Originally Posted by
EKW in DC
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).
EKW, the section you're on is probably the best part of the MVT. I usually cut through the airport from 4 Mile Run to the north end of the airport if the trail is really icy, but haven't had to so far. From the 14th Street Bridge to Key Bridge is still pretty bad. Down closer to Old Town also has some gnarly patches of ice. Surprisingly, the CCT was plowed, so the icy stretches are smooth and it is fairly clean. It would be great if the VA trails were plowed, but for some reason they are completely ignored.