[VA2DC]

@jrenaut 183680 wrote:

Parking garages are by far not the worst place to change a flat on a crummy day. I realize this isn’t always an option, but it’s a corollary of the “know your bailout route” rules. Keep a list of places you can get warm, change a flat, get out of an ice storm, etc.

I’d add a pair of latex gloves in your emergency kit to the list. If you do need to change a flat or do some other repair, they give you more dexterity than any sort of winter gloves. Since they don’t breathe, you get a bit of a wetsuit warmth effect while you’re working, and they block the wind. Plus, your hands stay clean and are ready to go back into your winter gloves when you’re done.

[VA2DC]

@Kitty 182948 wrote:

However, much like the shipping issues, we run directly into the challenges of the most closed non-communist country in the world: the costs on anything imported are exorbitant.

While I’m not sure that I would agree with the first part of your statement, Brazil is plenty protectionist, so your conclusion about imports definitely holds. Have you looked into the domestic bikes, Caloi? You should be able to find a used one at quite a bit less than anything imported.

Regardless of what you do, as I noted in your other thread on SP, theft is rampant there. Maybe the folding bike is a good solution, so you don’t have to leave it locked up on the street.

[VA2DC]

Parabens! I’ve ridden in SP a few times on the weekends when I was down there for work the past couple of years. There’s a pretty decent networks of bike trails. Apparently, a former mayor made a big push several years ago to encourage biking and improve the infrastructure. Some of that push got rolled back by subsequent leadership, but there still seems to be support for maintaining the trails that are there. On Sundays, a number of the major roads (or lanes on roads) are shut down exclusively for cycling, which is sweet. I haven’t ridden there during commute times, so I’m not sure how that goes.

Theft is a big problem in SP and most of Brazil, so you might want to think about just buying a bike on the cheap down there. Certainly for running errands or getting around town, I’d be inclined to use a beater that you wouldn’t mind losing. A couple of the banks sponsor bikeshares, so that’s an option too for short trips.

If you’re interested in some restaurant or other recommendations, contact me offline. I know a few of the folks at the embassy and can give you some contacts there too.

Boa sorte!

[VA2DC]

@SpaceJockey 182157 wrote:

To pour gas on the fire, it’s not enough that the drivers are enraged at the bottlenecks on Memorial Bridge, I DROVE my car last night from the cemetery to the rotary and noticed that the road dips just enough that as I driver I was completely unable to see the crosswalk (due West of the rotary) I knew was there until I was almost right over the top of it. As a driver if I saw a bike there I would assume I had right-of-way until the last second. The crosswalk needs to be moved further West.

As much as I dislike that crossing and agree with your assessment of enraged drivers, there is no reason that a dip in the road there should cause any driver to miss the crosswalk. While you might not see the markings on the road itself, how could you miss the neon-yellow pedestrian signs on both sides of the road with arrows pointing at the crosswalk, each now sporting a bucketful of bright orange flags on their posts? Moving the crosswalk further west would visually jumble the crosswalk signs with the wayfinding signs for 395 and 50. That would also give vehicles more time to accelerate after coming around the curve from the bridge.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]18527[/ATTACH]

[VA2DC]

@BTC_DC 181986 wrote:

Coming from the south on the MVT I tried taking the lane into DC this morning, as a few others had suggested, and think it may be the fastest, easiest and safest option. I also then avoid the stairs on 14th St Bridge until that detour is finished.

I am not sure, however, that one of the lanes would be as convenient in the evenings out to Virginia.

Perhaps it’s just the sidewalk vs. vehicle traffic during my normal commute into DC, but I still find that the sidewalk seems to be a faster option than taking one of the lanes. In my view, it’s definitely more comfortable than taking the lane with the proviso that, as always, you need to be careful and respectful of other foot and wheeled traffic on the sidewalk.

I agree with the assessment for the Virginia-bound traffic in the evening. I suppose that taking the lane would mean taking the middle reversible lane outbound, then merging to the left with traffic that might be coming northbound around Memorial Circle, to hop onto the MUP north of Memorial Circle. As much as I dislike crossing those 3 lanes of traffic, at least I can see the traffic coming and decide when to cross. Sometimes this means stopping in front of the near or middle lane waiting for traffic in the other lane(s) to stop. But for me, this seems safer than mixing it up on the bridge with the angry outbound traffic.

[VA2DC]

@Brendan von Buckingham 181900 wrote:

Inbound commute this morning, I took one of the vehicle lanes across. Speed limit is 20 MPH and traffic was heavy so I moved right along on pace with the cars who weren’t coming close to the speed limit anyway. No problems.

I dunno. Bridge traffic was bumper-to-bumper this morning, and there is no bailout eastbound. Just temporary jersey barriers in the right lane and oncoming traffic in the reversible middle lane. Plus the rear-ender that I saw in the outbound lane this morning confirmed that I’ll stick to the sidewalk despite the foot traffic, construction barriers, etc. I’d rather put up with that inconvenience than end up sandwiched between two cars. The sidewalk was faster than the vehicle lanes anyhow.

[VA2DC]

@mstone 179553 wrote:

well, there is that “perceived comfort” thing that people need to work to get over. I’d argue that there aren’t many safer places than directly in front of a person who has clearly indicated that they know you are there.

As always, depends on the conditions. If there are several cars backed up, I feel comfortable pulling in front of the lead vehicle if the driver has acknowledged me, and then peek around to check on the 2nd lane. But if a lone vehicle in the near lane stops while there is sporadic traffic moving in both lanes, I get nervous about someone not paying attention and slamming into the back of the “good Samaritan.” In that case, if I can’t clear both lanes, I’ll wave on the Helpy McHelperson and wait for another opportunity to cross.

[VA2DC]

Given the seatpost/shim/weehoo discussion, I suggest considering my 2nd option: @VA2DC 178874 wrote:

2. You could start in Hendricks or Bretz and head west on the Allegheny Highlands Trail toward Parsons and Montrose. The trail is paved and pretty flat in this section. West of Parsons, you ride by the Kingsford charcoal plant. There are also a number of historical markers for Corricks Ford Civil War Battlefield between Parsons and the Kingsford plant. The AHT is currently closed from mile marker 15-17, west of Moore.

I’ll add to this that you go through a city park in Parsons and can find some eating places in town.

[VA2DC]

A group of us rode that trail from Thomas in early May. While it’s a rail trail, it was a steep narrow-gauge railroad that hauled lumber, coal, and coke out of the area. There are some of the old coke ovens and informational markers not too far from the start. It wasn’t raining while we rode, but had been raining most of the week. The trail was solid and mostly well-drained–no problems sinking in mud. You’re on a dirt road for a bit over a mile before you’re back on trail near Douglas Falls. So your 3.5 mile out-and-back should be doable. But it’s going to feel steeper than you might think, especially if you’re pulling a trailer. Here are some options:

1. If you have an extra vehicle or a good samaritan in your group to stage a shuttle, you could ride one-way all the way down to Hendricks, Hambleton, or Bretz. But beyond the Douglas Falls, the trail gets a lot bumpier. Think packed railroad ballast rather than the fine gravel on the C&O.

2. You could start in Hendricks or Bretz and head west on the Allegheny Highlands Trail toward Parsons and Montrose. The trail is paved and pretty flat in this section. West of Parsons, you ride by the Kingsford charcoal plant. There are also a number of historical markers for Corricks Ford Civil War Battlefield between Parsons and the Kingsford plant. The AHT currently closed from mile marker 15-17, west of Moore.

3. Breakfast or lunch at Flying Pigs in Thomas is worth the stop. The biscuits are great. Mountain State Brewing is also worth a visit.

Have a great visit!

[VA2DC]

Does this mean that the Ballston Bike to Work Day pit stop will need to relocate? :confused:

[VA2DC]

First flat of 2018, a 1/16″x5/8″ piece of thin, flat metal straight through my back tire and into the tube. Thank you to the 2 kind cyclists who asked whether I needed anything as I was changing a flat at Arlington Blvd & Ft Myer Dr by the Virginian Suites. Thanks also to the forum poster who suggested keeping a pair of latex gloves in your emergency kit for this type of situation. Kept my hands clean and reasonably warm this chilly morning. After replacing the tube, I was on my way and at work less than 20 minutes later than expected.

[VA2DC]

@Steve O 171356 wrote:

I am pleased to report that every single one was parked in what I would consider to be an appropriate and courteous spot.
Perhaps the riders are learning and the novelty to the non-riders is wearing off.

As someone who hasn’t installed any of the dockless bikeshare apps, I have a question about the bikes that are parked outside of the zoned area. Don’t the companies know the identity of the user who last used a bike and parked it outside of the designated zone? And if so, can’t they ding that person with a bike recovery fee? Or do folks who leave bikes like I see in Arlington just count on the bike being ridden back into DC before the company sends someone out to pick it up?

[VA2DC]

That’s too bad. Have you thought about using wire rope like the commercial bike repair stations? Aluminum ferrules require a swaging tool for installation, but even bolt-on rope clips would slow down most would-be thieves. Certainly more theft-proof than parachute cord.

[VA2DC]

@DismalScientist 167286 wrote:

Have you tried raising the seat to the correct position. That way, she can’t sit on the seat when trying to start. She will be able to reward herself by sitting down once she is standing on the pedals.

I had the opposite idea. How about having her ride on a bike that is too small, where the saddle is so low that it’s only comfortable to ride up on the pedals. With a smaller frame and being closer to the ground, I would think that there would be less apprehension about tipping over. If things get too tippy starting off, she could just stand on the ground and let the bike roll ahead from under her. Can’t say that I’ve seen this in practice, though.

Also, practicing on a long, empty downhill patch of road should help build her confidence.

[VA2DC]

@huskerdont 167051 wrote:

So this is just past the wetland overlook. There is a little road that goes into Glenncarlyn Park and ends at a small parking lot. (The map says it’s a trail, but you can see the parking lot it goes to.) After that there is a low-water bridge that, I think, used to have a seemingly useless bollard but no longer does. This is likely how she got on the trail since it’s just northwest of that overlook. Considering the driving skills shown, she’s quite lucky she didn’t end up in Four Mile Run while going over the low-water bridge.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8639139,-77.1188059,131m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

That’s a good guess, but I’m voting for the steep hairpin trail coming off of the end of N Greenbrier St to a left directly onto the W&OD. :confused:

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8668212,-77.1239251,278a,35y,184.5h/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

In any case, it took some concerted maneuvering for her to get on the trail.

[Author]

Posts