February/March MORE/OBW Tuesday Night Rides

[FIX_BKS]

The Tuesday Night Casual ride is brought to you by MORE and Oasis Bike Works. (www.oasisbikeworks.com)

This is a casually-paced night ride at Wakefield Park (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1202) in Annandale, Virginia, adjacent to the intersection of Braddock Road and the Capitol Beltway. Riders should meet at 6:30 and be ready to ride at 6:45. The ride leader(s) will try to start as promptly as possible.

Folks who aren't ready will be forced to buy the first round at Kilroys.

Lights are needed! You will need quality bike lights to participate in this ride. Starting at 6:45 gives us a little while with sunlight, but you'll need them for longer rides.

Riders are strongly urged to purchase a hydration pack and use it. A single water bottle is not sufficient, even in cooler temperatures.

Pace: This ride, part of a regular series of night rides organized by MORE, is geared toward the beginner or casual rider. Newcomers to night riding should feel welcome - this is a no-drop ride. (A drop is leaving someone behind who is slower than the group. We won't do that - but if you feel like you are not able to keep up, please let the ride leader know.) All riding abilities are welcome, but it is recommended riders have a few off-road daylight rides (http://thebikelane.com/page.cfm?PageID=53) under their belts first. Feel free to contact one of the ride leaders if you have any questions.

As an alternative, there may be faster rides each Tuesday night starting from the same place at the same time. These rides are not part of the casual ride. There are also faster rides on Mondays and Thursday, the other days with legal night riding. The group typically breaks up into casual and casual +.

Location: The ride starts near the Wakefield Park recycling bins, located in the parking lot of the Audrey Moore Recreation Center. (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wakerec.htm) Please park near the large green recycle bins. Click the thumbnail below for an overhead image of park entrance/starting area.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3596/wakefield3ko.th.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wakefield3ko.jpg)
Braddock Road Entrance

Terrain: Wakefield is generally considered easier to intermediate by most riders. There are a few small stream crossings and some log obstacles. Riders should use good judgment and dismount when in doubt. The ride will typically consist of a mix of singletrack (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singletrack), fireroads, (http://tinyurl.com/2uk8qq) and other trail sections in the park. There are some climbs that some people may find challenging, but they are few in number. Volunteers have put a lot of 'sweat equity' into maximizing the trails in Wakefield.

All riders joining this ride will need to sign the standard MORE waiver form. (http://tinyurl.com/ylzmeo)

[allencb]

What's the word for tomorrow's ride?

Chris

[tuba_transport]

What's the word for tomorrow's ride?

Chris

Weather.com says lots of wet stuff and temps in the mid to upper 30s all day. No freezing temps until exactly at ride time.

My guess right now is a no go.

[allencb]

Yeah.

I'm packing the geared road bike (fatter tires). If anyone is interested, I'd be up for a W&OD ride leaving from Spokes, Etc in Vienna between 4:30 and 5pm (depending on work). It won't be a fast or long ride, probably 10-20 miles at 15mph avg.

Chris

[FIX_BKS]

Weather.com says lots of wet stuff and temps in the mid to upper 30s all day. No freezing temps until exactly at ride time.

My guess right now is a no go.

You'd be right! And it's getting pretty frustrating. I haven't been out there on a Tuesday (or any day really) for a few weeks now.

Unless we get a ton of snow soon, I'm pretty much over winter and am ready for some dry, sunny days with mild temps.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

You'd be right! And it's getting pretty frustrating. I haven't been out there on a Tuesday (or any day really) for a few weeks now.

Unless we get a ton of snow soon, I'm pretty much over winter and am ready for some dry, sunny days with mild temps.

Do you want the calendar to officially note that the ride is cancelled for tonight (Feb 3rd, 2009?)

[FIX_BKS]

Do you want the calendar to officially note that the ride is cancelled for tonight (Feb 3rd, 2009?)

That couldn't hurt and I appreciate it (especially after following the Patapsco mud thread :nono: ).

Thanks!

[allencb]

Had a nice 15 mile solo ride tonight... :flushed:

Chris

[tuba_transport]

Yeah.

I'm packing the geared road bike (fatter tires). If anyone is interested, I'd be up for a W&OD ride leaving from Spokes, Etc in Vienna between 4:30 and 5pm (depending on work). It won't be a fast or long ride, probably 10-20 miles at 15mph avg.

Chris

I read this too late plus my legs are fried but next time I would like to join ya.

[allencb]

What's the word for tomorrow? I assume canceled. I'm doing another W&OD ride leaving from Spokes Etc in Vienna around 5pmish (might be as late as 5:20, but still allows enough time for 15 miles or so) if anyone wants to go.

Chris

[tuba_transport]

What's the word for tomorrow? I assume canceled. I'm doing another W&OD ride leaving from Spokes Etc in Vienna around 5pmish (might be as late as 5:20, but still allows enough time for 15 miles or so) if anyone wants to go.

Chris

Is this WOD out and back or road? I was hoping to be on the bike by 3:00 and could maybe hook up with you at 5:00 to finish off the ride.

[allencb]

Is this WOD out and back or road? I was hoping to be on the bike by 3:00 and could maybe hook up with you at 5:00 to finish off the ride.

Out and back. If I get started soon enough, I was planning on heading towards the start of the path. Out to the beginning and back to Spokes, Etc in Vienna is about 25 miles round trip.

I can go in the opposite direction as well, just depends on what works best.

Chris

[FIX_BKS]

What's the word for tomorrow? I assume canceled.
Chris

Chris, yep. :(

I think we're getting closer as the weather has been nice, but today's clouds and lack of real "warmth" won't dry it up fast enough. Perhaps the Thursday ride will be on if there isn't any rain between now and then.

I feel sorry for anyone who has been itching to get on their new bike!

[sturner]

Any word on tomorrow? Quantico was real nice today. What do we think about WF?

[tuba_transport]

Any word on tomorrow? Quantico was real nice today. What do we think about WF?

Tomorrow should be great, IMNSHFO.

[sturner]

Let's do it. Tuba, will you be there? As long as I know I wont be alone in the dark, then I wont be afraid.

Tuesday ride! Whoo Hoooo.

[nocro]

Let's do it. Tuba, will you be there? As long as I know I wont be alone in the dark, then I wont be afraid.

Tuesday ride! Whoo Hoooo.

Because you might be alone in the dark with Tuba :D of which you should be very afraid. :p

I mean, this is a guy who admits he spends most of his time in a cemetery. "Location: Arlington National Cemetery". Creepy, very creepy.

[tuba_transport]

Because you might be alone in the dark with Tuba :D of which you should be very afraid. :p

I mean, this is a guy who admits he spends most of his time in a cemetery. "Location: Arlington National Cemetery". Creepy, very creepy.

Boo!!!!!!!!

[allroy]

I'm going to try and be there, fixed gear cross bikes anyone, it's fun, come on you know you want too... !

Tomorrow should be great, IMNSHFO.

[Jackson]

If someone can post directions to Wakefield, I plan on trying to be there.

[FIX_BKS]

If someone can post directions to Wakefield, I plan on trying to be there.

Jackson, I'm not at all surprised you don't remember how to get there. :D

If you do go, would you mind leading the casual ride...or point to someone else when you get there? Unless you've moved up to the advanced ride with that shiny new bike of yours?

I have a small window this evening to work with a contractor (Rob) to finally finish building that bike rack upstairs in the shop, so unfortunately I can't make it. I'm sad I'll miss the maiden voyage. :(

[tuba_transport]

MyBro, please stop reading this message.




A couple people asked if I could be there tonight. I REALLY want to and the trail will be sweet, but the wife is sick and so i am domestic tonight.

Enjoy Wakefield tonight. It is a fantastic day to ride.

[FIX_BKS]

Well'p according to this (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14600) and to be on the safe side, this week is just one more cancellation away from full blown insanity. :bangshead:

Additionally, I'll be leaving town for 12 days starting Friday, the 27th, which means I'll be missing the next two Tuesdays as well.

Jackson is either the appointed stand in, or the appointed stand in appointer.

[atemryeats]

This ride on or not?

[Jackson]

This ride on or not?

Canceled. Latest report from Wakefield is that the majority of the trails are not rideable.

[atlantis]

Any thoughts on tomorrow Jackson, as the designated appointed standin ride organizer??? Or are we waiting on trail condition report from JoeP?

[tuba_transport]

Any thoughts on tomorrow Jackson, as the designated appointed standin ride organizer??? Or are we waiting on trail condition report from JoeP?

Oh, tomorrow HAS to be on. High is 29 for the day and ride time temps are around 25. Jackson has NO excuses. He is there with bells on.

[Jackson]

Any thoughts on tomorrow Jackson, as the designated appointed standin ride organizer??? Or are we waiting on trail condition report from JoeP?

You never wait for JoeP. It's something taught in MTB 101.

[Jackson]

Ride is on. It will be cold, colder, coldest. Will ride as long as batteries, bikes, and bodies allow.

[liznotter]

Posted my unschooled opinion on trail conditions here. (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=147353#post147353)

[joep]

Posted my unschooled opinion on trail conditions here. (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=147353#post147353)

When Liz says something is fun, just remember that I once saw this woman (at the end of a 6 hour day on the bike) jump into a lake and swim a mile-- just for fun.

Last night the ground was wet or muddy beneath the snow in some areas. Conditions should be better tonight due to the big freeze. Lots of trees blocking the trail in the Bowl area-- not fallen, just bent into the trail from the weight of the snow.

[eloach]

When Liz says something is fun, just remember that I once saw this woman (at the end of a 6 hour day on the bike) jump into a lake and swim a mile-- just for fun.

Last night the ground was wet or muddy beneath the snow in some areas. Conditions should be better tonight due to the big freeze. Lots of trees blocking the trail in the Bowl area-- not fallen, just bent into the trail from the weight of the snow.

I was out just before your ride. It was fun but slow. Virgin 1+ foot drifts were hard to get over and in some places the drifts were up to the disc breaks themselves and turning the cranks through the snow became an issue. At one point I couldn't figure out where the trail was. :o I tried to smash down the drifts as much as possible so the next person through would have a better shot at clearing them. On a lot of the trail I was the first bike/foot through, which surprised me, because I didn't get there until about 6:00 PM. The Nokian Gazza 29er tires are amazing. I rode them last night for the first time and then rode them to work today. They went over miles of ice on the WOD and never slipped once. Sweet.

It's March, the sun is warm, it might be slushy until about 7:30 or so tonight where the trail sits in the sun. Yesterday there were only a few spots like that because the sun didn't peak out until pretty late in the day. On the other hand, maybe some of the drifts will be downsized!

[rizetech]

trails will be good for this week possibly?

[Jackson]

trails will be good for this week possibly?

For Tuesday, I hope so - there is a mention of rain in the forecast. Monday is supposed to be breezy and mild, so there is a chance it could dry enough to ride.

[FIX_BKS]

For Tuesday, I hope so - there is a mention of rain in the forecast. Monday is supposed to be breezy and mild, so there is a chance it could dry enough to ride.

Not sure of the trail conditions, but neither Jackson or I are able to lead the casual ride tonight.

We'll call the official ride cancelled and go back into full swing a week from today.

[allencb]

Probably too wet to ride the trails, are there any alternate plans?

Chris

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Probably too wet to ride the trails, are there any alternate plans?

Chris

PPTC ride - Leaves 5:40 PM from the softball lot.

The B's dam nearly killed me on the first half of the course last week.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7781318

(Keep in mind that my MAX heart rate is only something like 168)

(Notice on the analyzer how that first mile was so slow and the second mile picked up slightly and then BANG - redline to the end)

Do you want to know your racing fitness level? Come try it out.....

[eloach]

PPTC ride - Leaves 5:40 PM from the softball lot.

The B's dam nearly killed me on the first half of the course last week.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7781318

(Keep in mind that my MAX heart rate is only something like 168)

(Notice on the analyzer how that first mile was so slow and the second mile picked up slightly and then BANG - redline to the end)

Do you want to know your racing fitness level? Come try it out.....

You should have brought your road bike instead of the SuperFly.

[allencb]

Might have to try it. Depends on how much I hate myself tomorrow. :D

Chris

[FIX_BKS]

Probably too wet to ride the trails, are there any alternate plans?

Chris

I think the suggestions listed are your best bet. The trails will definitely be too wet for an mtb ride tomorrow 03/17.

[CRAIG2]

Tomorrow is St. Patty's. Everyone should be somewhere drinking, anyway. What is wrong with you people??? :D

[sdh]

Tomorrow is St. Patty's. Everyone should be somewhere drinking, anyway. What is wrong with you people??? :D

AMEN!

God even made it rain so the trails are muddy so you can celebrate his favorite Saint's day without guilt!

[FIX_BKS]

It's been a while, so I'll probably be suckin' wind, but I've got all my gear ready and I'll be at Wakefield around 6-6:15 with waivers! :)

[tsunayoshi]

If anyone got the mileage/time from the casual ride could they please post? I left my bike comp at home...

Thanks.

[bikerjay]

Still too wet for a ride tonight 3/31?? I really wanna ride tonight.

[Jackson]

Still too wet for a ride tonight 3/31?? I really wanna ride tonight.

Intial reports are good, at least for Accotink. I think some segments will be rideable.

[willcogs]

I was thinking about coming out for my first night ride tonight. Is there anything I need to do first?

[mabagal]

I was thinking about coming out for my first night ride tonight. Is there anything I need to do first?

Check back here to make sure the ride is on (Tom/Jan, hopefully we get confirmation soon?)

Also, aside from all the other bike prep, make sure your light is charged and works. Lights won't be needed until after 7:15 or so.

[FIX_BKS]

Check back here to make sure the ride is on (Tom/Jan, hopefully we get confirmation soon?)

Also, aside from all the other bike prep, make sure your light is charged and works. Lights won't be needed until after 7:15 or so.

Yes indeedy, the ride is ON! Sorry for the delay - stupid "work"! The weather is beautiful, should make for a great one!