W&OD Ride

[Jackson]

W&OD Ride

The predicted deluge of rain (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2008/01/possible_ice_then_buckets_of_r.html ?hpid=news-col-blog) will most likely mean no trail riding this weekend. But let's get some skinny tire mileage. I'll be on a road bike.

Where: W&OD

When: Saturday, 10:00 AM (Feb 2 2008)

Start: Vienna Railroad Station

Pace/Distance: To be determined - Probably west, towards Loudoun. At least 25-30 miles round trip.

Fat tire bikes welcome, but you will have to form your own group. Anyone interested in leading the fat tire contingent?

Vienna Station: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=38.90433,-77.266964&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=38.904426,-77.267768&sspn=0.002751,0.004989&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=18&om=0

[Dirt]

I'll try and be there. Sunday may work out better for me though. I'll know more tomorrow.

Pete

[Jackson]

I'll try and be there. Sunday may work out better for me though. I'll know more tomorrow.

Pete

Any other interest in this ride? I may change it if not.

[drewdane]

Any other interest in this ride? I may change it if not.
This weekend's full up, I'm afraid, and Saturdays in general don't work well for me.

[Vecsus]

I've only got a fat-tire bike. there is no way in hell I could keep up with skinnies. Add to that the lack of a big chain ring and not even drafting would help me hang onto the pack.

[redclayrambler]

Any other interest in this ride? I may change it if not.
I was going to do something on the W&OD this weekend as well, so if you are still doing it I will be there.
Having said that Sunday is fine with me as well, I am going to try to get out both days.
Just post up what you decide to do.
Thanks,
Clay
(all this is dependent on how my back feels though)

[crack monkey]

What sort of pace are you considering? I might be down with meeting up, but it would likely be the return leg of an out-n-back for me (from Herndon).

[Dirt]

Hey Folks.

I'm in for Sunday. I can't do Saturday. I was contemplating going the opposite direction on the WOD than what Jackson was planning.

I was thinking of going the WOD to the Custis Trail, down through Rosslyn to the Mt. Vernon Trail, out to Mt. Vernon and back, though I might take 4-mile Run through Arlington, instead of going back by Rosslyn.

This ride is much more "interesting" to me than the one heading West on the WOD. I put interesting in quotes because that is both good and bad. This trail has hills and turns and things that the WOD out west does not have. It also has more people and more frequent stop signs and street crossings.

If we did the whole ride from Vienna to Mt. Vernon and back, it would be in the 60+ mile range. I don't know if I really have time for that.

Honestly, I don't care which direction we go. That can be a game-day call if you like. If we split into groups, there will need to be someone that knows the route through Oldee Towneee Alexandria-eee (extra "e"s are added for historical emphasis) since the route is slightly different because of the Woody Willy bridge construction.

I'll say 10am in Vienna on Sunday morning for my ride.

I'm actually going to try and ride a bike with shifters and gears and 2 brakes this time. I strongly suggest that people wear sunglasses within 100 meters of this bicycle.

Pete

[g_barr]

...there will need to be someone that knows the route through Oldee Towneee Alexandria-eee since the route is slightly different because of the Woody Willy bridge construction.
From Rosslyn, you should be able to turn west on Duke Street (or Wolfe, Gibbon, or Franklin Streets), turn south on South Royal Street (third intersection from S. Union) then cross under the WWB.

Traffic on S. Royal was not blocked last Saturday and the MVT under the bridge was open. I don't know when they finished the MVT ramp parallel to 495 but it's really sweet compared to the old goat route through the apartment complex.

Watch out for construction debris under the bridge and make sure you come to a COMPLETE STOP at the intersections in Old Town!!!

[Jackson]

Ride tomorrow is still on, I may also post for Pete's ride on Sunday.

[mtnbikerva1]

I am getting over a cold I need the exercise.

[redclayrambler]

I am going to try to be around for both of these
(dependent on my various ailments of course):rolleyes:
see ya

[steudlee]

Hey Folks.

I'm in for Sunday. I can't do Saturday. I was contemplating going the opposite direction on the WOD than what Jackson was planning.

I was thinking of going the WOD to the Custis Trail, down through Rosslyn to the Mt. Vernon Trail, out to Mt. Vernon and back, though I might take 4-mile Run through Arlington, instead of going back by Rosslyn.

This ride is much more "interesting" to me than the one heading West on the WOD. I put interesting in quotes because that is both good and bad. This trail has hills and turns and things that the WOD out west does not have. It also has more people and more frequent stop signs and street crossings.

If we did the whole ride from Vienna to Mt. Vernon and back, it would be in the 60+ mile range. I don't know if I really have time for that.

Honestly, I don't care which direction we go. That can be a game-day call if you like. If we split into groups, there will need to be someone that knows the route through Oldee Towneee Alexandria-eee (extra "e"s are added for historical emphasis) since the route is slightly different because of the Woody Willy bridge construction.

I'll say 10am in Vienna on Sunday morning for my ride.

I'm actually going to try and ride a bike with shifters and gears and 2 brakes this time. I strongly suggest that people wear sunglasses within 100 meters of this bicycle.

Pete

I am should be able to do this tomorrow. Is this fat tire or skinny?

[Jackson]

Here is the data from today's W&OD ride: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=4895009

A good time was had by all. More details to follow.

[redclayrambler]

A good time was had by all. More details to follow.

Yeah, and thanks for putting it together, it was nice riding with you guys.....and gal.
See ya
Clay

[Dirt]

I am should be able to do this tomorrow. Is this fat tire or skinny?

Skinny would be best. If we have one group, or one leader for each group, then we'll head east and ride towards Mt. Vernon. We'll see how people feel. Hopefully we'll make it all the way there and back.

If we have a very diverse group show up, we may end up heading west instead, since the ride east involves many turns and directions.

See you tomorrow at 10am in Vienna. I'll be easily recognizable as the tall, hairy fat guy riding the loudest bike you've ever seen.

Pete.

[redclayrambler]

Hey Folks.

I'm in for Sunday. I can't do Saturday. I was contemplating going the opposite direction on the WOD than what Jackson was planning.

I was thinking of going the WOD to the Custis Trail, down through Rosslyn to the Mt. Vernon Trail, out to Mt. Vernon and back, though I might take 4-mile Run through Arlington, instead of going back by Rosslyn.

This ride is much more "interesting" to me than the one heading West on the WOD. I put interesting in quotes because that is both good and bad. This trail has hills and turns and things that the WOD out west does not have. It also has more people and more frequent stop signs and street crossings.

If we did the whole ride from Vienna to Mt. Vernon and back, it would be in the 60+ mile range. I don't know if I really have time for that.

Honestly, I don't care which direction we go. That can be a game-day call if you like. If we split into groups, there will need to be someone that knows the route through Oldee Towneee Alexandria-eee (extra "e"s are added for historical emphasis) since the route is slightly different because of the Woody Willy bridge construction.

I'll say 10am in Vienna on Sunday morning for my ride.

I'm actually going to try and ride a bike with shifters and gears and 2 brakes this time. I strongly suggest that people wear sunglasses within 100 meters of this bicycle.

Pete
Hey Pete,
My back is a little sore tonight so if I'm not there at 10:00 don't wait, Ha Ha like you guys would anyway:D
Clay

[Dirt]

Hey Pete,
My back is a little sore tonight so if I'm not there at 10:00 don't wait, Ha Ha like you guys would anyway:D
Clay

Yeah, I got so tired of waiting for you the last time we rode together. ;)

Hope you're feeling better.

Pete

[Dirt]

Awesome ride guys. Sorry that I slowed down so much on the way back. I was hurting a bit and just needed to go my own pace. I kept you in sight until just before the 4-mile run turn off. At that poing I just backed it off and rode it home.

Using Pat's distance for the ride out, my guess is that the we rode somewhere in the 70-75 mile range.

Thanks again for an awesome ride.

Now it is time to sit down with a beer and watch Puppy Bowl IV. The Kitty Halftime show is nothing short of brilliant.

Pete

[steudlee]

Yeah, very good ride guys. Pete, I was hurting the last stretch as well but that made watching tv last night even better. Hope to do some more riding together soon.

[Dirt]

I need to explore more of the old road routes that I used to ride. I haven't ridden many of them in a decade or more. Many, I'm guessing, are not as nice for bicycles as they used to be. Since I'm on the road bike more these days, I'll probalby lead one of these per weekend and see what I can come up with.

Time to hit up the Potomac Pedler's web site and try out some of their Qsheets.

Thanks again. Welcome to the area. Hopefully you'll get to ride some mountain bike trails soon.

Pete

[philman]

That was a most excellent spin yesterday. The last time I rode out to Mt Vernon the asphalt was in pretty bad shape and it wasn't much fun. I'm going to put it back on my list.

I had 60 miles when I got back to my house right off the Custis at Lincoln St.

I've got an idea for a ride next weekend. I'll post it later. Its got a couple of hills...

Eric, good to meet you.

Pat

[Dirt]

That was a most excellent spin yesterday. The last time I rode out to Mt Vernon the asphalt was in pretty bad shape and it wasn't much fun. I'm going to put it back on my list.


I lost you guys just before the 4-mile run turn-off. Did you head back that way or all the way up to Rosslyn?

[vamodeo]

I know many a road route from the Vienna caboose and can lead more adventurous rides if the mtb trails are wet.

Vince

Here is the data from today's W&OD ride: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=4895009

A good time was had by all. More details to follow.

[rsosborn]

I know many a road route from the Vienna caboose and can lead more adventurous rides if the mtb trails are wet.

Vince

We got suckered (or "WOO'D") into a WO&D ride yesterday. Mom's and Dad's everywhere. Constant street crossings. There has got to be a better way.

I know Mt Vernon is just as staggered. Rock Creek might be hard to navigate to.
I'm thinking Canal Road west of Georgetown this weekend. Or Haines Point?

[CRAIG2]

Bike paths. Bleh. You'd be better served heading out MacArthur Blvd or something towards Poolesville or Potomac. The traffic on the weekends is very manageable. I think the 'roughest' parts are probably along River Road as you enter and travel through Potomac. You can easily pull of anywhere between 35 and 70 miles, depending on route. You also get the benefit of some rolling hills, and a LOT fewer rollerbladers. Besides, road bikes like the road - not bike paths. Hybrids and tri-geeks like the WO&D. :p

[Dirt]

We got suckered (or "WOO'D") into a WO&D ride yesterday. Mom's and Dad's everywhere. Constant street crossings. There has got to be a better way.

I know Mt Vernon is just as staggered. Rock Creek might be hard to navigate to.
I'm thinking Canal Road west of Georgetown this weekend. Or Haines Point?
There's tons of great stuff out there. I just haven't ridden most of my old routes for almost 15 years and would just like to give them a pre-ride before letting loose with leading a group on them.

Thanks Vince for your input. I think we can start a thread on this topic to get suggestions.

I'll post that up in a few minutes.

Thanks!

Pete

[philman]

I lost you guys just before the 4-mile run turn-off. Did you head back that way or all the way up to Rosslyn?

We went up 4-mile Run through Shirlington. I took Eric on the old W&OD, with the twists and turns, and then I turned on the Custis just past Bluemont to go home and he headed on out to meet his wife.

[philman]

I think we can start a thread on this topic to get suggestions.

Here's one I ride on a regular basis in the summer.

Key Bridge into Georgetown and up to Resevoir Rd.
Out Reservoir onto Macarthur to Glen Echo.
Down onto the Clara Barton Pkwy out to Macarthur again.
Macarthur to Great Falls Park entrance.
Down into the park and back up again.
Macarthur all the way back through Glen Echo.
Get onto the Capitol Crescent Trail at Sangamore Rd and chill through Bethesda to Beach Drive.
Beach Drive/Rock Creek to the Potomac to Haines Point
Spin a lap and cross 14th St Bridge.
Left to the airport and the W&OD or right to Rosslyn and the Custis

That's anywhere from 40 to 60 miles from my house in Arlington. I havn't done this loop in a while and would be glad to lead a group this weekend if there's some interest.

Pat

[ridethewomble]

Macarthur all the way back through Glen Echo.
Get onto the Capitol Crescent Trail at Sangamore Rd and chill through Bethesda to Beach Drive.
Beach Drive/Rock Creek to the Potomac to Haines Point
Could some of you folks who ride MacArthur and Beach Drive on a regular basis talk about it some? I ask because it seems like threatening, angry letters from Beach Drive motorists pop up in the paper about every six months. I can't recall who it was, but I remember a famous former cabinet official or journalist making a real jerk of himself ranting about bikes in Rock Creek Park.
I am not afraid of riding on the street. I'll ride on the street in DC. I ride on the street in Arlington almost every day. I do avoid stressful routes; for example, if I were in Old Town, I'd pick side streets over US 1.
Given that level of comfort:

Is the level of homicidal rage from motorists on Beach Drive acceptable?
What about the weekend closures? Is the part left open to cars safe, or do you have an angry Escalade breathing down your neck at all times? (WHAT? That's just the Rock Racing TEAM CAR? ;) )
How about Clara Barton and MacArthur up by Glen Echo?

Thanks. Philman's queues look like a great ride.

[CRAIG2]

I've never had a problem on Beach Drive on the weekend. I think most motorists expect cyclists and most are pretty respectful. Of course, not all sections are closed to motorists, so when on one of those sections, don't be a dick and ride in the middle of the lane unless, of course, you can average the speed limit.

[philman]

I’ve never had trouble on Beach Drive. On the upper sections the traffic on the sections that are open on the weekends is pretty light. Below the closed sections you can take a bike path all the way to the river, but it’s not in very good shape and usually crowded. I usually ride the road all the way to the zoo, and then get on the bike path and chill to Haines Point. You need to be pumped for the lower section of Beach Drive though, and watch out for the grates.

The only bad part of Macarthur is from Sangamore Rd. to Goldsboro Rd. No shoulder and narrow and winding. On our way back from Whites Ferry Sunday we had a little honking and “finger” pointing incident, but that doesn’t happen a lot. There is a bike lane off to one side but it usually has mud and debris on it. This is a major ride route and in decent weather there are plenty of bikes.

Clara Barton is, in my opinion, very safe on the weekends. Traffic is fairly light and with two lanes each direction cars passing a bike have no problem. I don’t ride it inside of Glen Echo though.