Bike to Work Day - Best Pitstops

[Mikey]

I thought I would open a thread to discuss past pitstop giveaways so that you can help plan your B2WD route.

As a rule, Arlington tends to have the best give-aways, I've gotten bikearlington blinky lights, bike maps, drawstring sacs, and reflective straps at the Rosslyn pit stop. And of course I got coffee bananas, cliff bars, and bagles here as well.

I got an aluminum water bottle last year at freedom plaza.

The afternoon pitstop in Fairfax City has had real food; Barbecue sandwiches 2 years ago, chicken wings last year, and a drawing for prizes that because of the low turnout (8-10 of us) we all won something.

I hope to make it to some new pit stops as well this year (FC, yards park).

what's the best stuff you've found on B2WD?

[americancyclo]

I've only ever been to Freedom Plaza since I've been leading bike convoys, but from all the chatter, I've made it a point to stop at Rosslyn this year, and will definitely be checking out the Falls Church City/Bikenetic stop in the evening, if convoy duties prevent me from stopping by in the morning.

[consularrider]

I hit four pitstops last year, the best had to have been Old Town Alexandria. Multiple water bottle options, lots of food, lots of info. Rosslyn is a close second, with Crystal City and Ballston slightly behind. I have yet to hit an evening pitstop (didn't even know such a thing existed). I'll have to try and find them. FCC/Bikenetic is just off one of my extended loops, so there's one to try.

[eminva]

Weren't we talking a couple weeks ago about a junk food alleycat race? Maybe we need to have a race between pit stops to see who can work in the most free breakfasts and gather the most swag! :)

Liz

[dbb]

Weren't we talking a couple weeks ago about a junk food alleycat race? Maybe we need to have a race between pit stops to see who can work in the most free breakfasts and gather the most swag! :)

Liz

I'm there! Will you be forming the team?

[Mikey]

Or do we grab 2 or 3 of everything and meet up at Freedom plaza to swap?

[americancyclo]

Bonus points if you can get actual BikeArlington staff.

[Mikey]

I recommend we come up with a B2WD swag scavenger hunt. We create a list of cool stuff that they normally give out and then see who collected the most stuff.

[Stivnik]

If there are any Maryland riders, I know that Bethesda is the biggest pit stop - especially for those heading down the Crescent to DC. It was my stop for 3 years on my route from Tenleytown to my office at Marriott HQ in the Rock Springs Business Park.

But last year, I helped Marriott launch their inaugural pit stop and it was an awesome experience. Revolution Cycles provided wrench support and we had over 100 riders roll through our stop. I know it isn't as many as Bethesda and pales in comparison to Freedom Plaza, but our grand prize was a Trek Atwood - a steel-framed, urban "throwback" ride. So do the math -those are pretty good odds for winning a bike!

We will have a DJ, pastries and fruit, and more raffle prizes- including Marriott gift certificates - and you can still roll down to Bethesda and get stuff there (if you don't mind long lines). But you must register and ride to our Marriott HQ pit stop at 10400 Fernwood Rd to enter and win our raffles. We'll be picking out a bike from Revolution shortly, so hit me up for more details, or follow me via Twitter @marrvelo for more news and noise: would love to hear from any riders who roll down Fernwood, Bradley, Tuckerman, Old Georgetown Road, or work in North Bethesda - be sure to look for our Marriott jerseys during your commutes and say "Hey, MarrVelo!"

We had a lot of NIH riders last year, which was awesome - great jerseys! Hope to see you all again this year!Our “pit shop” will take place 6:30-9:30 a.m. Register here: http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/. Again, remember to select “MD – Rock Springs Business Park” as your official pit stop when registering! See you May 18, if not sooner!

Keep riding!

Steve
@MarrVelo

[KLizotte]

If I were anywhere near Marriott HQ I'd definitely stop by this pit stop. Thanks Marriott and Steve for setting up what sounds like an awesome BTWD stop.

[culimerc]

In the last couple of years I've been hitting the Dunn Loring stop, the Vienna, and Reston. Vienna seems to be the best combination of both location and food. Its right on the trail and last couple of years have had some snacks. Reston has more going on food, activity and raffle wise, but its farther out of the way if your not going to the town center.

[dbb]

Bonus points if you can get actual BikeArlington staff.

Tim or Zanna as swag? Probably contrary to Arlington County policy.

My day off just got rescheduled to fall on BTWD so I can now do a VA-DC based "Tour de Pitstops". I think I'll ride down to Old Town, double back through Crystal City, up to Rosslyn and then to Freedom Plaza. Ballston if the urge strikes me.

Sweet!

[consularrider]

Tim or Zanna as swag? Probably contrary to Arlington County policy.

My day off just got rescheduled to fall on BTWD so I can now do a VA-DC based "Tour de Pitstops". I think I'll ride down to Old Town, double back through Crystal City, up to Rosslyn and then to Freedom Plaza. Ballston if the urge strikes me.

Sweet!

What time are you going to get started?

[americancyclo]

Tim or Zanna as swag? Probably contrary to Arlington County policy.
I was imagining someone trying to hoist Tim on to their back and ride off to work. :p

[CCrew]

I was imagining someone trying to hoist Tim on to their back and ride off to work. :p

I've seen pictures, he has to run around in the shower just to get wet :)

[Stivnik]

Update: Welcoming All-American Bicycles from Damascus as our second bike shop sponsor! Plus, we are raffling off a Trek 7.2 FX commuter bike! Great odds of winning compared to Bethesda, and we will have food, music, and other great prizes! Register and Ride to the Marriott HQ Pit Stop at Rock Springs Business Park. We are at the intersection of Fernwood Road and Rockledge Drive. See you next Friday!

[Dirt]

I was imagining someone trying to hoist Tim on to their back and ride off to work. :p
I'll ride the fat bike that day. It won't be a problem. Have your camera ready.

[Stivnik]

We will be raffling off this Trek 7.2 FX at our Marriott / Rock Springs Business Park Pit Stop on Bike to Work Day. 1001 Start your day with us - refreshments, prizes, and music. Plus, two local bike shops - All American Bike Shop (http://aabikes.com/)and Revolution Cycles (http://revolutioncycles.com/)- will be providing pit stop support! This is like getting a massage for your bike! All that, plus the Bike to Work Day t-shirt and giveaways! For registration and information, please visit: http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/
Remember to select “MD – Rock Springs Business Park” See you and your bike on Friday, May 18th! Pit stop open from 6:30 - 9:00 AM.

For the latest updates on Bike to Work Day at Marriott, follow us on Twitter @MarrVelo (https://twitter.com/#!/marrvelo)

[consularrider]

I have to give a big thumbs up to the volunteers at the Crystal City pitstop that were out in the rain this morning with coffee and bagels. Thanks for the hot drink and patch kit swag, but it was too wet for the chair massage. It's also great that this pitstop runs all week! :D

[Dirt]

Leesburg stop opens at 0600 on Friday. ;)

[dbb]

I have to give a big thumbs up to the volunteers at the Crystal City pitstop that were out in the rain this morning with coffee and bagels. Thanks for the hot drink and patch kit swag, but it was too wet for the chair massage. It's also great that this pitstop runs all week! :D

I cleared the pitstop at 0650 and got nothing but a patch kit. I demand my bagel!

[eminva]

Not to rain on anyone's parade of pit stops, but if we see a huge upsurge in first time or occasional bike commuters this Friday, it might be difficult or ill-advised to race along the local MUTs racking up pit stop visits . . .

Liz

[Dirt]

Not to rain on anyone's parade of pit stops, but if we see a huge upsurge in first time or occasional bike commuters this Friday, it might be difficult or ill-advised to race along the local MUTs racking up pit stop visits . . .

Liz
Absolutely! This isn't a day for anything but setting a great example for how to ride on a MUT and be there to help people who might have problems.

[Greenbelt]

I may have mentioned this in another thread, but the City of Greenbelt is hosting a pitstop for the first time this year (by the pool/fitness center). The official WABA convoy for DC leaves at 6:30am and will make a pick up in downtown College Park. An unofficial convoy (taking a slightly less hilly route (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1103154)and NOT stopping in College Park) will leave at 7:30am. We'll be at the Lake Artemesia parking lot around 7:50; Wells Ice rink parking lot around 8am. Of course, if someone is slow or has a flat we might be a little late... All are welcome to join up.

As always, here's a video showing the route:

https://vimeo.com/38578601

[d_flo_yo]

I'm riding from Falls Church to Bethesda, glad I picked the Marriott HQ when I registered!

[eminva]

I registered as soon as they opened registration, and now I can't remember which pitstop I registered for. I went to the Bike to Work Day website to see if I could look it up there, and it said I should have gotten a confirmation email from WABA when I registered. I never received a confirmation email. Did others get one? Should I register again? Wander aimlessly among pitstops until someone feels sorry for me and gives me a t-shirt? Advice appreciated.

Thanks.

Liz

[consularrider]

Try the WABA Events inquiry email: events@waba.org.

I did get a confirmation from WABA back in March when I registered. I supposed you've cleaned out your inbox. My registration on March 14th was shortly after they opened.

[acc]

Complain to Blacknell, make him work for a change.

I was lucky, there was a foul-up with my registration so I had to be hand-processed.

So here is the person to contact: Megan Van de Mark megan@waba.org

[rcannon100]

Wander aimlessly among pitstops until someone feels sorry for me and gives me a t-shirt? Advice appreciated.

In past years, I've had no prob. Just walk up and they are throwing T shirts out to the crowd. Not a big thing. "Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please consult a financial ad visor."

[dbb]

I was lucky, there was a foul-up with my registration so I had to be hand-processed.

Rhinestones on the registration forms prevents automated processing. :)

[consularrider]

I cleared the pitstop at 0650 and got nothing but a patch kit. I demand my bagel!
Don't forget, the Crystal City pitstop doesn't open until 7 am. This morning the swag was a rear blinkie and they added bananas and granola bars to the bagels. Still very few riders out in the rain.

And for Pete, they are giving away pink water bottles (the Holistic Point, not the CCBID).

[txgoonie]

Got my blinkie light - yay!

The CC BID table was full of bagels and coffee, and cyclists were riding right by! Take a second, Crystal City folks - get yourself a bagel. You earned it!

[Arlingtonrider]

I plan to stop by tomorrow. It was really pouring down when I wanted to leave this morning. I have lots of admiration for those of you who made it!

[vvill]

Wait, the CC pitstop is open all week? I'm there! This one, right?
http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/arlington-crystal-city-water-park-pit-stop/

Yeah it was a wet one this morning. I still need to newspaper my shoes.

[consularrider]

Wait, the CC pitstop is open all week? I'm there! This one, right?
http://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/arlington-crystal-city-water-park-pit-stop/

Yeah it was a wet one this morning. I still need to newspaper my shoes.
Yep, that's the one. Stop by, I'm sure they would like the company.

[dbb]

Bagels were available today. Thank you CC BID.

I'm hoping the rain increased my chances for the BTWW prizes from the BID.

[eminva]

So here is the person to contact: Megan Van de Mark megan@waba.org

Good news, I was able to confirm with Megan that I am indeed registered for the Rosslyn pitstop. Not only do I get a t-shirt, but my chances are just as good as those of anyone who also registered at Rosslyn that I might be taking home a new bike.

@dbb, are they giving away jerseys again this year at Crystal City for those who commute every day? I seem to recall that was a very nice looking jersey.

Liz

[consularrider]

Good news, I was able to confirm with Megan that I am indeed registered for the Rosslyn pitstop. Not only do I get a t-shirt, but my chances are just as good as those of anyone who also registered at Rosslyn that I might be taking home a new bike.

@dbb, are they giving away jerseys again this year at Crystal City for those who commute every day? I seem to recall that was a very nice looking jersey.

Liz
I don't think so. What I think I heard them say this morning was that there would be some kind of raffle.

[zanna_leigh]

I don't think so. What I think I heard them say this morning was that there would be some kind of raffle.

I actually spoke to Joe with the BID a few weeks ago and he did say that they will be giving away jerseys to everyone who rides everyday during bike to work week and checks in at the table.

[jpetty1]

I actually spoke to Joe with the BID a few weeks ago and he did say that they will be giving away jerseys to everyone who rides everyday during bike to work week and checks in at the table.

Last year the BID gave away jerseys to the top 50 riders of the week. This year they are handing out a different prize everyday. The BID will be raffling off 10 Crystal City jerseys at Bike to Work Day on Friday.

[vvill]

Yep, that's the one. Stop by, I'm sure they would like the company.

I have no idea where that is relative to the trail! Even after consulting a map :confused: I've only ridden Mt Vernon a couple times and both times I was on the wheel of someone from this forum. I'll try to find it though... I never scoff at free bagels.

[dbb]

I have no idea where that is relative to the trail! Even after consulting a map :confused: I've only ridden Mt Vernon a couple times and both times I was on the wheel of someone from this forum. I'll try to find it though... I never scoff at free bagels.

Head south on the MVT past Roach's Run (parking lot with porta potties). Go past the DCA fence where the trail is wedged between the parkway and the fence and up a trail overpass over a DCA access road. About 100 yards past the end of that bridge you will see another bridge to your front and a trail off to your right. Take the right. 1043

It doubles back under the MVT and goes under the GWMP

1044

Then goes under the railroad tracks

1045

and up to the Crystal City Water Park

1046

[txgoonie]

Got a bell today in Crystal City!

Beautiful day - lots of cyclists out. Many are still rolling right past the pit stop, though. Folks must not love bagels as much as I do;-)

[vvill]

Thanks dana! I found it successfully. I also mapped my ride in advance and noted the approx mileage of the turn off, and luckily Street View also had some good vistas. Funny thing was another cyclist asked for directions on my way into DC - that always seems to happen whenever I'm somewhere relatively new.

Nice to see you, consularrider. I'll try to arrive earlier tomorrow so we can actually chat a bit.

I got a bell, a purple t-shirt leftover from last year, a granola bar, bagel, banana and a coffee - well worth the 8 mi detour!

[eminva]

I took the long road in and also stopped at the Crystal City Pitstop for bagel and bell. Right after I left I ran into a cyclist with a flat tire on the MVT. I didn't have a pump, so I directed him back to the pit stop so hopefully someone there could help him.

Kudos to you MVT regulars -- it is busy and narrow.

Liz

[vvill]

Kudos to you MVT regulars -- it is busy and narrow.

That was my experience as well... gotta get out of bed 30 mins earlier tomorrow.

[Arlingtonrider]

I stopped there too today. Nice folks!

[Mikey]

Got my bell, and a bagel and banana this morning. Also, the CC pit stop crew said that they will not be giving out jerseys to those who visit each day this week, but there will be a drawing on Friday for 1 of 10 Bike Arlington jerseys.

got a bell, got a light, missed the patch kit, wonder what tomorrow will bring?

[KelOnWheels]

Well since I'll be going right by CC anyway, I spose I should stop in on Friday!
Hmm. I think I will need to head out a little earlier than 7:15 from Shirlington if I'm going to hit 3 pit stops AND make it to work by 8:15.
They'll probably catch up with me anyway :)

[Stivnik]

Anyone riding from Leesburg/LoCo to MoCo/Bethesda on BTWD? One of our Marriott riders is making the trek from Lansdowne via White's Ferry. If anyone from LoCo rolls into our Rock Springs Business Park Pit Stop, hit me up for refreshments. And if you don't register at Leesburg, register with us. We'll be open 6:30-9:30.

[KelOnWheels]

OK, I have plotted my Tour de Pants.

Alexandria to Four Mile Run to MVT, hit the CC stop, over the 14th St bridge, up to Freedom Plaza stop, down Penn Ave, up to the Mount Vernon stop, and back down to work.

Roughly 12 miles. I can do 12 miles, right? :confused:

[vvill]

I plotted my day too:

AM
1) Go directly to Freshbikes. Do not pass GO. Chick-Fil-A breakfast perhaps.
2) Go to Rosslyn. Collect T-shirt.
3) Cross into DC via the Roosevelt bridge, stop by Murrow Pk (H + Penn).
4) Proceed east on Penn, south on 15th to hit up Ronald Reagan Bldg.
5) Cross back west on Penn past the White House, take a right up 17th for the Farragut Sq stop
6) Continue up 17th + M St (cut through Farragut Sq, and cross K St) to Nat'l Geographic. Continue west on M St until 19th, head south until K St and then I'm at work.
14 miles or so. Should be easy enough... but the time spent hunting swag/eating food/drinking coffee will be the real constraint. so in a way this will be like The Amazing Race. I'm planning on bringing my big(ger) backpack for swag.

PM - relatively normal home commute with stops at
7) East Falls Church (Tri360)
8) West Falls Church/Grove (Bikenetic!)

I would like to hit up CC to get a chance at a BikeArlington jersey but I doubt that's a good idea with all the MVT traffic I'm expecting.

[acc]

I am so very excited!
Tim Kelley offered me a chance to volunteer at Ballston on Friday.
At six am.

I'm thinking of just sleeping on a grate in front of Metro to save time.

:D

ann

[Mikey]

I am so very excited!
Tim Kelley offered me a chance to volunteer at Ballston on Friday.
At six am.

I'm thinking of just sleeping on a grate in front of Metro to save time.

:D

ann

Save some chicken biscuits for the rest of us ;)

[Megabeth]

Methinks Mr Kelley has a plan to sleep in on Friday. He successfully recruited me to also show up at o'dark thirty at Ballston. Hmmmmm....

[consularrider]

I am so very excited!
Tim Kelley offered me a chance to volunteer at Ballston on Friday.
At six am.

I'm thinking of just sleeping on a grate in front of Metro to save time.

:D

ann
You mean Bike Arlington isn't providing accommodations at one of the neighborhoods fine hospitality establishments? I should see you there around 7:30 to 7:45.

[RESTONTODC]

Alexandria to Four Mile Run to MVT, hit the CC stop, over the 14th St bridge, up to Freedom Plaza stop, down Penn Ave, up to the Mount Vernon stop, and back down to work.


Fyi, there is no Freedom Plaza pit stop this year. It will be relocated to Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

My stops are Vienna, Merrifield, Falls Church, Freshbikes, Rosslyn, Woodrow Wilson Plaza.

[eminva]

I am so very excited!
Tim Kelley offered me a chance to volunteer at Ballston on Friday.
At six am.

I'm thinking of just sleeping on a grate in front of Metro to save time.

:D

ann


Methinks Mr Kelley has a plan to sleep in on Friday. He successfully recruited me to also show up at o'dark thirty at Ballston. Hmmmmm....

If you look at the One Eighth thread, it appears there are people who actually get up and commute at this hour on a routine basis. Personally, I can only speculate. However, there does seem to be photographic evidence.

Just saying this to point out the trails appear to be open for business at those hours (again, not speaking from personal experience).

I will probably be at the Vienna pit stop for the early part of the window. Say hello if you pass through.

Liz

[KLizotte]

I am so very excited!
Tim Kelley offered me a chance to volunteer at Ballston on Friday.
At six am.

I'm thinking of just sleeping on a grate in front of Metro to save time.

:D

ann

Good practice for your upcoming triathalon? Don't those games of torture start before dawn?

[vvill]

Got my bell, and a bagel and banana this morning. Also, the CC pit stop crew said that they will not be giving out jerseys to those who visit each day this week, but there will be a drawing on Friday for 1 of 10 Bike Arlington jerseys.

got a bell, got a light, missed the patch kit, wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Crystal Ride Trek water bottle, made in America. They said there'll be a chance to get a blinkie tomorrow (I'm guessing whatever leftovers from the week will be available then).

I saw dbb going north on the MVT as I was going south around 7:05am (passing under the Arland D. Williams Memorial Bridge). My brain was working too slowly to say hi.

[dbb]

A new rider in the office is much better prepared through the generosity of the CC BID. He stretched to get a nice bike and the CC swag is getting him really ready for the trails. Thanks CC BID!

I saw Dirt on his pink fixie last night at the Jefferson. I was able to keep up with him on the bridge but then he put the hammer down heading south. The boy was doing more than 25 mph on a clear stretch of the MVT on a fixie!

Building on my experience on the Custis with him a couple of weeks ago (when I was able to keep up and he was on his fat tire fixie), the experimental hypotheses seem to be:

Width of the tires is a controlling variable- I was able to keep up with him on his fat tire fixie but not the thin tire fixie.
Fixed gears are a controlling variable - When this variable is held constant, the results are mixed. I am now removing this variable from the experiment.
Dirt is a much better rider than me - This remains a plausible explanation

That said, it is always a pleasure to see others on the trail, if only for a moment.

[rcannon100]

Bottle, Shirt, and Banana today in CC.

So.... do you suppose U have to be there to win tomorrow? And if so, what time.

[baiskeli]

I saw Dirt on his pink fixie last night at the Jefferson. I was able to keep up with him on the bridge but then he put the hammer down heading south. The boy was doing more than 25 mph on a clear stretch of the MVT on a fixie!

It's scientifically proven that pink reduces aerodynamic drag.

[Mikey]

It's scientifically proven that pink reduces aerodynamic drag.

+ 2 points for using "pink" and "drag" in an unconventional way.
:)

[KelOnWheels]

OK. I think I'm ready.

Home to CC stop via 4 Mile Run & MVT: 5.3 miles
CC to Ronald Reagan Building stop via MVT, 14th St Bridge & 15th St: 4.25 miles
RRB to Mount Vernon Triangle stop via Penn Ave & 7th St: 1.3 miles
MVTri to work via 5th St: 1 mile

It sounds much less alarming broken up into little pieces :)

I'm going to give myself LOTS of time for wrong turns & such - planning to hit CC at 7 AM and then just mosey on in.

I am firmly avoiding thinking about the return trip tomorrow evening... ;)

[Dirt]

I saw Dirt on his pink fixie last night at the Jefferson.
Nice to see you yesterday, sir. :D I was shocked to have over 1/2 mile of MVT completely to myself at that time of day. Things slowed down significantly after that, but it was fun while it lasted. :D I did get a couple of good sighting photos, but haven't had my camera near a computer yet to download.

Rock on!

[Dirt]

I think my BTWD plan is set too. Meeting a friend in Vienna at 0630, then rolling to Ballston and Rosslyn. I'll stop off at the RayGun building, then head back for Friday Coffee Club. Gonna roll nice and easy on the fat, squishy bike. :D

[jrenaut]

My plans tomorrow depend on daughter #2. She's home sick today with my wife. If she's better tomorrow, I'll stop at the Reagan building around 830. If she's not better, I'll stay home with her. If she's better but not "go to daycare" better, I might put her in the trailer, hit the Reagan Building, then Friday Coffee Club, then maybe even another BTWD stop if she's still happy or sleeping.

[Dirt]

New addition to my route... Just found out my friends Christy and Adam from Bikes Belong will be at the NoMa stop near the Metro Branch trail at the Bikes Belong booth. Gonna swing by and do a Bikes Belong photo op. :D

[KelOnWheels]

Gonna roll nice and easy on the fat, squishy bike. :D

So only 20 MPH then? ;)

ETA: Pretty sure I would have to be on fire to go that fast. :D Which would make for a short ride.

[PotomacCyclist]

It's scientifically proven that pink reduces aerodynamic drag.

Scientificuh-lee speakin', pink attracts honeybees and gnats. They will congregate and swarm on the pink fabric, expecting to find nectar. Frustrated by not finding nectar, they will call on their compatriots to help in the search. More and more bees and gnats will swarm, eventually creating a rough textured biomass of bees and gnats. Not only is this huge mass of bees/gnats non-aerodynamic, it's also kind of uncomfortable. But it does provide a steady source of protein for longer rides. You just have to be careful while eating the stingers.

[consularrider]

Scientificuh-lee speakin', pink attracts honeybees and gnats. They will congregate and swarm on the pink fabric, expecting to find nectar. Frustrated by not finding nectar, they will call on their compatriots to help in the search. More and more bees and gnats will swarm, eventually creating a rough textured biomass of bees and gnats. Not only is this huge mass of bees/gnats non-aerodynamic, it's also kind of uncomfortable. But it does provide a steady source of protein for longer rides. You just have to be careful while eating the stingers.
That explains Dirt's secret powers.

[KelOnWheels]

Darn it, I knew I should have gotten the pink tire levers instead of the yellow ones...


That explains Dirt's secret powers.

[SpokeGrenadeSR]

Scientificuh-lee speakin', pink attracts honeybees and gnats. They will congregate and swarm on the pink fabric, expecting to find nectar. Frustrated by not finding nectar, they will call on their compatriots to help in the search. More and more bees and gnats will swarm, eventually creating a rough textured biomass of bees and gnats. Not only is this huge mass of bees/gnats non-aerodynamic, it's also kind of uncomfortable. But it does provide a steady source of protein for longer rides. You just have to be careful while eating the stingers. if they all spread the wings in sync, you can fly too.

[KelOnWheels]

Made it to Crystal City! Got a banana and a patch kit. 1068

[JimF22003]

Hit the Tysons rest stop at the mall in front of LL Bean. This year's stop was much easier to get to than where they had it last year. Nice folks, good schwag. Saw quite a few commuters this morning but almost all of them were going the other way...

[chris_s]

The Carlyle stop in Alexandria had water bottles and...grooming kits...

Also continental breakfast catered by Potbelly's.

I'm not making this up I promise.

[mrkenny83]

YAY!!!!!

This was my first Bike to Work day!!!!!

I got 5 free Clif Bars to keep here at work!
I got some weird Clif SHOT Energy Gel!
I got free coffee!
I got a free McDonald's Fruit'n'Yogurt Parfait!
I got a free t-shirt!!!!

Most importantly, I got sooooooooooo many "GOOD MORNINGS" from the folks on the trail!

[KelOnWheels]

RayGun Building! Fancy coffee!1069

[Lt. Dan]

hit up the Pit Stop at the Freedom Center in Manassas this morning!!! Free water bottles, t-shirts, and breakfast! Good stuff, THANKS GUYS!!!!

[vvill]

Had a fun morning running between stops. Saw skreaminquadz and Tim at Freshbikes, zanna (briefly) and the superhero unicyclists at Rosslyn, skreaminquadz + pals again at Reagan, then I went to Farragut Sq and chatted to a lady who I first + last met maybe 2 or 3 years ago riding with on a Bike To Work Day convoy!(before I regularly commuted) And then my colleague at work showed up at the same stop! From here the two of us just went up to the Nat'l Geographic stop and then back to Murrow Pk. I forgot my camera though :(

Most stops had great selections of random prizes and general bike swag. The Golden Triangle stops' staff were very friendly! I felt a little bad for them since they had relatively little traffic or stuff to give out. I kept declining water bottles but people kept wanting to give them away, so I have 5 different ones now. I limited myself to 2 coffees, 2 bananas and 1/2 a bagel.

[aflapr]

Great ride in this morning - beautiful weather and lots of happy folks on the trails. The Falls Church pit stop was nicely laid out and I appreciated the FCPD blocking off Grove. The Ballston pit-stop was a blast - it was nice to meet Tim and some of the commenters from the forum. Thanks for Tim, acc/Rhinestone Cowgirl, and all the others working and volunteering. I'm in a great mood today - what a day for bike commuting! Looking forward to the PM pitstops on the way home.

[Terpfan]

Well the Reagan Building one came with live entertainment in the form of Ethopian and G8 Protestors at Freedom Plaza. In fairness, I did get a flat around Ellipse and so I almost said screw it and skipped BTWD, but I went and REI had some guys fixing bikes. They changed my tube for me--score! The refreshments were Brueggers bagels, some fruit from Whole Foods, coffee, and then some fair-like tents giving stuff away. I only took the waterbottle, listened to two speeches and then was on my way to be at work on time.

[Veik]

Rosslyn pit stop was packed.
lots of give aways, prizes, etc.
Best one on my route from Herndon to DC.

[eminva]

Awesome progressive party this morning! Got a desk top covered with swag and enough breakfasts for a first rate stomache ache. Should have let discretion be the better part of valor and limited myself to the McDonalds fruit parfait at Dunn Loring.

Acc giving out t-shirts at Ballston:

1070

FABB at the Vienna pitstop (me on the left there)

1071

RESTONTODC at Vienna pitstop:

1072

Looking forward to the return trip this afternoon.

[Jason]

Two girls promoting vegan/veggie stuff in latex cabbage bikinis at Federal Triangle. Yes I am serious. On my ride in at 7:00, even fewer people out than normal. Strange. At 7:30 at the Ray Gun there were very few people, when I took a friend out later to pick up some stuff (biker too) it was super packed. Guess I am an early riser?

[DaveK]

Only hit the one pit stop this morning - I escorted my wife from our house in DC up almost to the College Park stop, turned around and hauled ass back to Rosslyn to get there before the stop closed. Incidentally if someone in a Bike Arlington jersey passed you on the MBT this morning doing close to 30mph... it wasn't me.

[vvill]

Two girls promoting vegan/veggie stuff in latex cabbage bikinis at Federal Triangle. Yes I am serious. On my ride in at 7:00, even fewer people out than normal. Strange. At 7:30 at the Ray Gun there were very few people, when I took a friend out later to pick up some stuff (biker too) it was super packed. Guess I am an early riser?

There were 3 PETA (I think?) girls at Reagan wearing very little with something like this written on them... don't eat meat eat me :eek:

As far as volume I actually saw one person riding on what looked like a hybrid/MTB northbound on 309/Old Dominion towards McLean. I rarely ride on that road as the shoulders are tiny but I did this morning since I left home close to 6am. Generally I didn't notice any increase in numbers until I got to Ballston and then of course Rosslyn, which was indeed packed.

[Riley Casey]

Silver Spring pit stop was busy from 7:30 to 8:30 at a minimum. The DJ had people plenty of people dancing. Well earned prizes to the oldest rider (81) and the oldest bike (46). Lots of riders checking out the tables of info and the tasty coffee. No latex cabbage bikinis though:( . Thanks to Jenn and the folks from Silver Cycles for the excellent swag. Its high time we had this sort of thing on the other 250 days a year I bike to work. :p

[eminva]

There were 3 PETA (I think?) girls at Reagan wearing very little with something like this written on them... don't eat meat eat me :eek:

Can you imagine the intern orientation there? "Congratulations! You are fetching enough to wear our lettuce bikini at promotional events!" I think I'd decamp to the American Bankers Association or something.

Liz

[rcannon100]

Thank you Bike Arlington, WABA, CABI, goDCgo, LAB, BIDs, NPS, Freshbikes, Revolution Bikes, Phoenix Bikes, REI, Bikespace! and other people I am sure. Thank you also to the BACs. And the Interagency Task Force.

I remember when BTWD was one pitstop, down on Freedom Plaza. Boy have things changed! Back in the day, we use to aggregate in meeting points in the burbs, and "convoy" into Freedom Plaza. 100s of bikes in a pack - I believe at times just taking over bridges. That was fun. But today, 12,500 registered (of course I registered 2000 times trying to win the free bikes)! ~50 pit stops. It was fun pitstop hopping.

You bike advocate people. You done good. We cycle-to-work people ding our bike bells in your general direction in appreciation!!!!

[Megabeth]

I "manned" the prize table in Ballston and then scurried to "man" the BAC table in Rosslyn. On my way to Rosslyn, I said "Happy Bike to Work Day!" to the cyclists I went by and ultimately, I picked up a little convoy of folks along Clarendon Boulevard that followed me like ducklings down to the rest stop.

It was fantastic seeing everyone today. I got to talk to a lot of new riders and those that are daily riders. Such enthusiasm for getting out and riding is contagious!

[SpokeGrenadeSR]

rosslyn was definitely bumpin, but crystal city had a sweeeet fountain. so much fun this morning. probably put in 40 miles before noon what with some errands i got lost during.

and i got a very enthusiastic "good morning" from a runner on the WOD in falls church, i wish i had time to register what she said and respond with more than a smile & nod.
good day for everyone it seemed.

[dbb]

It was indeed pretty sweet!

Linked up with Consularrider at Old Town, then up to Crystal City and Rosslyn. Crystal City folks were outstanding and this was the last day of the CC BID's BTWWeek as they have had the pit stop open all week.

Rosslyn was indeed a happening place, with BikeArlington vuvuzelas (and bananas). Remains to be seen how the vuvuzela will "play" at home.

Crossed over to DC and did Golden Triangle and Reagan Building. The silver coffee urns at Reagan added a touch of class to the affair.

Found Arlingtonrider at Reagan and then did a bit of JRA. A fine morning.

Photos soon.

[rcannon100]

I "manned" the prize table in Ballston and then scurried to "man" the BAC table in Rosslyn.

I thought it was like batman or something. Never see Batman and Adam West in the same room, or however that line goes. First I saw you in Ballston, then poof you were magically at Rosslyn! There had to be two of you!

[Stivnik]

If I were anywhere near Marriott HQ I'd definitely stop by this pit stop. Thanks Marriott and Steve for setting up what sounds like an awesome BTWD stop.
Awesome day! We had over a hundred riders come through our stop. If you were one of them, thanks for spending part of your Bike to Work Day with us. The weather was perfect, our sponsors were terrific - All American Bikes, Revolution, Corner Bakery, 5 hour Energy, Bakery de France - and we gave out a lot of Marriott breakfast gift certificates and prizes. Will post links to pics if anyone is interested.

[KLizotte]

Just a friendly reminder to all to say thanks to the sponsors if you frequent their restaurants / stores / establishments; I'm sure the managers and staff would appreciate it (also a nice reminder that cyclists do spend money).

[Dirt]

Just a friendly reminder to all to say thanks to the sponsors if you frequent their restaurants / stores / establishments; I'm sure the managers and staff would appreciate it (also a nice reminder that cyclists do spend money).
Thanks. I need to call the yoga folks that sponsored West FC pitstop and sign up for some classes with them.

I'll give Jan from Bikenetic a big, huge bear hug the next time I see him. :D

[acc]

Hey Dirt, pass that business name along. I need some yoga.

Chick-Fil-A was terrific about feeding the masses at Ballston.
BikeArlington passed out tons of swag.

In fact please pass along names of businesses that came out to support BTWD so we can return the favor.

ann

[Dirt]

Sorry, that was evil of me. I was posting from my phone and didn't have the info with me. They're Little River Yoga. They've got a few locations and a really good schedule of classes and sessions that you can take part in. Their web site is awesome http://home.littleriveryoga.com/

Stair was the woman who was out working with us.

Rock on!!!

Dirt

[Riley Casey]

Is it just me or has anyone else speculated on the possibility of a rumble between the Chick-Fil-a cow and the PETA lettuce ladies? :rolleyes: