May 2022 Road and Trail Conditions

[CaseyKane50]

The Charles Beatley Bridge that connects the Holmes Run Trail to N. Pickett/Holmes Run Parkway across Holmes Run will be closed from May 16 - May 27 to resurface the bridge. Users will need to use either the Ripley Street or Duke Street Bridges during the closure.

[Alcova cyclist]

W&OD pretty muddy and lots of debris/sticks on trail from Columbia Pike to the Custis junction. I assume lots of flooding from the big storms last weekend. Nothing terribly hazardous, depending on your tires I guess

[CaseyKane50]

The Charles Beatley Bridge that connects the Holmes Run Trail to N. Pickett/Holmes Run Parkway across Holmes Run will be closed from May 16 - May 27 to resurface the bridge. Users will need to use either the Ripley Street or Duke Street Bridges during the closure.

The bridge repairs have been delayed by weather and challenges in tearing up the old concrete. The contractor said they expect to finish with the repaving early next week.

[Starduster]

If I may offer a cautionary tale of where *not* to ride? Yesterday, at the Armed Forces Classic Challenge Ride- Finished my duties as a Ride Ambassador. All went well- we kept slower riders out of the way of the FAST race traffic, no one crashed that I knew of, and the worst that happened befell a father-son duo. The child's Speedplay pedal broke. (!) What are the odds?

#boomer was there, also in BikeArlington kit. Cheered him on as he suffered through his final lap.



After a wonderful day at the races, I started home on 23rd St, with the intent of crossing Rt. 1 there. Race course fencing was still up, so I had to go up Clark St to find an opening at a bus stop. The stop has "modern" features, such as electronic signage and the pebbled surface at the curb, but was still *tight*, even for pedestrians. I tried to roll around the back of various posts, but...the segments of concrete have large gaps. My front wheel found one and down I went. In slow motion- I had time to ponder my ill fortune. Wound up on my back in the gutter against race course fencing.

Ah, *timing*. As I was cleaning off my road rash (memo- it is supremely wise to carry something like Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes, *just* for moments like these), a road crew arrived to pick up the fencing. One of the crew saw my predicament, commiserated, and said, "See you at Clarendon Sunday!"

I'm going to have to disappoint him.

Ribs still hurting from this "adventure". I got home, but it was a painful ride.

No, the bike wasn't hurt.

[Starduster]

A grand moment from the Challenge Ride: While on course, I hear a "YEAH! OLD SCHOOL!!!" I look over- none other than Pinkey Gonzalez. Life with the olde Trek is fun...

[Starduster]

Other fun moment- there is a gentleman who runs the Challenge Ride on an old 70-80's Peugeot race bike. He in turn is wearing the authentic *WOOL* Peugeot race kit of the period. Saw him again yesterday. If you are in this place, sir... BRAVO!!!

[Starduster]

One day later (still sore, but better, thank you) and I'm having a "What were you thinking?!" moment. Crossing Rt. 1 at 23rd St. S is a *dreadful* crossing for all modes (and why should that be?), and there was a bit of distance between alternate crossings at S. Glebe Rd. in one direction, and the underpasses at 18th, 15th, and 12th in the other. I just wanted to get to Eads, and the protected bike lane. And I paid for my "shortcut".

That dodgy bit of sidewalk on Clark? Avoid it. Do as I say, not as I did.