2006 Colt's Neck Wednesday Night Ride

[dmofot]

Here it is, the official Wednesday Night Colt's Neck (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1197) Ride thread. With Daylight Saving Time in effect, we should have just enough daylight to make the Colt's Neck loop without lights. I'll be trying to lead this as a weekly MORE (http://www.more-mtb.org)/City Bikes (http://www.citybikes.com) ride.

What: Wednesday Night Colt's Neck (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1197) Ride
Where: Meet at the Skatequest Ice Rink parking lot near trailhead (back left corner)
When: 6:30 PM
Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Intermediate
RSVP: DT at dmofot@gmail.com or 703.899.7466

As we get more daylight, we'll be able to stay out later and later and do longer and longer rides. So while we are doing the loop right now, we will probably expand as the days get longer to include more of the outer trail system.

[jabberwocky]

Sweet, Ill be there.

[Buddylee]

Yo, DT. I'm going to try to be there by 6, if not i'll be there shortly after and will head out behind you, maybe i'll see you guys somewhere on the trail.

[GoClipless]

Just found out my son's soccer practice will be on Wednesday nights. I'm going to try to find some carpooling arrangements so I might make it out once in a while. Tuesday night is shaping up to be my riding night this season. See you on the trail.

[snaej]

A night ride near my home and office, that ROCKS!!!

I'm there...unless I break my leg skiing in CO this weekend.

Chris

[pete]

6pm is too early for me, got this work thing. Especially a launch time at 6.

Can we move it back a bit as the spring progresses? Maybe 630 like yrs past?

[halfinch]

dmofo-
rode the colts neck, lake fairfax, cct /diffcult run loop over this past weekend. fine job ya'll done on the trail marking and the addition of the large boulders at the stream crossings.

[dmofot]

6pm is too early for me, got this work thing. Especially a launch time at 6.

Can we move it back a bit as the spring progresses? Maybe 630 like yrs past?

Oh yea, we'll definitely be moving it back as we get more time. I mean we can probably leave around 6:15 PM tonight and still have plenty of daylight. Sunset tonight is at 7:35 PM. Without mechanicals and at a slower moderate pace, the loop probably takes about 75 minutes.

I mean, if there is enough interest to move the ride tonight from 6:00 PM to 6:15 PM, making it so more people can make it out, then I'm all for it. You all just have to promise no mechanicals...haha.

DT

[dmofot]

dmofo-
rode the colts neck, lake fairfax, cct /diffcult run loop over this past weekend. fine job ya'll done on the trail marking and the addition of the large boulders at the stream crossings.

Thanks, I really only helped with the trail marking and a little bit of bridge work, but FCPA did a great job on the large boulder stream crossing. I bet they are happy to hear people are enjoying it!

DT

[pete]

No worries for tonite. I meant it as a more general question for the rest of the season.

That is good to hear. I will already be 'sneaking' out for the RBC rides at 6pm on Tuesdays.

[Buddylee]

Good ride tonight... i'm happy to see a ride out this way, i hope it stays.

[mtrostle]

Sorry I missed this group ride. However, I did ride there yesterday afternoon and personally I think the trails were in the best shape in the past year. I did the 10 mile loop in just under an hour :eek: !!! Ever have one of those rides where you're in a zone and just flow like water?? That's how I felt. Great job by everyone who contributed to the trail work and signs. The reroute over the creek, with the large boulders, threw me for a whirl. While doing the hike a bike across it I almost slipped due to my cleats :o . I'm going to miss riding there!!!!

[dmofot]

OK, so I'm changing the official start time to 6:30 PM now. We should have plenty of light available to us and once the whole night riding thing actually gets worked out we can go out for double loops or extra long single loop...

[halfinch]

OK, so I'm changing the official start time to 6:30 PM now. We should have plenty of light available to us and once the whole night riding thing actually gets worked out we can go out for double loops or extra long single loop...

i take there is little opportunity for night riding? seems that a fair amount of the trail backs up to residential..

[dmofot]

i take there is little opportunity for night riding? seems that a fair amount of the trail backs up to residential..

It's not so much that theres little opportunity, it's more like we are just working through the proper channels right now so we can get more legal night riding opportunities. Right now that is three nights at Wakefield, but MORE is looking to expanding that into more parks and more nights. When/if we have an understanding on legal night riding in other parks, we'll definitely be going later into the night.

DT

[dmofot]

So this week, after the ride I'm heading over to the Hard Times Cafe in Herndon (between a 5 and 10 minute drive from the park). Turns out there is a homebrew club meeting at 7:30pm. Just giving a heads up in case anyone is interested in heading over after the ride.

DT

[dmofot]

The ride is on, 6:30 PM tonight at the Skatequest parking lot.

DT

[dmofot]

See you out there at 6:30 PM. Maybe we'll go counter clockwise tonight...

DT

[dmofot]

Tonight, 6:30 PM, ride is on as usual. Official ride to be done by 8:00 PM, but unofficially I heard talk of a few people going out with lights for a second loop...

DT

[ardenbees]

What's the word on this ride tonight?

[dmofot]

What's the word on this ride tonight?

We're on for tonight, 6:30 PM in the ice rink parking lot. I'll be leading one loop and afterwards I'm heading over to the Hard Times in Herndon for a homebrew meeting. Next Wednesday I plan on doing more than one loop, changing it up a little for those interested.

DT

[pete]

Which direction are you going tonight? Dirt or WOD first?

I may be a bit late and have to catch you guys.

[ardenbees]

I am trying to make it to the ride. "Trying" being the key word. I'm not sure how long it's going to take me from Alexandria. If all goes well, I'll see you there...

[dmofot]

Which direction are you going tonight? Dirt or WOD first?

I may be a bit late and have to catch you guys.

Hm, really no idea. I usually leave that to whoever shows up. I'll have my cell on me though, so if you're going to be late give me a call and if it's only a few minutes we'll wait, otherwise I can let you know where we are - 703.899.7466.

DT

[dmofot]

I am trying to make it to the ride. "Trying" being the key word. I'm not sure how long it's going to take me from Alexandria. If all goes well, I'll see you there...

Yea, unfortunately you are at the whim of traffic. It usually only takes me 15 minutes from Falls Church, but I don't have 395 or much of 495 to deal with, just the Toll Road. Hopefully we'll see you there!

DT

[ardenbees]

If I'm too late to meet you all, the backup plan is to detour to the Fairfax REI (sale until May 14) to spend more money on this biking addiction. My bank account is hoping the ride works out.

[pete]

DT. You good? That was nasty endo. Hope all is well.

We had another incident with Clint after the water crossing. He landed on his tailbone and we had to walk him out to the nearest neighborhood. Gary was nice enough to haul ass back, get his truck an meet us there.

At that point I had to get on the gas to beat riding home in total darkness, so not sure if they went to the Dr or just back to the icerink and his car. Basically trying to find out if all is well with Clint.

Full moon? Black cat? Crazy.

[ardenbees]

Great trails you've got there at Colt's Neck. I hope I can tag along again with you guys sometime. I'll try to work on my speed before next time...

[pete]

I think we got a little out of hand with the speed after DT left. You were fine, only secs behind. Hope to see you again out there.

[ardenbees]

Thanks. It's kinda hard to gauge one's effect on a group when you don't know what speed the group is used to. So whatever. Great ride (except for the obvious unfortunate incidents. I hope the shoulder and the arse are ok today.). I'll see you all again.

[dmofot]

DT. You good? That was nasty endo. Hope all is well.

We had another incident with Clint after the water crossing. He landed on his tailbone and we had to walk him out to the nearest neighborhood. Gary was nice enough to haul ass back, get his truck an meet us there.

At that point I had to get on the gas to beat riding home in total darkness, so not sure if they went to the Dr or just back to the icerink and his car. Basically trying to find out if all is well with Clint.

Full moon? Black cat? Crazy.

Thanks for the concern. I'm ok, just got a gimpy left shoulder now. Nothing broken or displaced or anything like that...that I know of. I'm pretty sure it's just a super deep muscle bruise and maybe some ligament whatnot going on. Hopefully I'll be back on the bike by next week, but we'll see. First things first, need to figure how to get the bike off the top of the car with one arm, ha.

I heard about Clint, hopefully he's ok. I don't have his contact info, but someone else might.

[GoClipless]

Crazy ride, huh?! Colts Neck doesn't usually do so much damage. Just goes to show you how anything can happen out there.

I heard Clint is just sore. Like DT, he should be back on the bike in a week or so.

I wouldn't worry about the speed Arden...you were totally hanging.

Pete...you were the one to beat out there.

Thanks to Gary for handling the shuttle duties.

Hope to see you guys out there again soon!

[dmofot]

I'm unable to lead the Wednesday night ride tonight due to a gimpy left shoulder that isn't fully healed. The recent rains have probably made a few good puddles that we should let dry anyway.

DT

[dmofot]

So the shoulder still isn't fully healed and I might have to attend a funeral on Wednesday out of town, so I won't be leading the Wednesday night ride. If anyone else out there wants to lead, that would be great. The only requirement is that you are a MORE member in order to lead.

DT

[shaka]

I can lead the ride on Wednesday.

See everyone at the parking lot at 6:30

-Corey

[pete]

I am taking a first timer on Wed so I will be out there but not with you guys this week. Say hello as you blaze past us.

I want to see how he reacts to the 'rock garden', seems to me that would be a crazy obstacle first time out. He is strong so maybe he'll plow thru and surprise me.

We'll see if I can 'coach'.

Enjoy the ride.

Heal up DT.

[shaka]

Thanks for the ride Scott and Scott.

DT, we missed you.
Hope you heal up quickly.
I will be out for two weeks so I will not not be able to cover for you :)

[jagayers]

Shaka:

Thanks for leading the ride. It was alot of fun. Next time, I might try riding up the W/OD and meeting all of you at the rink (much faster that time of day....with Vienna Traffic).....

Take Care...

Scott (Red Prophet) ..... btw...I ended up getting an E13 Bashring cheap today on ebay.....we'll see how it goes.....

[newfdog]

Long time lurker, new poster here...

What kind of lap times do you guys normally turn on the ~10 mile loop in the normal direction? I have a friend that I'm encouraging to ride more often, especially on the dirt, and I would hate to discourage him. I searched the thread and only found one mention of just about an hour for a lap, which would be pushing it a bit for him. I think we turned about a 65 minute lap a month ago, when I got him out to Colt's Neck.

thanks,

newfdog

[pete]

I am not a ride leader but from my experience the group rides based on the turnout. Sometimes fast sometimes not.

And if it gets stretched out, we wait at the next crossroads so no one gets left behind.

It is user friendly. No one is racing.

[dmofot]

Ok, this is the last week that I won't be leading the ride. I'm healed up for the most part, enough to hit the road this weekend and start hitting dirt next week. Conditions at Colt's neck are probably great for riding right now, so I would still encourage people to get out there. But yea, next Wednesday @ 6:30 PM and I'll be there!

DT

[dmofot]

So I'm hit with the double whammy today. Checked out the mountain bike yesterday for the first time since I went down. Evidently my fall somehow tacoed the wheel. It doesn't look so bad and I'd be able to true it up, but the spokes on one side would be so tight that the first thing I hit the wheel would explode. Not a big deal since I can rebuild it or borrow one until it's done. If it was just the wheel I'd be leading the ride, road bike and all, ha. But unfortunately, I have to be at the vet tonight to pick up my dog after some unplanned surgery.

So what's this mean? No official ride tonight. I can't cancel it on the calendar or it cancels EVERY Wednesday night ride. But get out there and ride and let me know how the trail looks! If anyone wants to step and lead, that's cool also, just gotta be a MORE member to lead.

DT

[OIF Vet]

anyone else going to take the reigns or is this weeks ride completely cancelled?

[dmofot]

With all the rain we've been getting lately and the extra rain today, unfortunately I think we should cancel the ride tonight. I got almost an inch of rain yesterday and it's currently raining now. Hopefully we'll get a break next week and have a good ride.

DT

[dmofot]

W@W race is tonight and I be a racing...or at least trying to race.

DT

[dmofot]

Same deal, W@W is on and somebody has to be DFL...Wed. night races will be over soon enough though. Colt's Neck is in pretty good shape considering the summer weather.

DT

[dmofot]

Finally, the return of the Wednesday Night Ride. I'm back from vacation, all healed up, the trails look to be dry, and my bike is actually working.

I'm open to time changes if people want, currently the go time is 6:30 PM. We can do the 10 mile loop, the 12 mile out and back, the 14 mile out and back, the 16 mile loop, or do multiple 10 mile loop laps...then you can do all that in reverse. Open to suggestions, so let them fly.

As usual, the pace of the group depends on whoever shows up for the ride. If there's a big difference in skill/pace levels, we can split the group into smaller groups, but we haven't needed to do that yet.

So who's riding?!

DT

[Fitz]

I'm considering the ride since I've never been there and it sounds great, but I live on Capitol Hill and it's a long way in traffic. I'm thinking of maybe coming out early, reading a book in a cofeeshop or something, but I'd love to know when the traffic from DC goes from bad to worse. Any thoughts? I'd be up for max distance if I can make it.

[dmofot]

Hm, I'm not really sure as I'm right next to the beltway and actually right next to the Toll Rd. Between 5 and 6 PM during the week it will usually takes me about 15 minutes or so to drive to the ice rink on the Dulles Toll Rd. So add that to however long it usually takes you to get to the Toll Rd. I'd venture to say it might take 45 minutes from Capitol Hill, depending on the route you take of course. There's gotta be some Capitol Hill peeps out there that can give you a good route to the Toll Rd...

Also, if you get there super early, a bunch of people usually do a 6:00 PM ride. It's not a MORE ride though, just so you know.

DT

[Nick]

Yes, there's a non-MORE ride at 6pm that I'll attend.
It's usually a pretty fast paced group.

DT - The trail at the ice rink is officially called "Mt. Reston" Don't know why you keep calling it "Colt's Neck" :confused: ;)

[tomn]

Well I'm not a Capitol Hill peep but (unfortunately) I have a lot of experience with NoVA traffic. The traffic starts getting bad at 4 when 66 becomes HOV-only.

If you hook up with another DC rider you can take 66 (HOV-2 restriction is 4-6:30 for 66 westbound). Even so I would avoid 66 between Spout Run and Sycamore (Glebe Rd interchange is a major bottleneck). If you are driving solo, here's the route I would recommend:

Constitution Ave to TR bridge (HOV restriction starts at the VA shore)
Get in the far right lane of the bridge, exit on GW Pkwy northbound

If you don't mind slow traffic and prefer easy directions, stay on GW Pkwy until VA 123/Chain Bridge Rd/Dolley Madison Blvd. Take 123 through Mclean, all the way to the Toll Rd (VA 267).

If you'd prefer to stay out of the white-knuckle backups, you can get off GW Pkwy at Spout Run (left exit just past Rosslyn/Key Bridge) then turn right on Lee Hwy/US 29 and take that through Arlington, back to the point where it intersects 66 (if you're HOV you can get back on 66 at this point, if not then follow the next set of directions).

Turn right on Washington Blvd but don't take the 66 on-ramp. Washington becomes Westmoreland St/VA 693. Take that all the way to Chain Bridge Rd (although it's not 123 at this point).
Left on Chain Bridge Road, then right on Great Falls St/VA 694, then left on Dolley Madison Blvd/VA 123. Immediately after turning left on 123, you will see an exit ramp for the Toll Rd/VA 267 westbound.

This route will avoid the usual backups on the GW Pkwy and 123. I think dmofot is right on, should be about 45 minutes (maybe a little more if you take GW->123 all the way, maybe a little less if you take the side roads).

[bunky]

Complete the following Analogy

Wakefield/ Accotink is to Kilroy's as

Colt's Neck is to ___________

[dmofot]

Complete the following Analogy

Wakefield/ Accotink is to Kilroy's as

Colt's Neck is to ___________

Hm, either Hard Times Cafe or DT's cooler...both have better beverages than Kilroys, ha. Kilroys never heard of a Rye IPA...

Actually there's probably a lot of stuff closer than Hard Times, I think Chammps is something like 3 blocks away.

DT

[bunky]

Hm, either Hard Times Cafe or DT's cooler...both have better beverages than Kilroys, ha. Kilroys never heard of a Rye IPA...

DT

Hmmn: Rye IPA--is that a specialty at Hard Time's or Chez L'automobille de Mofo?

[dmofot]

Hmmn: Rye IPA--is that a specialty at Hard Time's or Chez L'automobille de Mofo?

Well definitely at Chez L'automobille de Mofo, but it's possible that Hard Times currently has Hop Rod Rye on tap. If they do, it's well worth the trip.

DT

[bunky]

Well definitely at Chez L'automobille de Mofo, but it's possible that Hard Times currently has Hop Rod Rye on tap. If they do, it's well worth the trip.

DT


Howsabout that Buffulao Wing Factory down the street from Chili's?

http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab5.cfm?newsid=13917208&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=511693&rfi=6

Looks like they have 1/2-way OK beers on tap.

Also, when you say nightride--and this may not be the appropriate place to discuss so feel free to PM me-- what's the policy at Colt's Neck re: lights-after dark riding? I am assuming right now it is just like Accotink, since the FCPA rules are the same: sunset + 30 min, right?

[dmofot]

Howsabout that Buffulao Wing Factory down the street from Chili's?

http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab5.cfm?newsid=13917208&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=511693&rfi=6

Looks like they have 1/2-way OK beers on tap.

Also, when you say nightride--and this may not be the appropriate place to discuss so feel free to PM me-- what's the policy at Colt's Neck re: lights-after dark riding? I am assuming right now it is just like Accotink, since the FCPA rules are the same: sunset + 30 min, right?

Yea I've been there, but it's been awhile. I wasn't really impressed by the place, but it's actually probably equal to Kilroys. While they have some micro beer on tap, I wouldn't say any of it is super interesting. But they have Sam Seasonal and SNPA in addition to few of the Old Dominion offerings. Plus it's wings, so you really can't go wrong...

Last week we had 6 people on the ride, one flat in the first 5 minutes with no other mechanicals. It was a great ride. Looking forward to this Wednesday's ride! And yea, you are correct in assuming that we are done riding in the park by sunset + 30 minutes. Although I hope to have something together before the days get too short for actual night riding. The process is just starting now.

DT

[dmofot]

6:30 PM tonight...riding the loop backwards.

DT

[dmofot]

Not sure how the rain is going to play out today (been raining up here), but I'm stuck in MD working late today and won't be able to lead a ride.

DT