Moonlight Memorial Ride

[Jackson]

Moonlight Memorial Monument Ride
October 14th
START: PAC HI Hostel - 11th & K Street, NW
Gather at 8:00PM - Rides starts at 9:00 PM
See our Nation's Capitol as few have. From your bicycle under the glow of the moon and stars. From the Capitol to the Washington Monument, from the Lincoln Memorial to Hains Point on the banks of the serene rippling nighttime Potomac. Illuminated granite buildings, quiet streets, easy parking, and low traffic will contribute to an experience that will long be remembered. Participants will be given a route sheet and receive limited emergency mechanical support from roving mechanics on bikes, but organizers request that bikes be in working shape before beginning the 15 mile ride. The ride is free of charge but donations, recommended $10, are encouraged for the Potomac Area Council of the non-profit Hostelling International, (formerly AYH). Bikes must be equipped with working lights, and organizers will have some available at wholesale cost. Support provided by Mt Airy Bicycles/College Park Bicycles.
Please be aware the ride is on city streets and NOT closed to traffic.
*********************************** ********************

This ride is a fundraiser - it's a great time. I will probably make the ride. Anyone else interested? More info @ bike123.com or bikepptc.org

- Tom

[Brizn]

Yup, but pending.

[jobutler]

Moonlight Memorial Monument Ride
October 14th
START: PAC HI Hostel - 11th & K Street, NW
Gather at 8:00PM - Rides starts at 9:00 PM
See our Nation's Capitol as few have. From your bicycle under the glow of the moon and stars. From the Capitol to the Washington Monument, from the Lincoln Memorial to Hains Point on the banks of the serene rippling nighttime Potomac. Illuminated granite buildings, quiet streets, easy parking, and low traffic will contribute to an experience that will long be remembered. Participants will be given a route sheet and receive limited emergency mechanical support from roving mechanics on bikes, but organizers request that bikes be in working shape before beginning the 15 mile ride. The ride is free of charge but donations, recommended $10, are encouraged for the Potomac Area Council of the non-profit Hostelling International, (formerly AYH). Bikes must be equipped with working lights, and organizers will have some available at wholesale cost. Support provided by Mt Airy Bicycles/College Park Bicycles.
Please be aware the ride is on city streets and NOT closed to traffic.
*********************************** ********************

This ride is a fundraiser - it's a great time. I will probably make the ride. Anyone else interested? More info @ bike123.com or bikepptc.org

- Tom
Tom-
I am definitely interested in attending this event. I heard about this event last week where you could ride your bike around D.C. I am new to the area and haven't made it to dc yet. Are you planning on going at all? I live in Baltimore so if you or anyone else who is interested in doing this event live around here it would be nice to car pool.

-Johana

[cathie m]

I am interested too if others are going, it sounds pretty cool. Tom, I met you briefly at Rosaryville and at Wakefield this past Tuesday.

Johana I live in Gaithersburg, not near Baltimore.

There was a ride like this in downtown Detroit every year sponsored by one of the local city colleges. It started out with about a 100 people but then a lot of folks not used to riding would drop out. They had a van and a truck following the ride to pick up people (and their bikes) as they dropped out. It started about 10:30-11:00PM most the time and lasted several hours with a few rest stops. We decorated our bikes with glow sticks to be crazy.

We did have a police escort (it was downtown Detroit after all :eek: ), one officer on a bike and one in a patrol car, who would drive ahead and stop all traffic at the intersections for us. It was a blast.

[Jackson]

Tom-
I am definitely interested in attending this event. I heard about this event last week where you could ride your bike around D.C. I am new to the area and haven't made it to dc yet. Are you planning on going at all? I live in Baltimore so if you or anyone else who is interested in doing this event live around here it would be nice to car pool.

-Johana

I am planning on going. I've been a couple of times. This ride, usually 100-200 people, breaks down into groups. It doesn't go as one large group. While it is on open streets, most of them are low traffic. Having a MORE group if folks are up for that would be good.

[Jackson]

I am interested too if others are going, it sounds pretty cool. Tom, I met you briefly at Rosaryville and at Wakefield this past Tuesday.

Johana I live in Gaithersburg, not near Baltimore.

There was a ride like this in downtown Detroit every year sponsored by one of the local city colleges. It started out with about a 100 people but then a lot of folks not used to riding would drop out. They had a van and a truck following the ride to pick up people (and their bikes) as they dropped out. It started about 10:30-11:00PM most the time and lasted several hours with a few rest stops. We decorated our bikes with glow sticks to be crazy.

We did have a police escort (it was downtown Detroit after all :eek: ), one officer on a bike and one in a patrol car, who would drive ahead and stop all traffic at the intersections for us. It was a blast.

If I recall correctly, the ride is usually about 12-14 miles.

Basic route visits all of these (I'm not listing them in specific order.)

WH
Capitol
Union Station
Lincon
Jefferson
Haines Point (This is the dark and longest part of the ride.)
Wash Monument
Constitution Gardens

There are no formal rest stops, but there are plenty of stops along the ride.

Might be a bit chilly Saturday night, but if there's interest after we can hit an establishment for your favorite personal warming drink.

[Jackson]

I am interested too if others are going, it sounds pretty cool. Tom, I met you briefly at Rosaryville and at Wakefield this past Tuesday.

Johana I live in Gaithersburg, not near Baltimore.

There was a ride like this in downtown Detroit every year sponsored by one of the local city colleges. It started out with about a 100 people but then a lot of folks not used to riding would drop out. They had a van and a truck following the ride to pick up people (and their bikes) as they dropped out. It started about 10:30-11:00PM most the time and lasted several hours with a few rest stops. We decorated our bikes with glow sticks to be crazy.

We did have a police escort (it was downtown Detroit after all :eek: ), one officer on a bike and one in a patrol car, who would drive ahead and stop all traffic at the intersections for us. It was a blast.

Great - Wakefield was a blast Tuesday. That fog in the open field was pretty cool.

If I recall correctly, the ride is usually about 12-14 miles.

Basic route visits all of these (I'm not listing them in specific order.)

WH
Capitol
Union Station
Lincon
Jefferson
Haines Point (This is the darkest and longest part of the ride.)
Wash Monument
Constitution Gardens

There are no formal rest stops, but there are plenty of stops along the ride.

Most of the streets are low traffic - everyone should have a taillight along with a headlight. Unlike true MTB night riding, a fairly modest front light here is viable b/c there are streetlights most of the way. (Haines Point is the only dark area.)

Might be a bit chilly Saturday night, but if there's interest after we can hit an establishment for your favorite personal warming drink.

[Brizn]

Forecast now showing an 85% chance I'll be there.

[dharma]

Great - Wakefield was a blast Tuesday. That fog in the open field was pretty cool.

If I recall correctly, the ride is usually about 12-14 miles.

Basic route visits all of these (I'm not listing them in specific order.)

WH
Capitol
Union Station
Lincon
Jefferson
Haines Point (This is the darkest and longest part of the ride.)
Wash Monument
Constitution Gardens

There are no formal rest stops, but there are plenty of stops along the ride.

Most of the streets are low traffic - everyone should have a taillight along with a headlight. Unlike true MTB night riding, a fairly modest front light here is viable b/c there are streetlights most of the way. (Haines Point is the only dark area.)

Might be a bit chilly Saturday night, but if there's interest after we can hit an establishment for your favorite personal warming drink.


this sounds fun - but as i'm new to the sport, all i have is my FS mtb. will it be detrimental if I ride that around the streets or is it not a big deal? I also have my Dad's 10yo bianchi, no suspension, not even sure if it's the right fit. but it also has mtb tires on it (i think, they seem as fat as the ones on my mtb). i eventually want to get some different tires but haven't done that yet. anyway, too much information I know - but my point - can i ride around the city on my well fitting comfy mtb or will that just mess up my tires?

also - i have head lamp but no reflectors for the back or other night gear/relefctive clothing, etc ...

thanks for your input...

[Neg]

What's the best way to find out about local organized rides?

I prefer to just hit a trail, but my fiance likes to hit the organized rides.
I wish I had known about the Moonlight Monument thingy earlier.
We're going out of town this weekend.

Opinions??

Thanks,

Neg

[Brizn]

Hey dharma, I'd say you should at least put some roadier tars on your bike. It'll improve your handling & stability, especially as per safety. I have a spare set of 26" road tires.. I could meet you at your vehicular module and we could swap the tars on. If I come down, I'll be taking the metro from Shady Grove..

EDIT: oh, and re reflectors and lighting..um,..front <"be seen" or better> light is a bare minimum. Tail light is also a very good idea, but I wouldn't say it's abs necessary. They will have these items for sale at the ride start. You'd be riding in a pack. Oh, and I'll be riding a commuterstyle mtb as well.

[punga]

What's the best way to find out about local organized rides?

I prefer to just hit a trail, but my fiance likes to hit the organized rides.
I wish I had known about the Moonlight Monument thingy earlier.
We're going out of town this weekend.

Opinions??

Thanks,

Neg
You've come to the right place. Just about every weekend, there is an organized ride (til it gets too cold for some people) on these forums, check out the new Rides section for all the straight dope.

You can also post up when you're looking to do a ride with others, just say "Hey, I'm looking to ride XXXX this weekend, any takers?"

Also, check the Ride Calendar under the Quick Links tab for the formal ride. And what Brizn said about hooking up with LBS or even places like REI.

punga!

[Brizn]

Neg,

I'd say hit your local bike shop and ax them+ They may even have a website+ --many, if not most, LBSs do group rides of varying levels. Also, stay tuned to this new Ride Forum here on the board. There are other websites as well, including WABA (http://www.waba.org/) for starters.. :)

[jobutler]

Good to hear there are several people interested in doing the ride Oct 14th. Does anyone know if it will be easy to find parking around the place where the ride starts? Or where I could park my car safely but still not have to go to far to find the beginning of the ride? It would be nice to have a meeting place before the beginning of the ride so we can all meet up with one another to do the ride together. I definitely wouldn't mind going out for some drinks after the ride if people are interested. I will be riding my mt bike on the ride because that is my only bike and it makes me feel alot safer then a road bike.

[Jackson]

this sounds fun - but as i'm new to the sport, all i have is my FS mtb. will it be detrimental if I ride that around the streets or is it not a big deal? I also have my Dad's 10yo bianchi, no suspension, not even sure if it's the right fit. but it also has mtb tires on it (i think, they seem as fat as the ones on my mtb). i eventually want to get some different tires but haven't done that yet. anyway, too much information I know - but my point - can i ride around the city on my well fitting comfy mtb or will that just mess up my tires?

also - i have head lamp but no reflectors for the back or other night gear/relefctive clothing, etc ...

thanks for your input...

I have this reflective panel they have out at an earlier night ride that ties to your camelbak and is a good rear reflector... You're welcome to it.

If you can get slicks on there you'll be good, but even without them it shouldn't be a problem.

[Jackson]

What's the best way to find out about local organized rides?

I prefer to just hit a trail, but my fiance likes to hit the organized rides.
I wish I had known about the Moonlight Monument thingy earlier.
We're going out of town this weekend.

Opinions??

Thanks,

Neg

For MTB rides, this is a great spot. Check here in the rides forum or on the calendar. You can also see a lot of road rides and such at bikepptc.org - they are one of the large local road bike groups.

- Tom

[Jackson]

Good to hear there are several people interested in doing the ride Oct 14th. Does anyone know if it will be easy to find parking around the place where the ride starts? Or where I could park my car safely but still not have to go to far to find the beginning of the ride? It would be nice to have a meeting place before the beginning of the ride so we can all meet up with one another to do the ride together. I definitely wouldn't mind going out for some drinks after the ride if people are interested. I will be riding my mt bike on the ride because that is my only bike and it makes me feel alot safer then a road bike.

I don't know the area that well. There is usually plenty of street parking around, and hey you will have a bike on the back of the car. In the past they've usually started the rides in a parking lot that is vacant on the weekend.

I'm attaching a Google Earth pic of the area - maybe someone has some suggestions.

- Tom

[Jackson]

Are people interested in meeting up once we get to this ride and going as a group?

[jvanbrecht]

I have my friends kids bday party on sat, granted he is turning 5 :) but still, not sure when the adults will be done. Probably won't make it

[Brizn]

Are people interested in meeting up once we get to this ride and going as a group?I'm definitely int'd in meeting up. Last time, I arrived late, caught up with one of the packs, but never felt fully assimilated-- as it were.

However, I'm feeling ill as hell today and last night. May have to play Sat Gambrill and Mem ride by ear.

[cathie m]

Are people interested in meeting up once we get to this ride and going as a group?

Definitely as I’m still trying to get to know all the mtb folks, I think it would be more fun that way. :) I met Johana last night after the Schaeffer ride and we talked about that.

I’m also a little concerned about parking since I don’t know the area at all. :confused:

[Brizn]

:( pretty sure i'm out due to illness. if something changes, i'll check this thread and meet up. otherwise, i hope you folks have a nice ride!

[Jackson]

:( pretty sure i'm out due to illness. if something changes, i'll check this thread and meet up. otherwise, i hope you folks have a nice ride!

Sorry to hear, that Brizn. I'll PM you and Cathie M my cell # if you guys want to call me tonight.

- Tom

[jobutler]

Sorry to hear, that Brizn. I'll PM you and Cathie M my cell # if you guys want to call me tonight.

- Tom
Tom,

I am wanting to go also tonight for the DC ride. Could you shoot me an PM telling me your cell number encase I get lost.
Cathie,

It was nice meeting you too. I am glad to finally know someone that I will be seeing at a couple of the rides I will be doing. See you this morning @ Avalon for a nice ride.

[someguy519]

Hey all. I think I'm gonna be in on this ride tonight too. I'd definitely like to meet up before the ride. What time are you all planning to arrive, and where? If anyone is coming from the Falls Church area (or anywhere inside the beltway along 66), and wants to carpool, give me a shout - I can take up to 3 bikes. Maybe 4.

Let me know! Thanks...

Nick

[dharma]

Hey all. I think I'm gonna be in on this ride tonight too. I'd definitely like to meet up before the ride. What time are you all planning to arrive, and where? If anyone is coming from the Falls Church area (or anywhere inside the beltway along 66), and wants to carpool, give me a shout - I can take up to 3 bikes. Maybe 4.

Let me know! Thanks...

Nick

I was on the fence, but after resting from the RLAG ride this morning, I'm feel better and am in for tonight. I think people are just trying to meet at 11&K between 8-8:30. You can get Tom's cell number here (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=443&day=2006-10-9&c=2)

I'm going to park at my work garage and then head over. I've got a blue/white kona. See you there! Dharma

[someguy519]

OK cool. Thanks for the phone # . . .

I guess I'll just give Tom a ring when I arrive and work it out from there . . . Looking forward to meeting y'all tonight :)

Nick

[someguy519]

Good ride tonight folks. It was nice meeting some of you, and hopefully I'll see y'all at some Wakefield rides. I work in Rockville, which lends itself to the Schaeffer night rides - maybe some of the VA crew can make it up there sometime . . .

Re-reading my post, the 2nd sentence would seem to suggest that it was unpleasant to meet some of you. Rest assured I meant that it was nice meeting those I did meet, but I only met some of the people there . . . Brain isn't working - sleepy time.

G'Nite!

[cathie m]

It was a fun ride last night, I'm glad I made it down there. :)

Thanks Dharma for the directions.

[dharma]

It was a fun ride last night, I'm glad I made it down there. :)

Thanks Dharma for the directions.

No problem, Georgetown is not a place you want to try to navigate on a Saturday night!

[Jackson]

No problem, Georgetown is not a place you want to try to navigate on a Saturday night!

Dharma - How long was the ride last night? When we got back, I was thinking it seemed like a pretty short ride.

- Tom

[dharma]

Dharma - How long was the ride last night? When we got back, I was thinking it seemed like a pretty short ride.

- Tom

i had just under 13.75

[jobutler]

I enjoyed the DC night ride last night. It was awesome to finally see all the monuments in person instead of on tv. It was nice meeting everyone. Thank you Tom for guiding us through DC because I definitely would of gotten loss trying to find everything by myself.