Northeast - Arlington VA/ DC Anyone?

I am in Woodbridge! I don't have a bike yet, but wait until October when the 2006 models arrive. I would like to get together with others so I can improve and get adjusted to roadbiking much faster than doing it alone.

I'm up for it depending on schedule. PM me details if I'm invited! :D

off the subject, but I was at your place o' business last wednesday, theo. were you there? you couldn't have missed me if you were. I was the only person in the place in an Once Jersey, lol. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the tip!
I'm trying to sort out what group I belong in. What are "advanced riding tecniques?"
http://www.bikepptc.org/classification.html
Your welcome.

Start with a ride level that you think is a little easier than you think you can handel. If it is easy, try the next level up. Be aware that within a ride level there is a pretty good range. The published level might not be quite correct, or the pace might get pushed up. Club regulars talk about "level creep" where a CC ride will turn into a B, depending on who shows up and how the leader handels the group.

Advanced techinques are pace lines.

Marshal, Markham and Middleburg are also popular ride starts. The Peach Picker ride out of Markham was a lot of fun.

off the subject, but I was at your place o' business last wednesday, theo. were you there? you couldn't have missed me if you were. I was the only person in the place in an Once Jersey, lol. :rolleyes:

Booo! I always work a double on Wednesdays, but last week I got the night off because I picked up shifts over the weekend for others. And I would have noticed someone in an Once jersey, yes...

Hi,

I just moved to Alexandria in January and didn't get my bike out of storage from NY until mid August. Then I went on a huge (IMO) solo bike tour of DC on my Schwinn High Plains. And by huge I mean 20 miles - trust me, its big - it beat me up, made me sleepy, and hungry. Yes, I'm a class C by PPTC standards. =)

I'd like to do better - and would love to complete a century by middle of next season. My roommate is bike friendly and I've met exactly one other person who is also into bike riding. I'd like to find some others who are also up for doing some runs. Labor Day weekend I was thinking of doing the Rock Creek Trail and I do have a road friendlier bike than the High Plains to use for training. If anyone's up for taking someone up under their wing (or a group's wing!) I'd be happy to try and keep up!

-Romel

I live in the Woodbridge area about 15 minutes south of Alexandria. I am just starting so I am apprehensive about riding with another person. I am still getting used to the roadbike handling so I can't go in a straight line without the occasional veer to the side.

I would like to get together soon though. I need new paths, the neighborhood is too boring and roads are right out.

I live in the Woodbridge area about 15 minutes south of Alexandria. I am just starting so I am apprehensive about riding with another person. .... I need new paths, the neighborhood is too boring and roads are right out.

You should drive up to Mount Vernon and try that trail. Will take you to Old Town, and DC if you let it.
W&OD is another one to try. Also the Capital Cresent starting in Georgetown. They can get crowded at times, but they are good for starting out.

Many of the roads out near Nokesville, Aden and Catlett aren't that crowded on an weekend morning and are pleasant to ride. The PPTC does group rides out of Nokesville regularly.

My roommate and I are planning on riding the Rock Creek Trail Labor Day weekend. Also may have 2-3 others join us. Should be a day trip, a slower pace but most of th trail at class C I would guess. Others welcome; not sure what time we'll start but it should be in the morning near Foggy Bottom metro.

Are you doing the entire Rock Creek Trail on one ride?
If so, might be interested if it works with my schedule.
Georgetown to Rockville. I haven't done that one yet this year. It should be good for about 50 miles with not too many hills

I'm interested in riding this weekend. The rock creek trail is paved the whole way, correct? What is the distance roughly (rt).

RCT is paved all the way, although half of it is either on or parallel to Beach Drive. Beach t's near Viers Mill rec center, so it is trail only for the top 7 miles. The north end is less used, so there is not too much pedestrian traffic until close to Needwood
Starting in Gerogetown the trail is 9 or 10 miles in DC and 14 from the DC line to Lake Needwood in Rockville. The Georgetown Branch (packed crushed stone) and the Capital Cresent are good alternates for getting back to G'town.
Very shady ride, which is nice on a hot sunny day. Not too many hills - a little bit rolling in DC, two little hills near Parklawn, one near Randolph Hills, one at the end at Needwood.

This is the map that we're looking to travel for now:

http://bikewashington.org/trails/rockcreek/dc.htm

There's no scale and unlike most of the other trails on this site there's no estimated distance :( But it looks like it would be a nice scenic drive especially the northern trail that is all road. They say the southern section is paved, but to my dismay its described as "in terrible condition" but not a big issue for ATBs. My roommate will be borrowing my MTB with the fatty tires for this trip and I'm on 700c tires; anyone who's ridden the trail think that I should change out the tires or modify the trip?

This is the map that we're looking to travel for now:

http://bikewashington.org/trails/rockcreek/dc.htm

There's no scale and unlike most of the other trails on this site there's no estimated distance :( But it looks like it would be a nice scenic drive especially the northern trail that is all road. They say the southern section is paved, but to my dismay its described as "in terrible condition" but not a big issue for ATBs. My roommate will be borrowing my MTB with the fatty tires for this trip and I'm on 700c tires; anyone who's ridden the trail think that I should change out the tires or modify the trip?

The part of the trail that's on the way in to DC is terrible. You might as well jump onto the road. I stay on Rock Creek Road for the whole ride from Beach Road to 14th Street Bridge. It works out better that way for me, and I can avoid the parts of the path that are too narrow or too bad condition to get quality riding. But you can do it with roadie tires or mtb tires. It's just a bit rough and teeth chatteringly jarring at times.

Koffee

This is the map that we're looking to travel for now:

http://bikewashington.org/trails/rockcreek/dc.htm

There's no scale and unlike most of the other trails on this site there's no estimated distance :( But it looks like it would be a nice scenic drive especially the northern trail that is all road. They say the southern section is paved, but to my dismay its described as "in terrible condition" but not a big issue for ATBs. My roommate will be borrowing my MTB with the fatty tires for this trip and I'm on 700c tires; anyone who's ridden the trail think that I should change out the tires or modify the trip?
The southern trail is in ok shape. A few place around the zoo the tree roots need triming. It is a little narrow in places for the amount of traffic it gets, especially if the running clubs are out. Just have to watch you speed until you get to Beach Drive and clear road.
700c's are fine. A lot of people use skinnies with no trouble.

How far you interested in? Sounds like your only doing the lower trail and not up to Rockville. If so I recommend the Capital Cresent Loop (they call the Zoo Review on the web site) Nice ride 21 miles around. The cue sheet has the distances.

I've ridden the trail from Rockville to around 16th. Wound up taking it home from REI when I picked up the Buzz. I personally wouldn't take a skinny-tired bike on it. Pavement is rippled in a couple spots,and depending on how much rain we get a couple portions could get messy. There was an underpass near beach drive that ran next to a creek. The path was completely covered in mud. I wound up lifting the bike onto the cement under the bridge and stooping to walk it to the other side. There were 2 other spots that had a little mud;not too bad though. Personally,if I were going to do it,I'd take my Kona or my Raleigh.

Just a note,I've never ridden the Georgetown section,but I've looked down on it from above,and it will prolly be pretty busy this weekend,what with the holiday and ncie weather.

Just a note,I've never ridden the Georgetown section,but I've looked down on it from above,and it will prolly be pretty busy this weekend,what with the holiday and ncie weather.
Ride early. Ride often. :D

Edited:

Planning on starting around 9-10am Saturday at the Foggy Bottom metro station and work our way to the trail. We'll probably stick to the map linked above and save the zoo run for another time. Everyone can probably make it to Rockville and back but it might be a little low on milage for you guys and maybe speed wise too slow a pace too (average ~10-15mph?). But still open in case anyone wants to come along. Also hearing that MTBs are better for this run than roadies, but still rideable on either.

Going to have to pass on riding Rock Creek. Getting an early start to ride to Baltimore.

Have fun.
(One thing about the RCT. It's not well marked. You might end up on a couple of side trails before finding the main one.)

I'm going to pass as well. I don't think I can make it on my road bike. Anyone else up for some kind of ride this weekend?

PPTC has a ride at Fairview Elem School on RT 123 in Fairfax on Monday at 10:30. Its a class 'D' ride - perfect for me, I will probably go to that, if anyone here is interested.

Just got back from Rock Creek - the trail was alright for road bikes except through the path around the zoo, lots of roots and cracks. We stopped in Silver Spring made our way to Bethesda on East-West Highway and then south along the Capital Crestant Trail - short trip, I really should get a cycle computer to figure out the distances (want to do at least a 50 mile by October).

PPTC sounds like it would be fun, but I think I'll be in Baltimore for the rest of the weekend :(

If your tires can handel some crushed stone, the Georgetown Branch is a nicer ride than East-West Highway. Connects to the Rock Creek Trail a little north of East-West, and runs through the golf course and under the middle of Bethesda (in a 1000 foot long tunnel.) Comes out next to the Bethesda Row theaters near the Barnes and Noble.

The whole Rock Creek / Capital Cresent loop is about 21 miles. Taking East-West Highway puts you a little under that.

I missed out on the ride to Baltimore (my own fault.) Instead did a solo ride on the W&OD from Vienna to Purcelville.

If your tires can handel some crushed stone, the Georgetown Branch is a nicer ride than East-West Highway. Connects to the Rock Creek Trail a little north of East-West, and runs through the golf course and under the middle of Bethesda (in a 1000 foot long tunnel.) Comes out next to the Bethesda Row theaters near the Barnes and Noble.

The whole Rock Creek / Capital Cresent loop is about 21 miles. Taking East-West Highway puts you a little under that.

I missed out on the ride to Baltimore (my own fault.) Instead did a solo ride on the W&OD from Vienna to Purcelville.

Hmmmm... I don't know if you're up for it, but I'm riding with Crinolin today (this afternoon), and we at least were going to ride to Vienna, but we'd like to go farther... maybe Reston or Leesburg, if you're interested in joining us today.

Drop me a PM.

Koffee

Hey all, I help organize laid-back DC rides every weekend (everything from laid back 20 milers to more fast-paced 60 mile rides). For more info check out www.teamroadhog.com. There you can get info on upcoming rides as well as contact us to get on the email list. Cheers,

- Brian

again... just spreading the word for a fun ride:
(forward this as much as you'd like. the more the merrier!)

Halloween Haul-Ass Hide and Seek!

We're organizing a scavenger hunt for this wednesday...
(see, the clues hide, and you have to seek them. get it?)

Teams of three or four, $5/person entry, winning team takes all.
(No need to come as a team. You can find buddies at the start.)

What will you be finding? Clues in places, clues from your brain.
Points awarded for costumes (the more outrageous the better).

Meet at 7:30pm at Sherwood (14th and K), scavenging begins sharply at
8. Don't be late.

Any and all are welcome, feel free to forward this message along.

See you guys Wednesday!

PPTC is doing a "shiftless bums" ride. CC level for fixies, but other levels and "gearies" are welcome.
Sunday November 13. Gather at Vienna Community Center for 8am start. Route is simple - W&OD to Purcellville and back, or as far as you feel like. Full distance would be 68 miles.

Weather looks cooperative, so I'm going to try to be there. Have a stop to make in Leesburg, but plan to ride the full route.

http://www.bikepptc.org/ for info

Sounds good, but I've got to unpack from my move in the worst way. :(

Koffee

I was eyeing that for my Sunday ride, but I feel like my geared bike would be cheating! Actually, I just realized that the fixie race is happening in Chicago this weekend, I wonder how many fixed geras are going to show on the PPTC ride?

I plan to be on my geared hybrid. Only bike I have.
Since they invited all riders, I take them at their word. Also a good chance to meet some of the fixed riders. Most of my club rides are too hilly for a fixie.

This ride has several things I like:
a) starts close to home, five miles as the wheel turns
b) starts early
c) about the distance I want to do
d) get to see the turning leaves
e) and I need to get out to Leesburg anyway so I might as well ride

If you're there, say hi. I'll be on a blue Trek 750 hybrid with rack-and-pack and bar extensions.

ps If you're worried about "cheating" I can show you a couple of side roads that would be, shall we say, "challenging" ;)

added - Did the ride today. Vienna to Purcellville and back with an extended stop in Leesburg. 67 miles. Seven riders showed, three of them fixie.. A bit cold at the 8am start, but beautiful day later. Around 70 and sunny, but a headwind most of the way back.