TE DC Event--Tubing in Harper's Ferry, WV

[divingbiker]

Several of us who were riding on the C&O Canal on Saturday decided it would be fun to spend a day tubing at Harper's Ferry. So let's do! This is open to anyone who would like to join us, and I'd say family members are welcome, too, unless someone has an objection.

First, we have to pick a date, then whether we want to do flat water or white water, and then an outfitter. It will cost somewhere around $25-30, plus the rental of a cooler (or a tube for our cooler) if we wish.

Here are some choices:

River Riders (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=List&Activity=Tubing)
River and Trail Outfitters (http://www.rivertrail.com/TubingSR.html)
Butts Tubes (https://www.buttstubes.com/tubing.html)

If you're interested, please note which Saturday or Sunday in August would work for you. Let's see if this will work: Cut and paste the list below and add your preferences, so everyone's choices are on the same list.

August 2: db
August 3: db
August 9: db
August 10: db
August 16: db
August 17: db
August 23: db
August 24: db

[HillSlugger]

Several of us who were riding on the C&O Canal on Saturday decided it would be fun to spend a day tubing at Harper's Ferry. So let's do! This is open to anyone who would like to join us, and I'd say family members are welcome, too, unless someone has an objection.

First, we have to pick a date, then whether we want to do flat water or white water, and then an outfitter. It will cost somewhere around $25-30, plus the rental of a cooler (or a tube for our cooler) if we wish.

Here are some choices:

River Riders (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=List&Activity=Tubing)
River and Trail Outfitters (http://www.rivertrail.com/TubingSR.html)
Butts Tubes (https://www.buttstubes.com/tubing.html)

If you're interested, please note which Saturday or Sunday in August would work for you. Let's see if this will work: Cut and paste the list below and add your preferences, so everyone's choices are on the same list.

August 2: db
August 3: db, MDHS
August 9: db, MDHS
August 10: db, MDHS
August 16: db
August 17: db
August 23: db
August 24: db

Sounds like fun! If we did it on Sunday 8/3 I might be able to bring DP and DD (DS doesn't like water much).

[F8th637]

Thus far this is what our availability looks like. I'm sure my husband would gladly come as long as he isn't the only dude. :P

August 2: db
August 3: db, MDHS, f8th
August 9: db, MDHS, f8th
August 10: db, MDHS, f8th
August 16: db, f8th
August 17: db, f8th
August 23: db
August 24: db

[Kalidurga]

August 2: db, Kali
August 3: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali
August 9: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali
August 10: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali
August 16: db, f8th
August 17: db, f8th
August 23: db, Kali
August 24: db, Kali

And we have to have a cooler.

Thanks for kicking this off, Oh Great Engineering/Planning Wizard ;) :D

[Zen]

I may have to pass on this, we'll see.

[divingbiker]

OK, how about this...How about we keep the trip to "just the girls"? I'm having a bit of trepidation about floating around in my swimsuit all day with husbands along...:):o:)

I've invited my neighbor to join us, too.

[F8th637]

OK, how about this...How about we keep the trip to "just the girls"? I'm having a bit of trepidation about floating around in my swimsuit all day with husbands along...:):o:)

I've invited my neighbor to join us, too.

Don't worry, DB, he only has eyes for me. ;) But ok, it can be a girls only thing too. :P

[Kalidurga]

I don't own a bathing suit, I'll be tubing in quick-dry shorts and shirt.

[7rider]

OK, how about this...How about we keep the trip to "just the girls"? I'm having a bit of trepidation about floating around in my swimsuit all day with husbands along...:):o:)

I've invited my neighbor to join us, too.

No Tom???? :eek: He was really up for this when I mentioned it to him. :( He's harmless.

Regardless....I have to head up to CT for a week sometime in August. Not sure when all this will go down, so I can't commit for a while yet.

[Velobambina]

If the husbands are welcome, I might join you and bring my sweetie.

So far, the only date that won't work for me is Saturday, 9 Aug.

I wonder if my goldens would enjoy it? :) Just kidding but it would be great if they had canine tubes!!!

[divingbiker]

You know what? I don't give a crap if husbands are along or not! So please, invite them. The more the merrier!

[Zen]

Yeah but they have to wear this
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Borat-1.jpg

[F8th637]

Be careful what you wish for, Zen. :p

[Velobambina]

And Zen will wear the white bikini, no?

I probably won't wear a swim suit either. Kali, I'll likely be dressed like you---quick dry shorts and a t-shirt. Like 7's Tom, my Brian would love to come (don't worry, he's a intellectual nerd and harmless).

[divingbiker]

So far, the only date that won't work for me is Saturday, 9 Aug.

So that makes it:

August 2: db, Kali, vb
August 3: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb
August 9: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali
August 10: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb
August 16: db, f8th, vb
August 17: db, f8th, vb
August 23: db, Kali, vb
August 24: db, Kali, vb

Zen, what's your availability? And we'll hear from 7 when her plans firm up.

Any other midAtlantic folks who'd like to join us?

So far it looks like August 3 or 10.

[7rider]

August 2: db, Kali, vb
August 3: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7 (maybe)
August 9: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali
August 10: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7 (maybe)
August 16: db, f8th, vb
August 17: db, f8th, vb
August 23: db, Kali, vb
August 24: db, Kali, vb

I think the 3rd and the 10th would be better for us (i.e., earlier in the month), as I do need to be around for some appointments within the first 2 weeks. So...I'm pretty confident I can put in those dates, at least.

[Zen]

August 2: db, Kali, vb, Zen
August 3: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7 (maybe), Zen
August 9: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, Zen
August 10: db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7 (maybe), Zen
August 16: db, f8th, vb, Zen
August 17: db, f8th, vb, Zen
August 23: db, Kali, vb, Zen
August 24: db, Kali, vb, Zen

Mad? You in?

I looked at the three sites and if I looked correctly it appears that Butts is the best deal.
Mebbe I'll give them a second look to make sure.
Anyone else look at them yet?

[7rider]

Yay.
Not going to CT until late in the month, for an extra long holiday weekend (Labor Day).
So, any of these weekends should work for us.
Is this an afternoon thing, or a morning thing? Preferences (p.m. for me)?

[divingbiker]

Is this an afternoon thing, or a morning thing? Preferences (p.m. for me)?

I don't think we've gotten that far yet, but I'd say meeting in late morning or noonish would be good. Don't want to get up and rush about on a Sunday morning.

It looks like we've got a quorum, so we need to pick between August 3 and 10. Doesn't matter to me, so I'll let someone who cares speak up.

[Zen]

Since I can't remember if I made myself work-available for the 3rd, I pick the 10th.

I don't think the time choice is up to us, it's up to the outfitters.

I looked at the sites a bit more, Butt's is expensive, River & Trail Outfitters includes shuttle and life vest but only lasts 2 1/2 hours.

River Riders-
21 or 26$$$ for Shenandoah flatwater
21 or 26$$$for Potomac whitewater (price depends on tube type)
or 39$$$ for an all day combo of both (deluxe no-rash tube)

[HillSlugger]

I've never tubed and I know nothing about the logistics and details so I'll leave the choice of outfitter to those in the know.

Is the 10th our final answer? I'm definitely in for the 10th or 3rd. Nothing gonna stop me this time!

BTW I'll probably wear my tri top and shorts.

[Kalidurga]

39$$$ for an all day combo of both (deluxe no-rash tube)

What's a "no-rash" tube?

[Zen]

A tube that doesn't give you a rash :)

EVERYONE please look at the links that DB provided, we need to get our shot together. There are differences as far as the type of trips they provide and start times.
Then we have to figger out carpooling.

Then you can pick out your cute little outfits:D

[divingbiker]

I would lean toward whitewater tubing with either River and Trail or Butts. But I can be content with floating along on flat water also.

[Kalidurga]

I'll be doing a no-rash PVC tube and think that whitewater would be fun, but other than that I'm wide open and will go along with whoever has the strongest preference on outfitter/start-time/water-type/etc.

And I noticed that one of the outfitters does recommend wearing quick-dry t-shirt and shorts over your bathing suit.

So, August 10th?

[madscot13]

I've never been whitewater anything. so that sounds like fun

[Zen]

Some people say you only live once. I'd like to believe otherwise and since I have no proof (yet) I say throw me in some whitewater.

Does that narrow it down any?

[Velobambina]

How rough is the white water? I'm old---don't know if I'm up for that kind of excitement.

[7rider]

How rough is the white water? I'm old---don't know if I'm up for that kind of excitement.

I read some of those links....they said Class 1-2, which is a bit more than "moving water" but basically beginner stuff...nothing crazy that you can't handle while sitting in an inner tube sipping a brew, I would imagine. Well, you might spill a bit of your drink....;)

[Velobambina]

OK, you've reassured the Big Baby. :)

[divingbiker]

How rough is the white water? I'm old---don't know if I'm up for that kind of excitement.

Ahem! I think Zen and I have got you beat by a few years...and we're up for whitewater.

[Zen]

I'll be wearing my Red Hat in the "whitewater" :D

[Kalidurga]

Those of us who rode near Harper's Ferry last week saw exactly what constitutes whitewater on that section of the Potomac. What'd you ladies think? I might hesitate to kayak parts of it, but I'd bet that a big, bouncy tube would handle it just fine. Just save the drinks for slow sections or for when you pull up and climb out on a nice rock.

[HillSlugger]

Will we have a floating cooler with us? Cool!

[madscot13]

I think white water is infinitely more fun looking than a lazy susan down the river.

[Zen]

I'm reasonably sure we'll be going with River Riders.
We have about 20 days till the 10th.

[Kalidurga]

This option (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=12) sounds good.

We seem to have seven definites (db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7, Zen). If we get three more TE'ers or significant others, then we could qualify for a discount of $3 per person which would more than cover the price of a Cool Float floating cooler (http://www.riverriders.com/tubingfaq.htm#coolercomp)!

Weekends 6/30/07-9/3/07: departures every half hour on the :45 and :15 from 10:45-2:45. What time sounds good?

[divingbiker]

This option (http://www.riverriders.com/RRMain.asp?Option=Detail&Activity=Tubing&TripID=12) sounds good.

We seem to have seven definites (db, MDHS, f8th, Kali, vb, 7, Zen). If we get three more TE'ers or significant others, then we could qualify for a discount of $3 per person which would more than cover the price of a Cool Float floating cooler (http://www.riverriders.com/tubingfaq.htm#coolercomp)!

Weekends 6/30/07-9/3/07: departures every half hour on the :45 and :15 from 10:45-2:45. What time sounds good?

OK, decision made. We're going on Sunday, August 10 with River Riders' Potomac whitewater trip. It will cost $26 per person, with a possible $3 discount if we get three more. If anyone has a time preference, please speak up. Otherwise I'll choose the 1:15pm departure.

Everyone who is planning to go, Paypal $26 to me (icewag at starpower.net) by Monday, July 28, and I'll make the reservation. If we have 10 people, we'll use the $3 discount money to pay for a cooler and tube, and I'll give back the remainder on August 10. If you don't use paypal, pm me and I'll send you my address so you can send me a check.

Sound ok?

[7rider]

Tom should be one of those 3 more. I don't have a time preference, but Tom may. I'll pass it on if I hear of it. Any other DH's coming along??? VB's and F8th's should be our last 2 for a discount!

[HillSlugger]

Tom should be one of those 3 more. I don't have a time preference, but Tom may. I'll pass it on if I hear of it. Any other DH's coming along??? VB's and F8th's should be our last 2 for a discount!

If my daughter is interested would she be welcome?

[Kalidurga]

If husbands are invited, I'd think anyone can come along ;)

[Zen]

Mad is coming.


If husbands are invited, I'd think anyone can come along ;)

I saw some guys sitting under the bridge by the library...

[Possegal]

I did this there several years ago with some of my nieces and nephews, we had a blast and it was not scary or dangerous at all. Though my tube did pop on the first little bit of rocks we hit, but mainly just my ego was bruised. And of course we did have the cooler and some beers. :)

You will all have a blast! Wish I could join but the next 5 or 6 weeks are just a bit crazy for me.

[Zen]

How did you continue after the tube burst?
Were you with an outfitter?

[Kalidurga]

And of course we did have the cooler and some beers.

Just in case anyone missed it, River Riders does not allow alcohol (http://www.riverriders.com/tubingfaq.htm#many). I don't remember on which page, but I saw somewhere on their site that it's due partially to their liability and partially to the proximity to Harper's Ferry National Park.

Zen, if the bridge guys can pay for their own tube, bring 'em along. They might enjoy the bath ;)

[divingbiker]

Just in case anyone missed it, River Riders does not allow alcohol (http://www.riverriders.com/tubingfaq.htm#many).

I think they have to say that. But if we use those little styrofoam things around the cans, no one will be the wiser.

Janice, a big fan of civil disobedience (but not public drunkenness)

[Kalidurga]

Janice, a big fan of beer (recently converted)

:rolleyes: ;)

[Zen]

I find it amusing that their site describes this as "the trip of choice for the 18-30 year old crowd":p

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS (http://www.riverriders.com/tubingfaq.htm)

[divingbiker]

Janice, a big fan of beer (recently converted)

Well, yeah, that too.:D:D I am not going to spend a day on the river without a beer, legal or not.

Zen, your link to what we should read doesn't work.:confused:

[Possegal]

How did you continue after the tube burst?
Were you with an outfitter?

we had just started, so my niece and i walked back and got me a new one. and yes, we were with Butts Tubes. my nephew, who passed away a couple years later, went to college in shepherdstown, and i believe it was his recommendation to go with them.

[Zen]

Zen, your link to what we should read doesn't work.:confused:

Now it does

[7rider]

1:15 on the 10th for a 2 hour trip (approx) sounds good in this household.

[HillSlugger]

1:15 on the 10th for a 2 hour trip (approx) sounds good in this household.

Sounds good here, too. Hopefully we can do some carpooling.

[madscot13]

ooh great. if we have a time set down, I can plan my life around it.

my sigg will take all sorts of beverages.

[Zen]

ooh great. if we have a time set down, I can plan my life around it.


Your entire life?
I wish I could be so organized.



my sigg will take all sorts of beverages.

But you don't want to lose it the river, do you?
I'll wait till after for my adult beverage.

[7rider]

I'll wait till after for my adult beverage.

You're such a conformist. ;)

[Aggie_Ama]

I didn't know tubing was popular elsewhere (naive Texan thinks we are the only ones that matter- haha).

To skirt the alcohol you can : pour into water bottles (if you are drinking something like Smirnoff) or tea for beer, spike Gatorade, or put colored drinks in Gatorade bottles. Many beer cans look like silver diet coke when put in a koozie. Many of my favorites don't come in cans and glass is prohibited, so I must improvise. And now that I have added my $.02 to your deliquency, I will go back to my own region. ;)

[divingbiker]

I didn't know tubing was popular elsewhere (naive Texan thinks we are the only ones that matter- haha).

AggieAma, my favorite memory from my year in Texas was tubing on the Guadalupe River! It was almost 30 years ago, and my memory is cloudy, but I clearly remember there was lots of beer involved. Thanks for the subversive tips...

[Kalidurga]

I'm sure Zen's buddies from under the bridge by the library could offer you all sorts of tips for disguising your alcohol. Maybe she really should invite them along...


;)

[Zen]

You're such a conformist. ;)

I've never been called that before :rolleyes:

Naw, I just figure I do enough stupid things without alcohol. This way if I do something stupid I know it's all me and not the beer.

[madscot13]

I've never been called that before :rolleyes:

Naw, I just figure I do enough stupid things without alcohol. This way if I do something stupid I know it's all me and not the beer.


Good for you. I just need excuses in life.

And yes my ENTIRE life will be determined by this tubing event.

[7rider]

And yes my ENTIRE life will be determined by this tubing event.

Now THAT is a scary thought....

[Zen]

Bottoms up!
http://islandsurf.com/Dram_Reef_Sandals-p7446c44.html?af_id=105&gclid=CJnM__Kv1pQCFQNHFQodOUrZkg

[Kalidurga]

Bottoms up!
http://islandsurf.com/Dram_Reef_Sandals-p7446c44.html?af_id=105&gclid=CJnM__Kv1pQCFQNHFQodOUrZkg

Ummm.... Eew? Is this the slacker's version of sipping champagne from a slipper?

[HillSlugger]

You'd better like your martinis shaken and not stirred.

[7rider]

Bottoms up!
http://islandsurf.com/Dram_Reef_Sandals-p7446c44.html?af_id=105&gclid=CJnM__Kv1pQCFQNHFQodOUrZkg

quick....they're on steep and cheap right now for $18. :eek:
Hmmm....maybe not a "Gotta have." :rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

Now those sandals are just plain gross.

Zen, when did you change your name from zencentury?

[Zen]

Zen, when did you change your name from zencentury?

C'mon Gramma J., gotta keep up with us kids :D ;)

[HillSlugger]

My daughter wants to tube with us. Does this put our count over 10?

[divingbiker]

I think we're right at 10, more of vb and f8th's dh's come.

7
7's Tom
mdhs
mdhs's daughter
zen
f8th
mad
db
kali
vb

----
vb's dh?
f8th's dh?

Of course the real count will come Monday when we see who's ponied up the money.

[HillSlugger]

I think we're right at 10, more of vb and f8th's dh's come.

7
7's Tom
mdhs
mdhs's daughter
zen
f8th
mad
db
kali
vb

----
vb's dh?
f8th's dh?

Of course the real count will come Monday when we see who's ponied up the money.

Now that I know my DD is coming I will pay up. What are you asking for now?

[divingbiker]

Now that I know my DD is coming I will pay up. What are you asking for now?

$26 per person sent by Pay Pal to icewag at starpower.net. Or pm me and I'll send you my address so you can send me a check.

[madscot13]

hey thanks for putting this together again guys.

[F8th637]

Oh yes, I'm pretty sure he's coming. It's basically one of those "If I say we're going, we're going" kinds of things. :p I'll let him know and then send in my dinero. ;)

ETA: I agree with Mad, thanks so much, ladies! I'm definitely NOT a planner type.

[Zen]

Feel free to tack on a gratuity.

[divingbiker]

Yay! Paypal works! There's $52 in my account from MDHS. Very slick. This is the first time I've ever been on the receiving end with Paypal, usually I'm spending.

[F8th637]

Feel free to tack on a gratuity.

I always tack on a little extra when it comes to PayPal because they like to charge you fees for using their service to receive money. :D

[divingbiker]

I always tack on a little extra when it comes to PayPal because they like to charge you fees for using their service to receive money. :D

Hmmm...didn't know that. But if we have ten people and rent a cooler, we'll have extra money anyway so I'll just take my Paypal fee out of that!

[Kalidurga]

Yay! Paypal works! There's $52 in my account from MDHS.

Another one on the way...

[Zen]

I'll see you later.

[divingbiker]

Another one on the way...

Got it, Tam!

And I figured I could extract the $ from you this weekend, Zen.

[Zen]

Strong arm tactics, eh?

[madscot13]

I'll defend you. And I will send the money when I deposit my paycheck (those are nice to receive also).

[Velobambina]

I'm not 100% we will be there. During the past two weeks, we've had two ill golden retrievers and the resulting vet bills were in the four figures.

If we come, we'll pay on our own. Hope to be there....

[Kalidurga]

During the past two weeks, we've had two ill golden retrievers and the resulting vet bills were in the four figures.

Ouch, VB. I ended up with vet bills in the five figures earlier this year, so I can definitely sympathise with what you're going through :( I hope that your dogs will be ok, and that you'll be able to join us.

[7rider]

I ended up with vet bills in the five figures earlier this year

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

Ouch, is right, you guys.
Props to VB, KD, and DB, for being such awesome fur-parents.
Major good karma for you all (and for Zen, too, for her tireless work with the pups).
I hope you do get to join us, VB. I'd love to meet you finally (and hopefully soon we'll get out to Rosaryville for mtb'ing, too!);

[Velobambina]

It's the unexpected expenses that get you.
Luckily, the one (Fiona, 11 month old terror) has recovered from her tummy/intestinal ailment. Maud (11 year old) is in diapers for now. She's has a terrible UTI but the medicine is working. Her pee was almost all blood and she could not control her bladder, poor soul. Hopefully, she won't need the diapers in a couple days. Vet warned us that it takes an older dog longer to get over these things. Ultrasound, shot, two types of meds, blood tests. You can only imagine. She's been such a good sport about wearing her diapers. We should get the results of her bloodwork next week. Hopefully, it's just a UTI and there's nothing else a miss.
We'll definitely do our best to join you. And R---yes, I hope to get to ride w/you in Rosaryville or even Rock Creek Park!!

[divingbiker]

Hi, all. Back from Cycle Across Maryland, which was fun. I've got a few pictures I'll post later.

So far, the following people are confirmed and paid:

7rider
7rider's DH
MDHillSlug
MDHillslug's daughter
Kalidurga
Zen
divingbiker
divingbiker's neighbor

Unconfirmed:

madscot
f8th637
f8th's DH

Possible day of:

Velobambina
Velobambina's DH

I'll hold off making the reservation till Tuesday.

[Zen]

Add another unconfirmed, I asked a riding friend.

[divingbiker]

Update on Tuesday morning:

So far, the following people are confirmed and paid:

7rider
7rider's DH
MDHillSlug
MDHillslug's daughter
Kalidurga
Zen
divingbiker
divingbiker's neighbor
Madscot

Unconfirmed:

f8th637
f8th's DH
Zen's friend

Possible day of:

Velobambina
Velobambina's DH

So we've got 9 confirmed, and need 10 for the discount. I'll call today and see what happens if we have 10 later.

Yesterday I did the flatwater trip (with River and Trail Outfitters) on the Shenandoah with some friends and had a ball. I'm not sure a cooler is worth hassling with.

So...we're doing the Potomac whitewater trip on August 10 at 1:15 with River Riders. I'll call today.

[Kalidurga]

Thank you again, Janice, for taking things in hand and doing all the arrangements :D

[Zen]

Oh, one way or another we'll have ten for sure.

[divingbiker]

OK, I called River Riders and if we book online we save another $2 per person (since we're going on a Sunday; no discount on Saturdays). But because when you book online you have to pay for it up front, I don't want to pay for 10 people until I know for sure that one more person is going (otherwise the money situation will get too complicated if we stay at 9 people but pay for 10.)

So I'm going to hold off, and maybe F8th or Zen's friend will commit, and then we can firm it up. If we get too close to August 10th and still have 9 people, we'll just lose the discount. River Riders said we need to book in advance, but we have time.

[Zen]

Well, my friend can't go.
But I did talk her into the Goose Chase!

[Kalidurga]

So...we're doing the Potomac whitewater trip on August 10 at 1:15 with River Riders. I'll call today.

Just for my own planning purposes, I'd like to clarify the time. From what I remember of glancing at the website, it seemed that 1:15 would be our launch time onto to the river. How early before that do we actually need to meet at River Riders?

[HillSlugger]

Just for my own planning purposes, I'd like to clarify the time. From what I remember of glancing at the website, it seemed that 1:15 would be our launch time onto to the river. How early before that do we actually need to meet at River Riders?

Thanks for asking. I was wondering that too.

[divingbiker]

Just for my own planning purposes, I'd like to clarify the time. From what I remember of glancing at the website, it seemed that 1:15 would be our launch time onto to the river. How early before that do we actually need to meet at River Riders?

They want us there an hour ahead of time.

[Kalidurga]

That's what I assumed, thanks for confirming. I'm trying to decide whether to squeeze in a ride on towpath or at Antietam beforehand :D

[7rider]

They want us there an hour ahead of time.

At the launch site or at RR?

[divingbiker]

At the launch site or at RR?

At River Riders.

[Kalidurga]

I believe that all of the outfitters have you meet at their location then bus you to the launch site, then back to their location from the pickup site. Remember when we rode past the crew of folks with huge inner tubes just upstream from the Harper's Ferry railroad bridge, who wouldn't move out of the way? That was a group from RR or one of the other outfitters. Hopefully, we'll all at least be smart enough to move off the towpath so any cyclists out on the 10th can get around us ;)

[divingbiker]

OK, it looks like we're not going to make 10 people, so I am going to make a reservation this afternoon for 9 people at 1:15 on Sunday, August 11. It's going to cost us each $3 or $4 more, for tax, a $2 user fee, and no volume discount. I'll let you know the exact amount once I make the reservation.

(7rider, does Tom still want to go if he's the only guy? Haven't heard from F8th, and Velobambina's not sure if she and her husband are going.)

Here are the confirmed and paid folks:

7rider
7rider's DH
MDHillSlug
MDHillslug's daughter
Kalidurga
Zen
divingbiker
divingbiker's neighbor
Madscot

We should probably figure out carpools. I'll be taking my neighbor, and can pick up Madscot at a metro station, so that leaves room for one more comfortably, 2 cozily. Tam, do you want me to pick you up on the way or do you want to drive on those fun roads up there?

[Zen]

Tam, do you want to meet me at the Bike Doctor?

[HillSlugger]

I either have room for 2, or am looking for 2 spaces with someone else.

Have we figured out what time we need to be there?

[F8th637]

Sorry ladies! I'm here! I'm here! We were on vacation last week with limited access to the internet. I'll be sending my money here shortly.

[7rider]

We should probably figure out carpools. I'll be taking my neighbor, and can pick up Madscot at a metro station, so that leaves room for one more comfortably, 2 cozily. Tam, do you want me to pick you up on the way or do you want to drive on those fun roads up there?

Looks like we got our 10, and another guy to spare to keep my own DH company (!).

RE: Carpooling...
DB...I thought you were going to head up our way and we would ride in? We can carry 5 in the Escape - if Madscot wants to come to the Glenmont station (end of the red line), we could add her to the car. I ask, DB, because you had mentioned that you had a pry bar, and I was going to ask you if we could borrow your pry bar for a while and if you could bring it with you on Sunday.

[Kalidurga]

I'm going to drive myself, but thank you for the offers, DB & Zen. I was thinking of squeezing in a bike ride before we meet, but I've also been needing to get up to Shepherdstown to talk to the owner of Shaharazade's so I might swing up there for breakfast before heading over to River Riders. Unless anybody wants to have breakfast at a tea shop and put up with me wandering off to talk a little business...

As for River Riders, we're meeting at 12:15, right?

[divingbiker]

Looks like we got our 10, and another guy to spare to keep my own DH company (!).

RE: Carpooling...
DB...I thought you were going to head up our way and we would ride in? We can carry 5 in the Escape - if Madscot wants to come to the Glenmont station (end of the red line), we could add her to the car. I ask, DB, because you had mentioned that you had a pry bar, and I was going to ask you if we could borrow your pry bar for a while and if you could bring it with you on Sunday.

OK, cool. We've got 11 people paid up and ready to go. I'll make the reservation online after lunch.

Riding with you would be great. But I'll have to do some digging to find my pry bar...it's not where I thought it should be, so I hope I didn't loan it out or lose it.:confused::confused:

Directions to River Riders are here (http://riverriders.com/directions.htm#Ferry). Let's plan to be there between noon and 12:15.

[HillSlugger]

I've got pry bars I can lend: a standard/large one, a smaller one, and a hand-sized one.

[Kalidurga]

Ok, I'm curious now. What's going to be pried?

[HillSlugger]

Ok, I'm curious now. What's going to be pried?

I guess I should add that if you need it to bust someone upside the head, I WON'T be wanting it back!

[divingbiker]

OK, assuming I get an e-mail confirming all is well (which I won't know until I get home tonight) we are booked and ready to go!

It ended up being $27.56 each:

$29 for the trip (PVC tube)
-$2 internet discount
-$3 group >10 discount
+2 river user fee
+1.56 sales tax 6%

So I'll get $1.50 from each of you on Sunday, ok? (But not 7rider and Tom, because they're driving and I'll owe them for gas anyway.)

[madscot13]

okay I stink at following a thread that includes pry bars. When are we doing this?

would I be able to bike there? or is it too far away?

[divingbiker]

okay I stink at following a thread that includes pry bars. When are we doing this?

would I be able to bike there? or is it too far away?

We're doing this on Sunday, August 11. I guess you could bike there, but you might need to leave on Saturday because it would be a 60 mile ride up the C&O canal, and we have to be there around noon.:p:p:p

It would work better to take the metro to Glenmont and let 7Rider pick you up and drive you there.:D

[Zen]

I will be bringing my own personal pry bar to hit Mad upside the haid.

[madscot13]

ouch.
I just wasn't sure if a date was settled on while I was out. As I said before, I scheduled my life around it.

I think a ride would be great 7rider. I could bike there (and wake up at 4:00 to do so) but I wouldn't be able to make it home that night.

I biked 60 miles on sunday! My longest distance yet. It was pure torture because I woke up at 6:00, after sleeping for 4-5 hours, and I had shepherd's pie for breakfast. It was delicious but not a great pre- bike meal. I will go back to oatmeal. I biked up to Poolesville, maryland. It took me about 5 hours to do and I think the C and O would take much longer (although there can't be too many hills) and my butt would hurt infinitely more.

[Kalidurga]

There are no hills on the C&O towpath, unless you count all the speedbumps, er, I mean joggers, you have to run over on the DC end :eek: ;) But, yes, your butt would definitely hurt more.

[madscot13]

Wait are we doing this August 10th?

[divingbiker]

Wait are we doing this August 10th?

Yes, sorry, it's the 10th not the 11th. This coming Sunday.

[7rider]

Ok, I'm curious now. What's going to be pried?

I need to pry various and assorted things out of the ground in our yard. Perhaps the concrete base from our old mailbox post and some metal rings around long-gone trees. My thinking is a prybar would be more efficient than a shovel. And big bars at that. ;)

Mad...if you can get to Glenmont - last stop on the Red Line - by 11 or so, I think that would be good, but I haven't looked at travel times yet. I"ll p.m. contact info. We'll have DB, DB's neighbor, DH, and myself. The box may have to go in the way back! :p DB...if you can get to our place 15-20 minutes before that, that would be great!

[Zen]

I need to pry various and assorted things out of the ground in our yard. Perhaps the concrete base from our old mailbox post

Good luck with that :rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

DB...if you can get to our place 15-20 minutes before that, that would be great!

OK, we'll be there by 10:40.

[divingbiker]

Got the confirmation from River Riders, so we're good to go on Sunday at 1:15. Now we have to hope for good weather!

[Kalidurga]

Now we have to hope for good weather!

As of right now, Accuweather.com is saying that Sunday's weather at Harpers Ferry will be delightful (http://www.accuweather.com/forecast2.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&zipChg=1&zipcode=25425&metric=0). How's that for a forecast!

[madscot13]

I'm so excited. I've never spent any real time in West Virginia! I hope they have patches. I have patches of all of the places I have been to. okay now you know my super dorky collecting habit. :o

[Zen]

Maybe if you're nice and behave yourself you can convince someone to take you up to the Appalachian Trail HQs in Harpers Ferry :rolleyes:

[HillSlugger]

Mad, I have room for you in my car. In my case it would be best if you could get to the Shady Grove Road end of the Red Line. Let me know.

[madscot13]

how far away is the HQ? a lot of my patches are junior ranger badges from national parks.

[Zen]

How about this (https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=568&compid=1)?

The AT HQ is here (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.851177/)

[Kalidurga]

how far away is the HQ? a lot of my patches are junior ranger badges from national parks.

The AT HQ is only a couple miles from River Riders. There's also the National Park Service bookstore/gift shop in Harper's Ferry, at the bottom of the hill from the AT HQ. I believe they have patches, also.

Depending on what time it is when we get finished tubing, I'd be up for a meander around Harper's Ferry (and ice cream!! :D ). If anyone's interested, I'd suggest we head from River Riders to the official parking area off of Rte 340, then take the Park Service shuttle down into town. Parking in Harper's Ferry is pretty much non-existent on the weekends in summer.

[madscot13]

I did not know that it was such a hip- happening place! I did look at staying there for a night earlier and everything was booked. I just thought it was the small number of rooms. I would be up for a meander but that will depend on my ride.

[Kalidurga]

I'm sure that between the bunch of us, someone can make sure you get home.

I dunno if it's hip, but Harper's Ferry is definitely very cool, especially if you've got any interest in U.S. Civil War history. Even if you're not into that, though, it's located in a gorgeous area and has a few fun little shops. And both Charlestown and Shepherdstown are only a short drive away. And, and, and...

I'll shut up now :rolleyes: ;) :D

[madscot13]

If nothing else, i saw that there was a few trains that run up there. Also next weekend I will miss my training ride and I will have to substitute it with another- 120 miles in a day should do it.

[HillSlugger]

Mad, do you want a ride with me?

[madscot13]

Oh shoot, sorry I missed your post. yes, I think I will ride with you the other car seems pretty tight. Give me a time and a more specific spot to meet you.

[HillSlugger]

Oh shoot, sorry I missed your post. yes, I think I will ride with you the other car seems pretty tight. Give me a time and a more specific spot to meet you.

Can you be at the Shady Grove Rd Metro between 11 and 11:15? Go out the east exit and meet at the park and ride.

[madscot13]

I will bring my compass :D

[madscot13]

is there anything special we need to bring?

[divingbiker]

is there anything special we need to bring?

If you have your own life jacket, you might want to bring it because the ones at the outfit I tubed with a week or so ago were kinda stinky.

Just wear some teva or chaco sandals or water shoes. Bring something to drink (you can stick it in your life jacket). Maybe a hat. Sunglasses.

Aside: As I mentioned before, I think taking along a cooler is not a great idea. Unless we're all lashed together, only the person hanging on to the cooler is going to have access to it. It's easy for the group to get fairly spread apart pretty quickly. But if someone else wants to deal with the cooler, I'm ok with that, too.

[7rider]

Dang....
I just realized.
I have NO idea where any of the Croakies (http://www.croakies.com/eyewear/float/floating.html) are for my sunglasses (or any similar device).

RE: coolers....no floating tube??

[HillSlugger]

Dang....
I just realized.
I have NO idea where any of the Croakies (http://www.croakies.com/eyewear/float/floating.html) are for my sunglasses (or any similar device).

RE: coolers....no floating tube??

I may have an extra eyeglass keeper device.

I'll toss the prybars in the back of the car for you.

[Kalidurga]

If you have your own life jacket, you might want to bring it because the ones at the outfit I tubed with a week or so ago were kinda stinky.

Just wear some teva or chaco sandals or water shoes. Bring something to drink (you can stick it in your life jacket). Maybe a hat. Sunglasses.

Aside: As I mentioned before, I think taking along a cooler is not a great idea. Unless we're all lashed together, only the person hanging on to the cooler is going to have access to it. It's easy for the group to get fairly spread apart pretty quickly. But if someone else wants to deal with the cooler, I'm ok with that, too.

If you're as pale as me, I'd also suggest sunscreen as we will be very exposed. This (http://www.riverriders.com/bring.htm) is what River Riders recommends you bring:


Cap, visor or inexpensive sun glasses; bathing suit or shorts and a T-shirt; sun screen; old sneakers, water shoes, or sport sandals; towel and a change of clothes for after the trip.

I can forego the cooler, I guess. The idea was nifty, but it does make sense that we wouldn't all have access to it.

[F8th637]

Looks like my husband won't be able to make it but I did find a replacement in my "stand-in husband", my best friend, Kelvin. :P

[HillSlugger]

Mad,

Are you riding with me? Do you know what time you can be at Shady Grove Metro? We need to be leaving there before 11:30.

Nicole

[F8th637]

Our time is at 1:15 PM, right? Not the 12:15 PM one, right?

[Zen]

we should be at River Riders by noon at the latest.

[F8th637]

we should be at River Riders by noon at the latest.

Thanks, Zen. Very helpful!

[7rider]

we should be at River Riders by noon at the latest.

Latest???
Eeps...I thought it was b/t 12 and 12:15?
DB...we're gonna have to boogie if you get to our place at 10:45.

[divingbiker]

River Riders said an hour before, so I think 12:15 is fine.

[Kalidurga]

I dunno about the rest of you, but I'm going to ignore the chance of thunderstorms that's being forecast for tomorrow... *whistles* :rolleyes:

[Zen]

Danger is my middle name :p

[Kalidurga]

I thought "Mo" was your middle name...

[Zen]

You're right.
I'm much more a "Mo" than a "Danger" :o

[madscot13]

are you sure it is not Mo Danger?

[F8th637]

Had much fun, ladies! Despite the fact that I blew my tube. :p Thanks to Mad, MDHillSlug, 7Rider, Tom, and Kelvin for being such troopers with helping me get down the river safely especially to Nicole and Sam for getting extra cozy on the big raft together for my sake and to Madeline for letting me boot her out of her tube practically for a little while before I hopped into Kelvin's tube for a bit. ;)

I don't know about you ladies but I am sore especially in the core area. I think next time I'm going to pick the bigger raft regardless and also pick one that maybe isn't so blown up. :p

Can't wait for our next outing!

[Kalidurga]

My core's fine, but I'm sitting here with an ice pack across my shoulders. It was definitely a lot of fun, though next time we'll have to try harder not to get split up. Sounds like you guys had a more "adventuresome" trip than Zen, Hillary and I did ;)

Glad you got home ok, F8th. Was the drive alright?

[Zen]

wow, I didn't know your tube blew!
It must have been near the end to be able to hitch like that.

I saw McD's at the Brunswick exit and was starved so I was there.
Free chicken sandwich day! Score!

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/TubingStolen.jpg
DISCLAIMER- this is no one we know.

[F8th637]

My core's fine, but I'm sitting here with an ice pack across my shoulders. It was definitely a lot of fun, though next time we'll have to try harder not to get split up. Sounds like you guys had a more "adventuresome" trip than Zen, Hillary and I did ;)

Glad you got home ok, F8th. Was the drive alright?

Yes, I do have a sore right shoulder too. Maybe we shoulda held tubes like that one group did. :p

I got home just fine, Tam, thanks for asking. No traffic whatsoever. Kelvin fell asleep practically right away for a while. It's been a rough couple of days for him. I think he overextended himself yesterday to come tubing with me today but he didn't bail on me. ;) I was pretty tired on the way home but made it home just fine. I'll sleep good tonight.

[HillSlugger]

wow, I didn't know your tube blew!
It must have been near the end to be able to hitch like that.


Nope, before the first bridge. Sammi and I were good, had fun together like that.

Janice, do we own you any money?

Regina, have fun with the pry bars.

[divingbiker]

Should I post the pictures in this thread, or should I start a new one in the Off Topic area and let everyone see our rainy day?

Oh yeah, Nicole, it was $1.50 more per person but I forgot to mention it.

[Kalidurga]

It was only half rainy, the other half was goooorgeous (I hope the pics I took of the clouds with Zen's camera come out well). I'd say it's six-of-one, a half-dozen of the other where you post about the day.

Can we Paypal an amount as small as $1.50?

[7rider]

Fun day, everyone. Mike (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike's_Hard_Lemonade_Co.) is helping me with my aches and pains right now. I think it's going to be an early night. :cool:
F8th...sorry about your tube. Props to Kelvin for being such a trooper. Different motion of a smaller tube didn't even enter my mind when he hopped up on the orange one.
Hope Sammy enjoys her turtle, MD. Um...she may want to leave it outside for a while! :o Thanks for the pry bars....I was envisioning something a bit...um...larger. An ex used to have one that was straight and about 5 or 6 feet long. That's sort of what I was thinking, so, yeah, Zen...I can see where that concrete block from the old mailbox post will be a special challenge! ;)
No thoughts on the thread, DB. To tired, I guess.
Was nice to meet you Mad. Hope you enjoyed your day with the TE DC crowd!

[HillSlugger]

I've got the turtle parts soaking in some diluted chlorine bleach.

No, I don't have one of those digging/prying bars. That's a whole 'nuther thing.

[divingbiker]

Pics are up here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=349913#post349913). I've got a few more, but I'm too tired to deal with it tonight. Nicole, I can send you the full size one of you and Sammy if you'd like. It's a pretty good one.

Don't worry about the money. Just give it to me the next time I see you.

[Kalidurga]

Well, I had a little River Riders-related adventure this afternoon. I was driving down along the river between the tubing launch spot and Harper's Ferry, when way on down the road I spot two people heading towards me carrying big bright orange tubes. My first thought was that River Riders had lost some folks, and sure enough, one of the two began waving frantically as I approached them. They had apparently become separated from their friends, headed back to shore, and she had let go of her tube so they had to walk a ways along the river to get it back. I told them that they hadn't even made it to the halfway point of the trip and suggested they call River Riders to come down and get them. Unfortunately, he had given his cel phone to one of their friends to carry in the cooler-tube, but just happened to have a length of rope on him.

At that point, I did kind of wonder if they were a pair of wackos who were going to pummel me with their tubes and steal my car or something, but it was 5:45pm (remember, the last River Riders pick-up is at 5:00), he was borderline frantic and she looked exhausted. So, we tied their tubes on top of my car and I turned around to head back to River Riders. As we bounced along the crappy unpaved road, they expanded on their story.

Turns out, they didn't even make it into the rapids. They apparently paddled all the way over to the left of the calm section of the river near the Md shoreline, as directed, but then somehow ended up back over on the WV side, at which point he decided to swim to shore. And they told me that they walked a mile and a half upstream to retrieve her tube (how her tube went upstream is beyond me), then back down to the launch site where, instead of walking up the road the bus came down, they headed past the launch site and down the gravel road that heads towards Harper's Ferry. If that's the case, then they must have been wandering around for a few hours since I picked them up almost at H.F.

When we drove up at River Riders with two bright orange tubes stacked on top of my car, the look on one of the employee's face's was priceless. As we got out and began untying stuff, he was like "Uh, did you pick up some hitch-hikers?"

I didn't stick around long enough to see if they found their friends and were able to get a ride back home to DC, but at that point I figured they were River Rider's responsibility. Poor things. Thank goodness nothing like that happened on our trip!

[Zen]

They must not have a very good sense of direction :rolleyes:
I wonder where they were from?

[Kalidurga]

They must not have a very good sense of direction :rolleyes:
I wonder where they were from?

I asked and was told Washington, DC.

[Zen]

Hooooboy! No wonder they looked anxious. They probably thought they heard banjos playing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKvD-4IxOY)...

[madscot13]

it was nice of you to pick them up. I hope one of their friends had the decency to wait and try to figure out what happened to them.

[Kalidurga]

Hooooboy! No wonder they looked anxious. They probably thought they heard banjos playing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKvD-4IxOY)...

Heh. I had similar thoughts (http://kalidurga.blogspot.com/2008/01/more-impermanence-in-wv.html) the first time I went exploring down in that area.

Mad: I figured that even if their friends didn't hang around, at least there are phones at River Riders and they could call someone for help. But there were still buses coming back from the pick-up point, so it's possible the friends hadn't even come back yet. A sign that I've possibly been spending too much time in West VA: As I was listening to their tale of woe, I caught myself thinking "Sheesh. City-folk..." ;)