Washington DC commuters -- flooding?
#1
Washington DC commuters -- flooding?
Hey, anyone braving any local MUP's today? I know I'm surely taking the metro, since the mount vernon trail is almost certainly under water in many spots.
Just wondering how things look, that's all
.
Just wondering how things look, that's all
.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
We got hit by the same storm system in NC, a little sooner than DC. I drove to work Weds and Thurs as I have no interest in biking during torrential rains. We got 4+ inches in the rain gauge in my yard, and some areas got well over 12 inches. Since Monday, we've gotten nearly 8 inches of rain at my house, and some areas got more than 20 inches. Around here, they tend to put the MUPs in floodplains along streams and creeks, which are the first areas to flood during heavy rain.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
I rode yesterday and plan on getting on the bike in a few minutes to get to work myself. I thought today I'd cut through Crystal City to avoid 4MR Trail, which is most prone to flood along my route. I think the rest of the ride should be fine... as long as the water doesn't come over my wheel hubs!
I'll post what my ride was like at some point this morning.
I'll post what my ride was like at some point this morning.
#6
Alright - thanks man! Do you ride along MVT as well? I assume you do north of 4-mile-run since it runs right into it
. The only part I have noticed tends to flood extensively is (like you said, 4-mile run) but also the area by the sailing marina and sometimes by the airport there.
. The only part I have noticed tends to flood extensively is (like you said, 4-mile run) but also the area by the sailing marina and sometimes by the airport there.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
The main (most heavily used) mups in York flood 8-9 times a year, up to 4ft deep sometimes, more usually 1-2ft. Afterwards, they are covered with a thick sludge that doesn't get removed for weeks.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Alright - thanks man! Do you ride along MVT as well? I assume you do north of 4-mile-run since it runs right into it
. The only part I have noticed tends to flood extensively is (like you said, 4-mile run) but also the area by the sailing marina and sometimes by the airport there.
. The only part I have noticed tends to flood extensively is (like you said, 4-mile run) but also the area by the sailing marina and sometimes by the airport there.I decided to just go for it and take 4MR anyway. Much to my pleasant surprise, there were no issues whatsoever w/ flooding anywhere along the route, be it along 4MR or MVT. I haven't checked when high tide is/was. So it may have been low tide, which would make a huge difference, of course. The strong northerly winds, though a bit of a pain in my arse coming to work this AM, probably help, too. I think the worst flooding occurs when there are strong southerly winds which help to back the water up in the Potomoc as it tries to flow to the Bay.
In any event, whatever the reason, the coast was clear!
#9
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
We have the opposite problem here. Louisville received only 0.12" of rain for the month of September. My yard has turned brown.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Coule be worse... could have gotten 13" like some of the places in the Carolinas!
#12
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ride is up 4 mile run, to Mt. Vernon trail, and over 14th street bridge. Rode to and from work on Thursday (I felt drier in the shower) and rode in this morning. Planning on riding back, clearly.
No flooding, and not much evidence of trail flooding, bar a few muddy spots on 4 mile run. Good times.
No flooding, and not much evidence of trail flooding, bar a few muddy spots on 4 mile run. Good times.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
#15
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
When I think about walking to the bus, to stand next to 100 B.O.-laden govt. shlubs on the bus, to walk to the metro, to wait to get on a train that might not come, along with aforementioned shlubs... I get so motivated to ride. No matter the conditions.
#16
I rode in today on the W&OD and expected some flooding, but it was clear the whole way. I get off in Tysons, so I can't speak for closer in to DC, but my section was fairly dry. Sunny and beautiful now, looking forward to the ride home!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mr. Beanz
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
11
02-20-13 09:41 AM





