Originally Posted by
alan s
Fellow DC commuters, how the heck do you ride on the MUPs without studs in these conditions? I certainly would have fallen without them, probably several times. Even with studs, it's a little hairy at times. Keep safe!
I'm not running studs. I honestly don't think the MVT is that bad. I've seen a fair number of other commuters out all this week and the overwhelming majority seem not to be running studs as far as I can tell. Of course, from 4MR to the 14th St Bridge (the portion of MVT I ride) is pretty flat except for the overpasses. I just slow down as needed and sometimes put a leg out on particularly rutted or tricky looking sections. I haven't had to this week, but I certainly am not averse to the idea of getting off and walking a little if it looks really bad.
This morning, there were only five or six solid patches of ice/snow (i.e., places where I couldn't find an exposed asphalt route through the ice).
Certainly seems that other parts of the MVT, the CCT, the W&OD and particularly Curtis Trails as being more treacherous (more ups and downs).