 20 minutes away by bike trail. Does anyone else shop there by bike?

Yup, I do. There is a rack in front of Target to the left of the doors, and there are usually employees on break hanging out on the bench next to it, so I feel safe leaving the bike there;) There are also racks in front of Sports Authority as well as the movie theater.

[txgoonie]

I put a RoadId blinkie light on my dog’s collar. I did have reflective tape on her leash, but after a while it peeled off. Frankly I liked that better b/c you could see it from more angles.

Always err on the side of overdoing the safety gear. Based on the number of people I saw between 5:30 and 6:30 this morning on the MVT without a light or a single piece of reflective anything, we are, as Jabber said, overestimating how easy we are to see. If you’re done up properly, you’re going to be the thing a cyclist coming by is concentrating on (as it should be), so that actually puts a greater importance on making sure your furry friend is getting due attention.

[txgoonie]

People always tell me it’s crazy to ride in bad weather, no matter the type. But you know what’s really crazy? Me – on the Metro. I weenied out on Tuesday and took to public transit. After about 4 minutes in a standing-room only Metro car with steamy windows, my inner monologue consisted of wild screaming. Couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It’s much safer for the people around me if I stick to the bike.

[txgoonie]

I was really surprised to see one of the Crystal City bikeshare stations totally full after the earthquake. All the office buildings had been evacuated, and everyone was just standing around. If I hadn’t had my own bike, I wouldda been all over that!

[txgoonie]

Woo hoo! A move in the right direction:)

[txgoonie]

That darn short cut is a danger at both the bottom for people coming through the tunnel and at the top for folks on the MVT. People will traipse right onto the trail without looking either way. People have had words there.

The whole system in CC isn’t terribly well-designed. The ridiculous angle of the MVT cutoff (which people pretty much never take. I don’t know why they don’t just pave over the shortcut.) The narrow underpass. The scrum of peds and cars they send you into when you emerge – drivers coming out of the driveway to the left as you enter CC notoriously do not look where they’re going as they turn right. Just ride through there without feeling the need to rush and do it proudly:D

[txgoonie]

Dirt beat me to the point, but I will repeat: it is extremely uncomfortable lying next to someone with man leg-stubble. Aesthetically I can appreciate a pair of fit, shaved legs on a man (I was loving the TDF TTT – tons of leg-level close up shots – oh my!), but you boys needs to stay on top of it. Leg to leg contact with scratchy man-paper can actually be quite painful. I can’t bear to feel my own legs after a few days, so if you let it get out of control, don’t be surprised by a bit of “get off me” when the lights go off. Just keep that in mind when considering if you’re up for the commitment or not.

[txgoonie]

Mornings like this one are always a little squirrelly. Clear but humid and still super slick surfaces from last night’s rain. I didn’t actually see it, but I came upon someone who went down this morning on the MVT in Old Town at the corner of the boardwalk. Didn’t look like the kinda of rider who would normally fall, judging by both his gear and the peeved expression. Be careful out there, folks!

[txgoonie]

trainingpeaks.com also shows grade, but their mapping tool doesn’t show trails.

[txgoonie]

I think we need a crossing guard. Or two.

[txgoonie]

May sound silly but I’ve fallen and had close calls on wet painted surfaces while on foot! I’ve actually pulled a groin that way. I jump over lane markers when it’s wet now.

[txgoonie]

https://www.missionbicycle.com/about/news/8-1-11/lock-and-roll-secrets-rear-triangle

[txgoonie]

No way! That’s so awesome. Glad to hear it, CCrew!

[txgoonie]

Oof. 102°. It’ll be a fun ride home! 😎

[txgoonie]

Hmm, that is a tough intersection, so I truly do understand the hesitation. However, at some point you just gotta bite the bullet and go. I don’t think you ever feel 100% confident going across there. I might just say as politely as possible, “mind if I go?” If I were the person waiting I would probably prefer that than feeling rushed.

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