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Just got back from a loop to investigate Four Mile Run and Mount Vernon Trail in vicinity of Del Ray…

Four Mile Run between Rt 1 and at least Mount Vernon Rd was nicely clear by about the width of a bobcat blade. And as far further towards Shirlington that I could see looked clear as well.

Mount Vernon Trail hasn’t been touched, from the Four Mile Run intersection it had pedestrian and ski tracks but wasn’t even matted down much. Significant work to do there. I don’t see it as feasible to ride on my 26×1.95″ studded tires, maybe with a fatbike…

Of more local interest, the trail on the south side of Four MIle Run connecting Commonwealth to Rt 1 to get on Four Mile Run trail is completely unplowed, the sidewalk on the north side of Rt 1 crossing 4 Mile is also unplowed however there is a ‘trench’ dug in the shoulder of Rt 1 that provides protected crossing with an abrupt ending. Oh and the steps along 4 Mile Run under the bridges near Potomac Yards/Harris Teeter is clear enough to traverse but not the switchbacks.

Couple pictures;
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Route 1 ‘trench’

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Mount Vernon Trail at Four Mile Run intersection

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Mount Vernon Trail south alongside GW Pkwy bridge over 4 Mile Run

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Thank you Arlington! 4 Mile Run trail alongside water treatment plant is CLEAR

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4 Mile Run Trail near Mount Vernon Ave underpass gets a bit sloppy, watch for refreeze later this week.

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@vvill 133259 wrote:

I haven’t been on the MVT and don’t plan doing so any time soon. I have traveled on (note I did not write “ridden on”) the Four Mile Run Park trail (Virginia side of 4MR) and the trail that runs along Washington Blvd between Memorial Bridge and the Pentagon. Both have not been cleared just like the MVT and both are totally unrideable. You’ll see when you get there. This photo demonstrates the problem.

Yeah I was afraid of that.

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Anyone on the Mt Vernon Trail between the Four Mile Run junction and 14th St Bridge? How about the 14th st bridge crossing for that matter?

I just finished putting my studded tire bike back together and will probably go take a look myself tomorrow morning.

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http://dr2dc.blogspot.com/2014/03/coffee-outside.html

Nice morning for coffee, not quite as cold, not quite as clear as I was anticipating but a nice way to get started with the work day.

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Thanks to Dana and Wes for joining me this morning, excellent start to the coffee outdoors in DC outings! Pictures later tonight…

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Good news is, looks like the clouds will clear up and we’re going to have an excellent shot at a sunrise… On the slightly more down side, it’ll be pretty darn cold! Make sure you bring an extra layer to keep warm while you’re off the bike!

See you in the morning!

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Matt, that’s great I’ll look for you!

Tony

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Not a silly question… actually I was having second thoughts about using a semi-obscure location for the first meet up. But in my opinion it’s worth the small hassle…. the grove is the full wooded area with path but I’m proposing the central memorial with the benches around the stone plinth. There is an open view across the river towards the Monuments from that location.

If you can see the view in this picture;
http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/lyndon-baines-johnson-memorial-grove-potomac

You’ll already be able to see me setting up coffee… and you’ll be there!

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Great morning for a coffee, this was my first time packing the full coffee brew kit in DC and it turned out great. I think I’ll try to keep up a semi-regular ‘sunrise coffee club’ especially as it gets a bit warmer out!

Tony

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