Trail Conditions this week?

[eminva]

I am curious to know if anyone rode in the wind today -- I wasn't sure I was going to be able to stay standing just walking from the metro to my office this morning. If you did it, I salute you!

Also, does anyone know how the W&OD and Custis trails are looking this week? The snow and ice scared me off, but the forecast looks good later this week so I was thinking it's time to get back on the bike. Thanks for any input.

Liz

[OneEighth]

Liz,
I rode the Custis trail this morning and it was clear of snow and ice, but very, very salty. Frankly, the road didn't look any less gritty. Either way, you'll definitely want to wipe the bike down and clean your chain and gears at the end of the week if not at the end of the day. The trail along the Parkway from Key Bridge to the 14th Street Bridge was completely clear as well.
Cheers.
Tom

[PrintError]

I've been detouring down Route 7 since the first snowfall, but I'm going to take the W&OD home from Vienna to Herndon today to avoid the stress of watching my mirror the entire ride. I'll report in when I get home on the WOD condition.

[OneEighth]

The trail South from the 14th Street Bridge past National, along 4-Mile Run and down to where it meets up with the Custis was clear. And salty.

[consularrider]

I rode the full Arlington loop, the W&OD out to Falls Church Grove St, plus the 14th St Bridge and around Hains Point this afternoon. There were no ice/snow problems anywhere, but watch for ice remainders along the sides of the trails and an occasional three to four inch round ice patch that can still throw you if you are not careful. Tomorrow I'll get my road bike back out and enjoy it through at least the weekend.

[PrintError]

W&OD from Herndon to Vienna is 95% clear, 100% rideable. Icy remains are abundant around Buckthorne, but nothing you can't make it through. There are clear paths through all of the spots. Pretty much clear once you past Reston TC heading east. Nice to be off Route 7 at last. It was shorter and faster, but way more stressful. I ride to relax.

[eminva]

Hello --

Thanks for all the info. I rode in on my road bike today (joining the trail between Maple Ave and Cedar St in Vienna and riding W&OD/Custis to Key Bridge). East of Gallows Road is completely clear. There are still a few icy patches, some covered with light snow, in Vienna and between Cedar and Gallows. Most of them you can ride around. At one point it completely covered the trail. However, I picked my way through carefully and remained upright.

If the forecast is accurate, this should be gone by the end of the weekend.

Liz