[wheelswings]

Sometimes it feels like Freezing Saddles makes no sense. Here we are, getting points and kudos for doing what we love. Huh?
When I’m forced behind a wheel for work or for long-distance carpooling, like yesterday’s 3.5 hours of tense driving during the storm, I get absolutely nothing… not a single kudo, only stress. And then I get on my bike, pure joy, and I get points?!
I feel truly sorry for the millions of Americans who have to drive their cars long commutes every day…. so many people have no choice. We are very, very lucky here in Arlington.

[wheelswings]

@vern 108879 wrote:

So, am I correct in assuming that the W&OD between the Custis and Shirlington remains an ice and snow covered mess that is unrideable on slicks?

That is correct, Vern, at least the parts that I saw on the Shirlington end along 4MR Dr. The trail is a useless mess. One option is to take back streets up to Clarendon or Ballston, then jump on the Custis.

[wheelswings]

@colleen 108818 wrote:

Does anyone have a report on the WOD between Shirlington and Columbia Pike this afternoon?

The WOD was packed in snow and ice, not ride-able… at least not the parts I saw, which were between Shirlington Road (you can ride with the traffic along Four Mile Run Drive instead, like I did, but it’s not so fun) and George Mason Drive (I cut up 16th St. and zig-zag’ed up the map on the assumption that the rest of the WOD would be equally hopeless).

Sorry the WOD news isn’t better….

[wheelswings]

@dasgeh 108803 wrote:

It sounds like you’re trying to get from the DC side of the Memorial Bridge to the western end of the Custis. If so, your best bet is to take the Memorial Bridge to 110 Trail, to Marshall Dr and Meade St around the Iwo Jima. From there, you can cut a little distance by staying on streets into Clarendon, then Fairfax Drive to the Connector to the Custis. Or you can just stay on Meade, which becomes Lynn, and turn left on the Custis.

Thanks, dasgeh! Actually I’m going from NW DC (north of Dupont) to Barcroft Sports/ Phoenix Bikes and then up to East Falls Church…. thus (unfortunately) into NPS and NVRPA territory….

[wheelswings]

Erg. Thank you. This is all very helpful. Has anyone tried riding south from Memorial Bridge on Boundary Channel Drive and Long Bridge Drive… are they plowed? I’m looking for a good way to get down to Eads and onto S 4MR trail…. slicks only.
I’m also curious about taking Wakefield St northward from the WOD to Henderston Rd to Quincy St. to get back up to Custis later tonight. Is that the best alternative to the WOD? I dislike riding on George Mason Drive…. in prior years I used to do it pulling the kids in the trailer, and it was a bit unnerving…
Thx much!

[wheelswings]

@dasgeh 108744 wrote:

Any updates on Key or Memorial Bridges?

The east sidewalk of Key Bridge was in good shape this morning — fine on slicks.

Does anyone have surveillance updates on MVT and the WOD? Still an icy/snowy/slushy mess? I was planning to take them this evening, but perhaps I need to find an alternate route.

Thanks!!

[wheelswings]

@consularrider 108498 wrote:

If you pledge to be there by 8, so will I. I’ll just hang around for a second coffee and pastry.

Fantastic. Thank you! I will see you there at 8… for real. :+)

[wheelswings]

I’d love to join you for coffee at Best Buns, but I can’t do it that late. Will anyone else be there earlier… maybe around 8 a.m.?

[wheelswings]

@Steve O 107931 wrote:

We’ve fallen to 10th and are being mocked by the BiPolar Bears, so it’s time to show them what we can do!

There must be some misunderstanding. We Bears would never mock you… we are cuddly warm teddy bears. In fact, we are all taking the week off in solidarity with your plight. So sleep tight and don’t worry about anything. We’re your BFFs….Bear Friends Forever.

[wheelswings]

@Steve O 107750 wrote:

This street is quite rideable without studded tires.

How do you know? Were you there? Is that your bike?

Perhaps those less, um, studly would acknowledge that road conditions can be icy and slippery (especially when the temperatures drop), requiring studded tires (which I don’t have) or foolishness (which some of us have) to keep riding in all conditions.

I don’t think either should be required to bike-commute year-round. I am thrilled that Arlington “gets it” and is taking these giant steps toward everyday bicycle-transportation options for everyone.

[wheelswings]

@rcannon100 107697 wrote:

I don’t ride studs.

Me neither. Not on my tires, at least.

[wheelswings]

Grateful for any evening trail reports. Thanks!!

[wheelswings]

Ditto as of 10 minutes ago, just a bit more snow. Smooth sailing on the MVT, 4MR and WOD. Bridges were fine if you keep your line.

[wheelswings]

A fun morning with two-wheeled friends on the Bikenetic coffee ride! Good turnout from Team 6 Bears:
WorktheWeb, Little Cutie, Ian74, Phatboing, and Wheels&Wings. Congratulations to WorktheWeb for an impressive job sherpa-ing the Burley.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]7657[/ATTACH]

[wheelswings]

This notice was just circulated on my neighborhood listserv. I don’t know any details but it sounds like a good deal.

Burley bike trailer
Used but still has lots of life left in it -$30
Stacey Bradshaw from Tara – Leeway Heights
Text me at 240-328-3811

[Author]

Posts