December 2013 Trail Conditions

**oldbikechick** · 12-09-2013, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by dasgeh

I was concerned about the trails today, and it sounds like I should be more so tomorrow. For the Arlington --> DC commute, there aren't many ways to get to bridges without going on trails.

Took metro today since I usually only ride in the ice and snow by mistake (ie. sometimes I think the trail is clear and it isn't). However, if there's more than a day or so of snow, I get antsy and ride in the street, and to get from Arlington to DC, I take Fairfax/Clarendon to Rosslyn, cross 50 at N. Rhodes, follow along the rte 50 access road to the Netherlands Carillon and around along next to 110 up to the cemetery and over the memorial bridge to the mall. I've found that even when the Custis and MVT are not clear, this route is clear, except for one small section of trail along 110, which is not too treacherous and could even be walked if needed.

**dbb** · 12-10-2013, 06:20 AM

Went out for a short ride along FMR and MVT about 0630. Started clear and dry then changed to freezing rain at DCA

Sleeping bag guy on FMR under a bridge.

Be careful out there

**dbb** · 12-10-2013, 06:57 AM

Just pulled the trigger on new wheels and studded tires. I am ready!

I am anticipating some sort of talisman effect, so winter may be over upon their delivery.

Crocus will be blooming on new years day.

Biggest impact will be to freezing saddles - no freezing. Sorry guys

**jrenaut** · 12-10-2013, 06:59 AM

Streets in Columbia Heights DC are just wet. It's not even sticking to the sidewalks.

**dkel** · 12-10-2013, 02:12 PM

I just rode my old Trek out to the WOD in Falls Church to see how things are shaping up. Many of you have more experience with these things than I, but I'm afraid that if this doesn't melt off by sunset, it's going to freeze into a horrible mess for tomorrow's commute.

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Should I plan to ride on the streets to Vienna tomorrow? Should I...drive?!?

**ronwalf** · 12-10-2013, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by dkel

Should I plan to ride on the streets to Vienna tomorrow? Should I...drive?!?

Quick! Before it freezes, build yourself a bike plow!

**dkel** · 12-10-2013, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by ronwalf

Quick! Before it freezes, build yourself a bike plow!

If I had that kind of DIY skills, I would TOTALLY do that! As it is, I'm seriously thinking about a route on surface streets, though I'm not crazy about that, out here in the relatively bike-unfriendly suburbs.

**5555624** · 12-10-2013, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by ronwalf

Quick! Before it freezes, build yourself a bike plow!

While nice, that doesn't do much for him (or whomever else builds it), since it plows behind the bike. The person who builds one and uses it should get an automatic WWDD nomination.

**Fast Friendly Guy** · 12-10-2013, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by dbb

Went out for a short ride along FMR and MVT about 0630. Started clear and dry then changed to freezing rain at DCA

Sleeping bag guy on FMR under a bridge.

Be careful out there

Sleeping Bag Guy is Gary! I used to view him as a trail obstacle, until one day I saw a rider I know stopped and talking to him. I stopped too. The rider had brought Gary a soft sandwich and a banana. I learned he has problems chewing and that his name is Gary. Since then he's become a person to me, and I reflect at how insensitive I had been up 'til then. Not much later I brought him some of my used climbing gear (sleeping pad & bag) and every now and then a sandwich. Somehow I feel scammed by the street intersection panhandlers in a way that I never do with Gary. I guess it's because he's not begging and really seems to appreciate kindness.