October 2006::Wakefield Thursday Night Ride

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Hey All,

I'll be on business travel Thursday, October 5th. I need a ride leader to step up and fill in for the less casual rides. PM me or reply here if your willing.

Craig - Let me know if your ride is still a "GO". We need to have at least one official ride with an official ride leader on the MORE calendar to be legal.

L

[CRAIG2]

I plan to be out there on Thursday to lead the casual ride, so that'll be at least one ride for the night.

Craig

[punga]

Hey All,

I'll be on business travel Thursday, October 5th. I need a ride leader to step up and fill in for the less casual rides. PM me or reply here if your willing.

Craig - Let me know if your ride is still a "GO". We need to have at least one official ride with an official ride leader on the MORE calendar to be legal.

L

I'm in for Thursday night and will lead a faster casual ride to take some pressure off Craig :D
I can send a ride report if necessary.

punga!

[CRAIG2]

Sweet. Hope the rain holds off!

Craig

[punga]

Sweet. Hope the rain holds off!

Craig
Looking at the radar as of now, 11:40ish, I think we're going to be okay. Nothing heading towards us at this point.

punga!

[CRAIG2]

Yeah, the chance of rain was pretty low, and I don't expect anything 'soaking' if we do get any precipitation - looks like the bulk of it is expect to happen late this evening into tomorrow. Wow... this is going to be unprecedented - two rides for me in one week!!! LOL :o

[jvanbrecht]

I think I will wash my car before I head to wakefield to go ride :D :D :D :D :D

[CRAIG2]

Washing your car is so overrated. :rolleyes:

[jvanbrecht]

Washing your car is so overrated. :rolleyes:

True, but you know it will rain if I do wash it.... :)

[jbrinley]

Looks like We are going to have light rain from now (7) till 12.
Then a Break
Showers come back around 10pm

We might be ok, scine they are light, and there is a block of time between the time we ride and the time it stops

Is this ride Still on?

~Joe

[CRAIG2]

Right now, assuming we don't get any more rain between now and this evening, I think it's safe to go on with the ride. I don't think we got a LOT of rain last night. If someone knows otherwise, let me know.

Craig

[macdaid]

Me & my boy were out tromping around in the dark at 5:00 this morning, just after a shower. There weren't any deep puddles in the usual low spots in the creekbed trails near our house (Reston), and the creeks themselves were nowhere near flood. In fact they were kind of low.

If Anandale got anything similar in rain last night, Wake should be ok by tonight I would think - barring any further showers that is.

It was real purty out there this morning.
Moonlight and mist.

Have fun tonight, y'all.

Dave

[CRAIG2]

Thanks for the input! Nice and sunny out there now; ride is still ON for this evening.

Craig

[dharma]

Thanks for the input! Nice and sunny out there now; ride is still ON for this evening.

Craig
i am in! :D

[jvanbrecht]

I'm out, still sore from tuesdays fall.

[CRAIG2]

Wahhhh!!! Pansy. :p :D

[MyOtherBrotherL]

We got trace amounts of rain in Springfield last night.

I popped my head into Accotink this morning. Any of the trails that had tree cover were dry (Like it had not rained). I expect with the 70 degree temps and the nice warm sun, we should be good to go for tonight.

L

[tsunayoshi]

I was about to be a newcomer to the night rides, but since I can't find my wallet (and hence my credit cards) I can't go out and get a light. I'll have to start joining next week (I've done Wakefield for the last few weeks solo)

Oh, and if anyone finds a chunk of skin on the ground in the roller-coaster like section at the top of the hill, it belongs to my left knee. I left it there Tues.

[allencb]

Oh, and if anyone finds a chunk of skin on the ground in the roller-coaster like section at the top of the hill, it belongs to my left knee. I left it there Tues.
If we find it, do you want it back? :p

Chris

[tsunayoshi]

If we find it, do you want it back? :p

Chris
I just want to give it a proper burial...

[walsh]

I just want to give it a proper burial...

Or we could feed it to JoeP.

[halfinch]

I was about to be a newcomer to the night rides, but since I can't find my wallet (and hence my credit cards) I can't go out and get a light. I'll have to start joining next week (I've done Wakefield for the last few weeks solo)

Oh, and if anyone finds a chunk of skin on the ground in the roller-coaster like section at the top of the hill, it belongs to my left knee. I left it there Tues.

are you riding a white 'goose? i'm thinking i met you tuesday after the ride.

if not, i usually carry a spare light you can borrow.

michael

[tsunayoshi]

are you riding a white 'goose? i'm thinking i met you tuesday after the ride.

if not, i usually carry a spare light you can borrow.

michael

Yep, that be me. I'll take you up on the offer and see you at 6:30.

-Mike (yes, that means two Mikes in one group)

[joep]

Or we could feed it to JoeP.

Buuuurrrp!
http://static.flickr.com/30/42985943_59ced3936c_o.jpg

[drewdane]

It's borderline right now. Wind's picking up and it's getting dark fast. I'm not gonna fight the Beltway under borderline conditions. Rats. First chance I've had to hit a W'field ride since the beginning of August! :mad:

[dharma]

It's borderline right now. Wind's picking up and it's getting dark fast. I'm not gonna fight the Beltway under borderline conditions. Rats. First chance I've had to hit a W'field ride since the beginning of August! :mad:

you should have come out... not a drop tonight!

[drewdane]

you should have come out... not a drop tonight!
I take full credit. If I'd come out, it would've rained like crazy.

[tsunayoshi]

So my first night ride was last night. Was different, look forward to doing it again, although I can probably only make the night rides once a week. Getting home @9pm doesn't leave much time for anything.

Thanks to Rob? for the light. I'll have my own next time.

-Mike.

[CRAIG2]

Great having you join us, and that you enjoyed the ride. I lead the beginner / casual ride twice a week these days - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:45 (both meet at the same place - ready to ride at 6:30, hitting the trails at 6:45).

Craig

[walsh]

So my first night ride was last night. Was different . . .


Good to have you out there, Mike. You're a brave man - I'm glad that my el-cheapo LED let you ride, but I think you'll find the trails far more manageable after dark when you try out a real off-road light. See you next time.

Sweeper's Report:
The moderate ride was boffo. Good size group, good people, good pace. Trail conditions were enough to keep one on his toes, without being sloppy. Larry's new IF is something to behold. We were even graced with beauty and good manners for a portion of the ride (until we became completely intolerable.) An improptu fallen tree removal and brisk extra lap made a trip accross Braddock road well-deserved. The outdoor tent at K-roy's was, however, at least as frosty as the beverages which rendered it inhabitable an hour or so of well-crafted and highly enjoyable BS. It's time (for me) to make this a weekly tradition again.

- J

[allencb]

I don't normally make it to this ride, but since the Tuesday night ride is rained out, I'm changing my plans.

I show up at the Tuesday ride early to get a few miles in before the regularly scheduled ride. I plan on doing the same this Thursday. Therefore, if any of you guys want to do the same, feel free to join me. I get to Wakefield around 5:15ish in order to be ready to ride by 5:30pm. I'll probably ride over to Accotink, cruise some of the singletrack over there, and ride back. Last week, me and jvanbrecht did that and clocked in about 8 miles (even after changing a flat en route to Accotink) before meeting the rest of the crew at the parking lot.

If you don't know me, I drive a green Camry and ride a red Klein Pulse.

See ya there!

Chris

[joep]

Does anyone have a spare light I can borrow for tonight's Wakefield ride?

[CRAIG2]

I actually do have one tonight you can borrow. helmet mount - hope that is ok.

Craig

[joep]

I actually do have one tonight you can borrow. helmet mount - hope that is ok.

Craig

Thanks! That will work fine.

[CRAIG2]

No problem! It actually has a full charge today, too... LOL

[Snot-Rocket]

Is the trails legal? I have a desperate need to ride that must be satisfied.

[CRAIG2]

As far as I know, we're legal - ride for tonight is still on, unless I hear otherwise regarding trail conditions. I would expect to find some isolated, muddy patches, but I expect the trails to be rideable for the most part, and in reasonably good condition overall. You're welcome to join the casual group, and there will also be a moderate (Larry) and faster group (Joe P).

Craig

[punga]

Is the trails legal? I have a desperate need to ride that must be satisfied.
WIll I actually get to ride with the legendary, yet reclusive Snot Rocket? My heart be still!

Looking forward to meeting you Snot.

punga!

[Snot-Rocket]

WIll I actually get to ride with the legendary, yet reclusive Snot Rocket? My heart be still!

Looking forward to meeting you Snot.


BTW, I'm not a hot, red-headed, samurai sword bearing, school girl- just want to manage expectations, but it should be fun getting out in a crowd on wheels.

I've called the Spousal Unit- the lights have been plugged in and are charging.

Thanks for the update- see folks out there!

[joep]

and there will also be a moderate (Larry) and faster group (Joe P).


Actually, I won't be riding with you guys. I'm riding with my kiddo tonight so wifey can hone her skillz on the race course.

[yueq]

I, too, think Snot-Rocket is a hermitic jedi master...

[CRAIG2]

Actually, I won't be riding with you guys. I'm riding with my kiddo tonight so wifey can hone her skillz on the race course.

No problem; I should be getting there between 6:15 and 6:30 if you still need the light.

[jvanbrecht]

Actually, I won't be riding with you guys. I'm riding with my kiddo tonight so wifey can hone her skillz on the race course.


Just make sure she remembers to actually turn on the light this time :D (I suspect she is going to hit me one day if I dont stop mocking her about the "this light sucks" incident in which it was not turned on :) )

[allencb]

Just make sure she remembers to actually turn on the light this time :D (I suspect she is going to hit me one day if I dont stop mocking her about the "this light sucks" incident in which it was not turned on :) )
That's ok. We mock you about your bike and jailhouse tendencies with roots, you mock her about lights, it's all good.

Chris

[CRAIG2]

That's ok. We mock you about your bike and jailhouse tendencies with roots

Chris

Now, now, we all know that one day he'll learn to ride that thing...

[allencb]

Now, now, we all know that one day he'll learn to ride that thing...
Which one? The bike or the root?

Chris

[CRAIG2]

haaaaaaaaaaaaa! Should someone bring Vaseline or something, so at least he's prepared? :rolleyes: :D :p

[MyOtherBrotherL]

....Thanks for the update- see folks out there!

I told you he'd be back :cool:

As for the ride tonight, we are going to be on the edge. Things ARE drying out but slowly. The trails that had Canopy last night are definitely in better shape than the ones exposed to the fog this morning.

This might be a perfect night to check out the jumps. Doing loops through Phase I may get tedious.

L

[mtreiber]

Does anyone have an idea of how long it will take me to drive from Columbia to Wakefield, hoping to leave myself 1 1/2 hours. :confused:

[CRAIG2]

Probably at least that - leave soon. Try to beat the afternoon rush. I know that when I make the drive on weekends from Alexandria to Columbia (I have family there) it can easily take 45-50 minutes. Factor in 95 and 495 traffic, crossing the Wilson Bridge....

[mtreiber]

is the Wilson Bridge the best way to go, I was thinking of going down 29 or 95 and then taking the top part of the beltway around to Braddock Road, any thoughts?

[CRAIG2]

yeah, it might be. I don't know how the spur gets these days, though. haven't been around that way in a couple of years, at least during rush hour. From Gaithersburg to Wakefield used to take me 50-90 minutes. I know, that's a heckuva window, but that's traffic around here.

[yueq]

I don't normally make it to this ride, but since the Tuesday night ride is rained out, I'm changing my plans.

I show up at the Tuesday ride early to get a few miles in before the regularly scheduled ride. I plan on doing the same this Thursday. Therefore, if any of you guys want to do the same, feel free to join me. I get to Wakefield around 5:15ish in order to be ready to ride by 5:30pm. I'll probably ride over to Accotink, cruise some of the singletrack over there, and ride back. Last week, me and jvanbrecht did that and clocked in about 8 miles (even after changing a flat en route to Accotink) before meeting the rest of the crew at the parking lot.

If you don't know me, I drive a green Camry and ride a red Klein Pulse.

See ya there!

Chris

Chris, I'll ty to make the 5:30 pm ride.

[tsunayoshi]

I'll be at tonight's ride, I'm picking up a light on the way. The store is charging the battery for me so hopefully it will get enough charge to last a lap or two..

-Mike.

[Snot-Rocket]

Okay- not really. I thought per chance given the emotional high of enjoying a great spin that I would finally confess to self that, "yes- "I am a cyclist." However, I'm not ready for that just yet- my rational mind maintains that Biking is just a hobby- merely a recreational aside which I find amusing at the opportune times of my choosing and control to embrace.

However, the excitement and emotions of a solid ride- the philosophical echoes of a good spin, controlling a dual wheel drift in slimey conditions, coasting in darkness and isolation yet not being alone- hours, even days afterward indicate something more. I remain in denial.

I was going to join the casual ride- out of confidence of not getting dropped for my first night ride in over three years- however, I figured my need wasn't social. Larry's ride was just right- I needed to experience humility; the desperation of just hanging on to the wheel- or rather spot of light in front of you until it all stops and you can enjoy surviving.

Although I got dirty- I had fun, so thanks to for the moments, I will make an attempt next week- kinda like "AA."

Rah,

[vamodeo]

I agree, Tom, that was a fun group and a good ride. Not to make you feel bad, but it was a bit slower than Larry's usual moderate lead, but perfect for slackers like you and me that haven't been on the bike as much lately.

Vince

Okay- not really. I thought per chance given the emotional high of enjoying a great spin that I would finally confess to self that, "yes- "I am a cyclist." However, I'm not ready for that just yet- my rational mind maintains that Biking is just a hobby- merely a recreational aside which I find amusing at the opportune times of my choosing and control to embrace.

However, the excitement and emotions of a solid ride- the philosophical echoes of a good spin, controlling a dual wheel drift in slimey conditions, coasting in darkness and isolation yet not being alone- hours, even days afterward indicate something more. I remain in denial.

I was going to join the casual ride- out of confidence of not getting dropped for my first night ride in over three years- however, I figured my need wasn't social. Larry's ride was just right- I needed to experience humility; the desperation of just hanging on to the wheel- or rather spot of light in front of you until it all stops and you can enjoy surviving.

Although I got dirty- I had fun, so thanks to for the moments, I will make an attempt next week- kinda like "AA."

Rah,

[MyOtherBrotherL]

...Although I got dirty- I had fun, so thanks to for the moments, I will make an attempt next week- kinda like "AA."

It was a fun ride and we had 3 huge groups. I just wish the conditions had been a little bit better.

((((Just a reminder, there will be a trail maintenance on Saturday starting at 0930. Come on out and help us fix some of those wetter spots.))))

L

[allencb]

It was a fun ride and we had 3 huge groups. I just wish the conditions had been a little bit better.
((((Just a reminder, there will be a trail maintenance on Saturday starting at 0930. Come on out and help us fix some of those wetter spots.))))
L
No kidding. At times, it was like riding on the Beltway.

Wish I could come out and help, but I'm going out of town on Saturday. :o

Chris

[ride-n-fall]

It was a fun ride and we had 3 huge groups. I just wish the conditions had been a little bit better.

Thanks for leading a good ride, Larry. Unfortunately, as sweeper, I stopped to help another who had a mechancial, lost the group and never found you guys again (although as I was packing it in you did go through the lot). It was fun while it lasted, though.

John

[yueq]

I ended up spending about one hour washing the bike last night. I found out Nokon cables and RD jockey wheels don't mix with mud very well - maybe a good reason to go single speed?

The large group night ride was a fun, so was the pre-ride ride with Chris and Jason.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

..... Unfortunately, as sweeper, I stopped to help another who had a mechancial, lost the group and never found you guys again ......


(((HEAVY SIGH)))) :( :(

I never even knew we lost folks. I SWEAR – I made the speech. I guess it didn't take.

I just can't seem to make people believe that they are responsible for the rider behind them. Most night riders will just hang onto the rider in front of them like it’s a road ride. When I asked why the group had gotten smaller I was told that folks had dropped off.

Evidently I was lied to. :mad: :mad:

(I've heard rumors on how some Mountain Bikers are "Bad Apples")

I will make, "THE SPEECH" twice next week.

L

[ride-n-fall]

I made the speech. I guess it didn't take.

L,

Don't worry about it. I told the person in front of me to go on and not wait. I thought I would catch up, but ended up following a light that was not the group. No one did anything wrong, so no need to give the speech twice. In fact, I thought everyone did a great job at keeping everyone together.

So, no need for the sighs or duplicate speeches.

John

[Snot-Rocket]

I agree, Tom, that was a fun group and a good ride. Not to make you feel bad, but it was a bit slower than Larry's usual moderate lead, but perfect for slackers like you and me that haven't been on the bike as much lately.

Ha- feel bad? Larry barely finished the ride himself, about 2/3 of the way in, post you "conviently" getting lost :p he kinda imploded and we had to goad him on to get back to the parking lot- all kinds of motivational harassment like ""Win One for the Gipper"... "what would Lance do"...after a couple of splashes of mud to the face he seemed to pull it together and wind things up.

BRAAAP!

[Snot-Rocket]

Since, I'm organizing my whole week and planning my work meetings so I can bail early on Friday now- er, is there a ride tomorrow?

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Since, I'm organizing my whole week and planning my work meetings so I can bail early on Friday now- er, is there a ride tomorrow?

According to the MORE Calendar, Craig and I are obligated to lead rides.

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=451&day=2006-10-26&c=2

(Here's a good rule of thumb. It will be a Thursday, it's not suppose to rain, I'm not on travel and there is no WAW - We be riding!!!!!) :D

L

[Snot-Rocket]

According to the MORE Calendar, Craig and I are obligated to lead rides.

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=451&day=2006-10-26&c=2

(Here's a good rule of thumb. It will be a Thursday, it's not suppose to rain, I'm not on travel and there is no WAW - We be riding!!!!!) :D

L

Thanks! Like I can trust anything these days.

Like did you know there is no night riding at Accotink- I came back all stoked to enjoy night rides at Accotink, WTF Over (don't answer)? You riding some gabizillion dollar custom ride?

Tons of geared and suspended bikes on the trail- what am I to expect for the Thursday Night rides?

Next thing you know there will be more black folks out there- what is happening here, I thought I was the regions token MTBing Negro- WTF is happening- I don't know this Thursday Night scene dude, I am lost?

Anyway, see you tomorrow.

[jvanbrecht]

Thanks! Like I can trust anything these days.

Like did you know there is no night riding at Accotink- I came back all stoked to enjoy night rides at Accotink, WTF Over (don't answer)? You riding some gabizillion dollar custom ride?

Tons of geared and suspended bikes on the trail- what am I to expect for the Thursday Night rides?

Next thing you know there will be more black folks out there- what is happening here, I thought I was the regions token MTBing Negro- WTF is happening- I don't know this Thursday Night scene dude, I am lost?

Anyway, see you tomorrow.


Your wierd.... :D

[CRAIG2]

Yeah, he's unique. Great entertainment value, though. We have to have someone to take Pete's place until he returns....

[Snot-Rocket]

Yeah, he's unique. Great entertainment value, though. We have to have someone to take Pete's place until he returns....

...unique in our own ways. It is a function if we are true to selves and can be selves in public- ha, ha!

I am quite sane. I just hate getting past the social crap to get to know folks- like, showing up to a ride staring at folks and waiting for them to say, "hi" or I say, "hi" and all the unneccessary noise to knowing a weenie.

We all like group rides in order to connect-socialize in an activity of interest. You can ride w/ a weenie for years in club rides and not know squat about them. If I'm going to show up in a social setting, wearing clothes tight enough to reveal my humanity in undesireable ways, fart, snot, suffer and sometimes fail with them- well I want to know who folks are.

The word is, I am Honest- and it in this world that is wierd- ha, ha!

Ideally, Craig will sport a blonde Wig tonight- so I can find him entertaining- ha, ha!

Anyway, good-bye for today- time to bend over and embrace the Man for the day....see folks on the trail.

BRAAAP!

[CRAIG2]

I feel sexy in spandex. :D

Snot, I hope you don't mind that I only have the red wig tonight, and I left the slut pumps at home. Sorry. :eek: :p

[allencb]

How 'bout the FM Red lipstick? You should ALWAYS have that with you.

Ok, I feel dirty now. Off to wash with "Brain Bleach"...

Chris

[CRAIG2]

Oh, that I always carry with me - never leave home without it. Same goes for my snorkel - you never know! :D

[MyOtherBrotherL]

OK - It's time to get back on track. :eek:



The night rides for tonight - October 26th, 2006 are "ON"! :D

Craig will be leading the Casual group
I'll be leading an intermediate group
And a Stuckee (To be named at later) will lead the Fast - Must Drop - Ride

Meet at the recycle bins 6:30/6:35 PM. Ride leaves promptly at 6:45.

(If individual groups are larger than 10 or 12 we'll break them up)

(If folks wanna do laps on the race course, we'll do that also)

L

[RobK]

Anyone who wants to ride Accotink before dark - I'll be leaving the recycle bins today at 5:00.

[Snot-Rocket]

(If individual groups are larger than 10 or 12 we'll break them up)

Hey, given this condition- I'll lead something fuzzy and in between a Craig Causal and a Larry C. Intermediate group?

Granted, if Craig is sporting Red Hair- I dunno, his group will be tempting...mmm, scooby snacks.

[CRAIG2]

I will be sporting a red bike. With gears! :eek:

[halfinch]

I will be sporting a red bike. With gears! :eek:
better than that crappy gt product...

[Brizn]

Junk.
____________

[CRAIG2]

Absolute rubbish. I wonder if I can stuff that sorry mess of metal into the trash compactor....

Brizn, if you want, we can back over your's in Larry's truck after the ride to put it out of its misery.

[Brizn]

It's not even worth the gas to run over. I'll keep it around for a while-- it's good for ridiculing, makes me feel better about myself.

[CRAIG2]

Good point. Let me know if you want me to bring out my Sawzall sometime; I think it has a hacksaw attachment.

[sdh]

I feel sexy in spandex. :D

Snot, I hope you don't mind that I only have the red wig tonight, and I left the slut pumps at home. Sorry. :eek: :p


Please wear the snorkle..............

[CRAIG2]

Always! You bringing the saddle?

[tsunayoshi]

OK - It's time to get back on track. :eek:
Craig will be leading the Casual group
I'll be leading an intermediate group
And a Stuckee (To be named at later) will lead the Fast - Must Drop - Ride

L

I volunteer to lead the group of people who are new to clips and fall on their ass at every remotely difficult spot. Somehow I think I will be the only member :D

Injury count from last Tuesday's night ride:
skinned knee (again)
bruised butt-cheek
bruised wrist
scraped elbow
sprained finger (originally thought I fractured it)

But I did have fun. And I will be there tonight.

[dharma]

I volunteer to lead the group of people who are new to clips and fall on their ass at every remotely difficult spot. Somehow I think I will be the only member :D

Injury count from last Tuesday's night ride:
skinned knee (again)
bruised butt-cheek
bruised wrist
scraped elbow
sprained finger (originally thought I fractured it)

But I did have fun. And I will be there tonight.

I have a feeling Jason can keep you company - especially (based on what I've read) in the bruised a$$ department :eek: :rolleyes: :D

[CRAIG2]

Hey lady -

We missed you tonight!

Craig

[dharma]

Hey lady -

We missed you tonight!

Craig

I'm resting up for the big day (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5109) ... ha! Actually I just got some "cold weather" gear, so I have no excuse. :cool:

[Snot-Rocket]

What an awesome ride last night! Granted, it ain't Accotink and this issue must be amended.

Someone in the know send me an email on what is the deal at Accotink per night riding. Ping me: mathis [dot] mt [at] cox [dot] net

Given facts I will investigate and see what my great brain can do.

BRAAAAP!

[MyOtherBrotherL]

What an awesome ride last night! Granted, it ain't Accotink and this issue must be amended.

Someone in the know send me an email on what is the deal at Accotink per night riding. Ping me: mathis [dot] mt [at] cox [dot] net

Given facts I will investigate and see what my great brain can do.

Tom,

Night riding at Accotink has been discussed several times on the MORE forums. I'd say do a search but things are so cluttered within the individual threads it's pretty hard to find stuff. (So I did it for you). Go to the below post for my view on how things went down.

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=41730#post41730

I’d also suggest that you contact Mike Miller for more details. I know he's as frustrated as I am, but Mike is just a lot nicer, less temperamental, more politically correct and an all around much better individual than I am. He may be easier to talk to.

L

Just as an FYI - This is year number 2 of no night riding at Accotink. Your sabbaticals are making you miss many things.

[Snot-Rocket]

Thanks. There is a volunteer position in my neighborhood Accotink Crew and I'm investigating the requirements to participate.

Ravensworth does an annual park clean up activity for Accotink. At a minimum I was thinking of seeing if I can get authorization to conduct a Park Safety Security Patrol through Accotink on a weekly basis at night.

The challenge of expanding something to the scale of Wakefield is the general abuse of the privlege. I've been out of it- but I keep telling folks to not ride through Danbury at night absolutely- go the long way around. Those folks hat MTBr's in general.

I think civic minded MTB'r s should buy out that neighborhood. I've been arguing to spouse for a smaller yard- maybe we can organize a takeover?

Tom,

Night riding at Accotink has been discussed several times on the MORE forums. I'd say do a search but things are so cluttered within the individual threads it's pretty hard to find stuff. (So I did it for you). Go to the below post for my view on how things went down.

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?p=41730#post41730

I’d also suggest that you contact Mike Miller for more details. I know he's as frustrated as I am, but Mike is just a lot nicer, less temperamental, more politically correct and an all around much better individual than I am. He may be easier to talk to.

L

Just as an FYI - This is year number 2 of no night riding at Accotink. Your sabbaticals are making you miss many things.

[allencb]

I've been out of it- but I keep telling folks to not ride through Danbury at night absolutely- go the long way around. Those folks hat MTBr's in general.
I've been out of the loop for the past few years myself. What exactly are you talking about? What/where is Danbury?

Chris

[jvanbrecht]

I went to Schaeffer last night, no accidents or major falls, or even bruises, but my light died about 10 min into the ride, then the battery of the loaner died about 45 min later, oh yeah I sheared a bolt in my left spd and the working bits are now scattered across the farm area.. No more halloween rides for me ever again.... bad bad omens.

[CRAIG2]

I think it's the bike. You gotta dump that thing. Nothing but bad luck.

[tsunayoshi]

I went to Schaeffer last night, no accidents or major falls, or even bruises, but my light died about 10 min into the ride, then the battery of the loaner died about 45 min later, oh yeah I sheared a bolt in my left spd and the working bits are now scattered across the farm area.. No more halloween rides for me ever again.... bad bad omens.

I was doing fine (well, semi-fine) with the new clips until I left Craig's group after the salamander on the 2nd lap. Then I hit a rock on the creek trail and landed on said rock with my hip. Lovely bruise there now.

On a side note, if it does rain tonight or saturday morning, would schaefer be rideable on Sunday? I've never been there an I am actually in town this weekend so want to check it out.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

...On a side note, if it does rain tonight or saturday morning, would schaefer be rideable on Sunday? I've never been there an I am actually in town this weekend so want to check it out.

You may want to ask this question on the Schaeffer forum (You know how snobby us Wakefield folks are)

[CRAIG2]

Yeah, we're such snooty, holier-than-thou pricks like that.... :D

[Snot-Rocket]

I've been out of the loop for the past few years myself. What exactly are you talking about? What/where is Danbury?

Chris

If you take the first right between Wakefield and Accotink on the CCT it is the community up the stairs- the townhome community adjacent to the Accotink Park entrance vic the Boy Scout Trail. There is a nice play ground there by the entrance.

I'm sure this is an old and frustrating issue and will leave it at that.

[allencb]

Oh. I didn't know they had a problem with bikers. I've not ridden through there at night though.

Chris

[Snot-Rocket]

Oh. I didn't know they had a problem with bikers. I've not ridden through there at night though.

Chris

...if you were poaching.

Granted, I try to definitely slow down when storming the gates if there are families and kids in the play ground. In general, it is good practice to roll single file and courteously pass other users on the CCT between Wakefield and Accotink and around the lake.

[tsunayoshi]

...if you were poaching.

Granted, I try to definitely slow down when storming the gates if there are families and kids in the play ground. In general, it is good practice to roll single file and courteously pass other users on the CCT between Wakefield and Accotink and around the lake.

I rode the CCT around Accotink yesterday. While I can understand why some people would be pissed at bikers being rude, here was my experience:

1. I would always call "bike on the left" as I came up to pass walkers heading my direction. I always said thanks as I passed by. About 50% would thank ME for letting them know (mostly older folks). The other 50% seemed to be pissed they had to move to one side of the trail.

2. Why is it that when people are walking 3 abreast in your direction, they get pissed that you want to get by on the correct side of the trail?

3. No MtnBiker I know of would ride wearing an iPod with heaphones. Why can't runners be that smart? I almost ran down two runners because they didn't hear me come up or shout "BIKER!" and were oblivious.

I'm cool with being a courteuos rider on a shared trail, but it seems lots of non-bikers don't want to reciprocate and make it easy for the bikers to even be courteous. Somehow though I doubt a campaign to ban walkers on trails would go very far.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

3. No MtnBiker I know of would ride wearing an iPod with heaphones. .


Hey WES!!!!! - You hear that? Huh? Huh??

[wes]

Yeah, I've ridden with an ipod like maybe 10 times.... BTW I play it so low I can barely hear it most of the time, but it gives me an excuss not to listen to anything your saying....

[jabberwocky]

Eh. Headphones aren't as huge an issue with mountainbikes, in my opinion. Although I would never do it myself, I've ridden with a few mtbers with headphones and never had a problem.

Now, runners on the W&OD with headphones? They are like random target meat missles. They do some of the weirdest stuff, and of course never hear you coming (BTW: the secret for you commuters? A nice loud bell. Runners positively jump out of the way when you ring a bell at them).

On an unrelated note, I think I am coming out to the Thursday casual ride this week for the first time in about a year. Everyone who wants to watch me fall in the parking lot practicing stoppies can come on out. :)

[CRAIG2]

Sometimes even bells don't cut it. Really want to let them know you're coming?

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Airzound-Bike-Horn/dp/B000ACAMJC

[allencb]

Sometimes even bells don't cut it. Really want to let them know you're coming?

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Airzound-Bike-Horn/dp/B000ACAMJC
With the lights, computers, etc, my handlebar space is getting tight, but that looks like a lot of fun. :)

I'll be at the Thursday night ride as well. Can't make the Tues ride because I'm taking the spawn trick or treatin'. :)

Chris

[tsunayoshi]

Sometimes even bells don't cut it. Really want to let them know you're coming?

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Airzound-Bike-Horn/dp/B000ACAMJC

Damn:

Super loud--up to 115 dB

Here is the Wikipedia entry for examples of certain decibel levels
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel#Acoustics

120 dB is a "Train horn at 1 m (3 ft). Perforation of eardrums."

Yeah, I think that will get the attention of a walker who isn't paying attention. :D
-------------
On another note, will be out of town taking the kiddies out for halloween, so won't be out until the Thurs ride.

-Mike.

[CRAIG2]

I have a bell on most of my bikes. It works about 70% of the time, I've found. I think there are people that just don't hear it, and then the ones the do just don't think fast enough to get out of the way. And then there are just those that have their head buried so far up their a** they probably need it surgically removed. :rolleyes:

[jvanbrecht]

Sometimes even bells don't cut it. Really want to let them know you're coming?

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Airzound-Bike-Horn/dp/B000ACAMJC

Ya know.. this would be funny to blast as the moderate to fast riders are going by.. sure we will yeild.. as they get into the group.. blast this thing and watch 5+ riders just fall over from the initial shock.. scare the crap out of them... I think that would be hilarious...

[jvanbrecht]

ps, I wont be riding this week, I still need to get my pedals... although I do have normal flats I could probably get by on till then.. dunno. will see. Tuesday for me is out, being the good home owner and scaring little children :D

[allencb]

Tonight still on? It rained last night here in Manassas, but the pavement is drying out, so we probably didn't get much rain. Forecast at weather.com doesn't show any more rain for the rest of the day and skies clearing as the day progresses.

If anyone wants to get some miles in ahead of the main ride, I'll be there around 5:30pm.

Chris

[jvanbrecht]

I'm out for tonight, I'm sick, and still need pedals, I am in the process of resolving that though, some kind person here has offered me a nice pair.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

Tonight still on? It rained last night here in Manassas, but the pavement is drying out, so we probably didn't get much rain. Forecast at weather.com doesn't show any more rain for the rest of the day and skies clearing as the day progresses.....


According to the NWS radar: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=lwx&product=NTP&overlay=11101111&loop=no we gots trace amount of rain. Scud and I rode yesterday and the trails were in great shape (Except Salamander). If the sun comes out and the wind starts a howling we should be good.

Stay tuned - I'll make the call around 1:00 PM.

L

[MyOtherBrotherL]

......Stay tuned - I'll make the call around 1:00 PM.

L

OK - Here's the deal. Tonight’s ride is on but there are a few caveats.

We have reached the time of the year when the happy green things are no longer drinking large amounts of water from the ground. Most of the drying we get will only come from evaporation (Yes - Osmosis plays a role, but lets not go there).

As an added bonus, as the rain fell it took a lot of the leaves off of the trees. These leaves have stayed wet and have compacted and stuck to each other. They, so far, have not dried. That tends to be a double edged sword. The leaves themselves will protect the trail surface, BUT, the trail itself is still a little wet.

ANYWAY - Tonight’s ride will be modified to avoid certain sections of trail.

My ride will not venture into:

Salamander (Meaning no boardwalk either), 495, and that back corner of Wakefield that connects the non race course section of the stream valley to the CCT

We will do up and backs on the stream valley, ride more of the cinder and CCT.

I plan to pre-ride a few things starting at 5:30 - I wanna see if I can at least make one or two loops out of what we got.

L

[drewdane]

Family politics has reared its head, and I came out on the losing end. Y'all have fun tonight!

[sdh]

OK - Here's the deal. Tonight’s ride is on but there are a few caveats.

We have reached the time of the year when the happy green things are no longer drinking large amounts of water from the ground. Most of the drying we get will only come from evaporation (Yes - Osmosis plays a role, but lets not go there).

As an added bonus, as the rain fell it took a lot of the leaves off of the trees. These leaves have stayed wet and have compacted and stuck to each other. They, so far, have not dried. That tends to be a double edged sword. The leaves themselves will protect the trail surface, BUT, the trail itself is still a little wet.

ANYWAY - Tonight’s ride will be modified to avoid certain sections of trail.

My ride will not venture into:

Salamander (Meaning no boardwalk either), 495, and that back corner of Wakefield that connects the non race course section of the stream valley to the CCT

We will do up and backs on the stream valley, ride more of the cinder and CCT.

I plan to pre-ride a few things starting at 5:30 - I wanna see if I can at least make one or two loops out of what we got.

L

what's about the bowl?

[CRAIG2]

The casual ride in ON as well tonight. I'll see everyone out there!

Craig

[Squirrel Girl]

Family politics has reared its head, and I came out on the losing end. Y'all have fun tonight!It'll be a smallish loss if you make it on Saturday.

[MyOtherBrotherL]

what's about the bowl?

I'll ride it ay 5:30 - If it's in good shape we'll include it in the group ride.

L

[Cjones]

Good ride tonight, great post-ride at Kilroy's.
Thanks!

[CRAIG2]

It was a good time tonight. Trails were actually surprisingly wet in spots; moreso than I would have predicted. Great to see everyone, though!

Craig

[punga]

It was a good time tonight. Trails were actually surprisingly wet in spots; moreso than I would have predicted. Great to see everyone, though!

Craig
Any clues about what's going on with your front wheel?

punga!

[MyOtherBrotherL]

It was a good time tonight. Trails were actually surprisingly wet in spots; moreso than I would have predicted. Great to see everyone, though!

Craig


Yea - We are getting to the point in the year where a mere half day is just not really enough drying time to facilitate a group ride. I don't believe we did any trail damage, but going forward we'll need to to be a little more prudent in our decision making process.

L

[CRAIG2]

Any clues about what's going on with your front wheel?

punga!


I have no idea; guess I'll take it over to the shop or something when I get a chance next week... joy!

[Snot-Rocket]

Trails were actually surprisingly wet in spots; moreso than I would have predicted.

No kidding- there were like two 29" wheel sucking "pot hole" like puddles that really suprised the heck out of me!

Yeah, great times and good therapy!

[CRAIG2]

No kidding- there were like two 29" wheel sucking "pot hole" like puddles that really suprised the heck out of me!

Yeah, great times and good therapy!

I think the Swamp Thing crawled out of one of them and ninja kicked someone behind me.

Note to self: invite Chuck Norris on the next ride to fend off Swamp Thing....