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ny biker
02-11-2009, 12:02 PM
Starting a new thread off of the suggestion on this one that we have a get-together in NoVa:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=28068

Who is interested?

What dates work for you?

Saturday, Feb. 28
Sunday, March 1
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Saturday, Marcy 14
Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21
Sunday, March 22

What are the must-haves, in terms of cuisine, location, etc.?

A couple of thoughts for venues, just to get things started:

Hank's Oyster Bar (Old Town Alexandria)
http://www.hanksdc.com

Evening Star Cafe (Alexandria, Del Ray neighborhood)
http://www.eveningstarcafe.net (which I can't access due to the firewall here, so there is this link also:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/evening-star-cafe,795329.html)

Southside 815 (Old Town Alexandria)
http://www.southside815.com

I'm also a big fan of the Great American Restaurant family, including Carlyle in Arlington (Shirlington neighborhood) and Jackson's Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge (Reston), but I don't think any of them take reservations, which could be an issue for a large group.
http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/gar/

Kalidurga
02-11-2009, 02:54 PM
Mmmmm, I'd drive all the way to Old Town for oysters. Jackson's sounds very interesting. I've been to the Sweetwater Tavern out past Dranesville, which is apparently the same company, and it's darned good.

Saturday, Feb. 28 - KD (2nd choice)
Sunday, March 1 - KD (2nd choice)
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Saturday, Marcy 14
Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 - KD (1st choice)
Sunday, March 22 - KD (1st choice)

Thanks for taking on the organizational reigns :D

Selkie
02-12-2009, 01:17 AM
No promises but I'll do my best to make it. Please schedule it to meet the majority preference of date.

Saturday, Feb. 28 - KD (2nd choice) - Mick cannot
Sunday, March 1 - KD (2nd choice)
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Saturday, Marcy 14
Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 - KD (1st choice) - Mick 1st choice
Sunday, March 22 - KD (1st choice)

Could we please make the restaurant convenient to a metro stop? That way the ladies across the river can ride under the Potomac. I can metro and hike it to Old Town but not Del-Ray.

Clarendon has a lot of good options, too. Earl's is a great sandwich shop, but I'm not sure of the availability of seating. There is also a GELATO shop in Clarendon now!! Trust me, it's worth the "sin." :) We could even meet in Clarendon and select a restaurant then.

I really hope Zen can make it.

divingbiker
02-12-2009, 03:44 AM
Saturday, Feb. 28 - KD (2nd choice) - Mick cannot, DB
Sunday, March 1 - KD (2nd choice), DB
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Saturday, Marcy 14
Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21 - KD (1st choice) - Mick 1st choice, DB
Sunday, March 22 - KD (1st choice), DB

All dates are fine with me at this point, but since others can't do the middle four I'd say let's just rule them out.

The oyster place doesn't look vegan-friendly at all. Not sure which of the other choices are metro accessible, so I'll need help from the VA folks identifying which places to look at. Personally, it doesn't matter if it's on the metro or not; I'll drive to Reston if necessary. We could also meet somewhere in DC near a metro.

HillSlugger
02-12-2009, 05:07 AM
As of this moment I don't know of any dates that are specifically out for me. I'm not sure if I'd drive or Metro, but a Metro option would be good.

Kalidurga
02-12-2009, 05:38 AM
The oyster place doesn't look vegan-friendly at all.

Southside 815 has a portobello sandwich that you could probably get without the cheese. Jackson's Mighty Fine also lists some vegetable options, but it's hard to tell whether they're prepared in a vegan-appropriate manner. Mickchick's Clarendon recommendation might be a good option, since there are so many ethnic places there. Here's a list (http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=dining,+clarendon+va&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&ei=5TOUSbGCB5GYsAOY5fC2Bw&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=more-results&cd=1).

ny biker
02-12-2009, 08:13 AM
How about Harry's Tap Room? They have locations in Clarendon and Pentagon City, which are both metro accessible. It looks like there are some vegan options on the menu, too.

http://www.harrystaproom.com

Some other thoughts, all in Arlington near metro, but not sure about vegan choices:

Carribbean Breeze in Ballston
http://www.caribbeanbreezeva.com

Liberty Tavern in Clarendon
http://www.thelibertytavern.com

Jaleo in Crystal City
(Serves tapas. 3 stars from Tom Sietsema, celebrity chef with great reputation)
http://www.jaleo.com

Kalidurga
02-12-2009, 09:43 AM
Good thing I just went to get some lunch, otherwise I'd be drooling all over my desk right now...

7rider
02-13-2009, 01:53 PM
I think at this point, any of the March days are fine for me.
I may have a trip coming up in March, but the dates are still up in the air and I probably won't have to fly on the weekend (hopefully!).
I'm okay to go to any location...just point me in the right direction. ;)

Zen
02-13-2009, 03:50 PM
I'm okay to go to any location...just point me in the right direction. ;)

First, blindfold her and spin her around :D

Kalidurga
02-15-2009, 02:11 AM
I think at this point, any of the March days are fine for me.

So does that mean we can narrow this down to either of these days?

Saturday, March 21 - KD (1st choice) - Mick 1st choice, DB
Sunday, March 22 - KD (1st choice), DB

I'm trying to plan a day-trip to Philly and need to know whether I should do it at the end of February or later in March. Do we want to settle on Saturday, March 21 for brunch?

divingbiker
02-15-2009, 02:42 AM
Do we want to settle on Saturday, March 21 for brunch?

Sounds good to me.

Selkie
02-15-2009, 04:31 AM
The 21st sounds perfect.

HillSlugger
02-15-2009, 07:07 AM
Looks good for me

ny biker
02-26-2009, 11:49 AM
Okay, so, Saturday, March 21.
11:00 a.m.

Harry's Tap Room in Arlington (Clarendon neighborhood).

2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Located on the corner of Clarendon Blvd and Fillmore Ave.
Nearest Metro stop is Clarendon on the Orange line.

Perhaps we could find that gelato place afterwards.

Who alls will be there?

1. Me.

Kalidurga
02-26-2009, 11:51 AM
Okay, so, Saturday, March 21.
11:00 a.m.

Harry's Tap Room in Arlington (Clarendon neighborhood).

2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Located on the corner of Clarendon Blvd and Fillmore Ave.
Nearest Metro stop is Clarendon on the Orange line.

Perhaps we could find that gelato place afterwards.

Who alls will be there?

1. Me.


2. KD

HillSlugger
02-26-2009, 12:55 PM
Okay, so, Saturday, March 21.
11:00 a.m.

Harry's Tap Room in Arlington (Clarendon neighborhood).

2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Located on the corner of Clarendon Blvd and Fillmore Ave.
Nearest Metro stop is Clarendon on the Orange line.

Perhaps we could find that gelato place afterwards.

Who alls will be there?

1. Me.

2. Nicole (I think/hope/pray)

Kalidurga
02-26-2009, 01:28 PM
2. Nicole (I think/hope/pray)

That should be 3. Nicole (I think/hope/pray)

I'll hope for you, too.

HillSlugger
02-26-2009, 03:50 PM
That should be 3. Nicole (I think/hope/pray)

I'll hope for you, too.

Hmm, somehow I didn't see yours.

divingbiker
02-27-2009, 05:24 AM
Okay, so, Saturday, March 21.
11:00 a.m.

Harry's Tap Room in Arlington (Clarendon neighborhood).

2800 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Located on the corner of Clarendon Blvd and Fillmore Ave.
Nearest Metro stop is Clarendon on the Orange line.

Perhaps we could find that gelato place afterwards.

Who alls will be there?

1. Me.

4. DB (and I may ride my bike there if the weather is good)

pfunk12
02-27-2009, 10:43 AM
MDHillSlug - Thanks for letting me know about the brunch. I will know closer to the date if I am able to attend. Would be nice to meet you guys!

7rider
02-27-2009, 04:53 PM
5. 7 will be there. Possibly riding with DB.

HillSlugger
02-27-2009, 05:48 PM
5. 7 will be there. Possibly riding with DB.

It would be a 20 mile ride each way for me. Not sure I'm up for that. What is it from your place?

Selkie
02-28-2009, 04:41 AM
It would be a 20 mile ride each way for me. Not sure I'm up for that. What is it from your place?

Then you get extra gelato!

I'm going to try to make it.

The gelato place (Boccati's???) is on Wilson, just east of and across the street from Whole Foods. For pet owners, there's also a superb pet shop in the vicinity (AKA Spot)---lots of toys, treats, etc. for your sweeties! :)

7rider
02-28-2009, 05:22 AM
It would be a 20 mile ride each way for me. Not sure I'm up for that. What is it from your place?

Not a clue. (I would think your's would actually be longer?) It's 8 to meet DB in her neck o' the woods. Then into town and (gasp) across the river. Still pondering the route. DH says the CCT is the way to go. Hill, you can always drive to my house to cut the ride shorter. Or....we can figure it out in time...and if it's raining...well, we'll meet on Metro! :cool:

divingbiker
02-28-2009, 11:36 AM
DH says the CCT is the way to go.

That may be so for you, coming from the north, but for me it's a bit of backtracking to get up to the CCT and then west. I think from my house it's about 14 miles via Sligo/Georgetown Branch/CCT to get to Georgetown vs about 9 to go into DC and then over to the river.

7rider
03-01-2009, 05:56 AM
Well....I didn't say he was right. ;)
It's a bit of an arc to the west ... vs. even a straight shot down Rock Creek to Georgetown.
I think it's six of one, half a dozen of the other for me.

Selkie
03-01-2009, 11:35 AM
If you go across Key Bridge, turn right onto the Custis Trail. You can take that to the top of the hill, cross Lee Hwy at a red right, and ride through a nice neighborhood (Lyon Park) into Clarendon.

Of course, 7Rider probably already knows all this - didn't you and your DH ride to the Clarendon before?

7rider
03-01-2009, 05:52 PM
Of course, 7Rider probably already knows all this - didn't you and your DH ride to the Clarendon before?

To the CSC race? No, alas....we took Metro to that.

ny biker
03-10-2009, 11:26 AM
I have made a reservation at Harry's Tap Room in Clarendon, on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m., for 7 people.

If anyone can't make it, or hasn't yet responded and would like to join us, please let me know so I can change the reservation.

Kalidurga
03-10-2009, 02:27 PM
Looking forward to it. Thanks again for making all the arrangements :D

Kalidurga
03-17-2009, 09:21 AM
So is it still just 5 of us this Saturday? Funny how all us Maryland folk are heading down to meet one lone Virginia person... ;)

ny biker
03-17-2009, 10:03 AM
I counted 5 yes and 2 maybe.

Me, KD, Nicole, divingbiker, 7, and maybe pfunk and mickchick.

Mickchick and pfunk, are you able to join us?

If anyone can't make it, please let me know so I can change the reservation.

And, I'm happy to change the venue and meet you alls in Maryland, like maybe someplace in Montgomery County. As long as I can make it to Tysons in time for a 3:15 haircut, I'm good. But you would have to pick the venue.

Kalidurga
03-17-2009, 11:13 AM
Nah, I say we leave the plans as they are. The Taproom sounds good, it'll give me an excuse to visit NoVa for the first time since my family retired and moved to Florida, and I'm sure the ladies who are cycling down will enjoy the ride.

I hope pfunk and mickchick can join us. The more, the merrier (or so they say... ;) ).

ny biker
03-18-2009, 11:25 AM
Some road closures will be happening on Saturday. Hopefully this won't affect anyone who plans to drive.

In DC: National Marathon

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/03/national_marathon_in_dc_on_sat.html

In Arlington: protest near the Pentagon

http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Police/news/printarticle.asp?ID=639

Mostly this affects roads near the Pentagon and Crystal City, although Washington Blvd will be closed between Memorial Bridge and 395 from 12-3.

divingbiker
03-18-2009, 11:54 AM
Some road closures will be happening on Saturday. Hopefully this won't affect anyone who plans to drive.

In DC: National Marathon

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/03/national_marathon_in_dc_on_sat.html

In Arlington: protest near the Pentagon

http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Police/news/printarticle.asp?ID=639

Mostly this affects roads near the Pentagon and Crystal City, although Washington Blvd will be closed between Memorial Bridge and 395 from 12-3.

Hmmm...given this, I'm not sure that Saturday is the best day for us Maryland folks to be planning to come through DC to VA. We won't be able to cross Connecticut with our bikes if it's closed for the marathon. At the least, we need to find a different route. Maybe we should choose another day.

ny biker
03-18-2009, 12:31 PM
I'm flexible. Also, as indicated earlier, I could meet you alls in Maryland as long as it's not too far away from DC.

Kalidurga
03-18-2009, 12:50 PM
Janice, where were you planning to cross Connecticut?

divingbiker
03-18-2009, 04:19 PM
Janice, where were you planning to cross Connecticut?

Seems like it was around New Hampshire, or somewhere between NH and M.

Kalidurga
03-18-2009, 05:02 PM
Between New Hampshire and M is a lot of territory. Which way are you coming into town?

divingbiker
03-18-2009, 06:12 PM
Between New Hampshire and M is a lot of territory. Which way are you coming into town?

I don't remember. It's a route Regina came up with using mapquest, not my usual route into town.

7rider
03-18-2009, 06:27 PM
Oh, sure. Blame me. :rolleyes:;)
Here's a Google map directions (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=7600+Carroll+Ave,+Takoma+Park,+MD+20912&daddr=Clarendon+Blvd,+Arlington,+Arlington,+Virginia+22209&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=h&sll=38.937514,-77.038536&sspn=0.13379,0.219727&ie=UTF8&ll=38.93885,-77.038193&spn=0.133788,0.219727&z=12), from a central meeting place to Harry's *(more or less). I couldn't get MapQuest to give me the correct directions any more. My link from last night that I sent to Janice and Nicole is now putting Takoma Park somewhere on the Eastern Shore!! :confused:
As far as dates, I'm pretty flexible, too.

Kalidurga
03-19-2009, 01:11 AM
Looks like you could dogleg off of Georgia onto Arkansas, take that to Piney Branch Pkwy, and get on Beach Dr/Rock Creek Pkwy down towards Georgetown. But I don't know what those roads are like for bikes on a Saturday morning, so I don't know whether it's a feasible option or not.

Since you ladies are riding, you decide. I'm driving because I'm planning to head up to Leesburg after our brunch, so these closures don't affect me.

divingbiker
03-19-2009, 03:29 AM
I think I would rather try for another day. Maybe do a monument tour some day in April or May and end up across the river.

HillSlugger
03-19-2009, 06:32 AM
I'm here to post that Saturday will no longer work for me due to kid activities :( so the talk of another day has my support.

7rider
03-19-2009, 08:07 AM
So where does this leave us?
I can go either way....

Kalidurga
03-19-2009, 09:20 AM
I can also go either way, but since 2 out of 5 are asking for a re-schedule perhaps that's what we should do.

ny biker, I have another reason to thank you for mentioning the marathon. No one in our store knew anything about it, and the route runs right past our front door!

ny biker
03-19-2009, 10:42 AM
Thank Dr. Gridlock. I would be lost without him.

Okay, let's pick a new date. I have to work on Sunday March 29 and will be unavailable the weekend of April 11-12, which is Easter. Otherwise I'm available.

Kalidurga
03-19-2009, 12:22 PM
My calendar for April is empty so far.

7rider
03-19-2009, 01:16 PM
So.....

Sounds like Saturday is officially cancelled?

Weekend of April 11th is out.

Yes?

ny biker
03-19-2009, 01:56 PM
Saturday, March 21 is canceled.

Pick a new date:

Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 4
Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 18
Sunday, April 19
Sunday, April 26

On April 25 I'll be doing the Ride to End Hunger in Calvert County. Would be happy to see some of y'alls there. Not sure yet if I'm doing 36 or 46 miles.

http://endhungercalvert.org/bike.html

Kalidurga
03-19-2009, 04:41 PM
Saturday, March 28- KD
Saturday, April 4
Sunday, April 5
Saturday, April 18- KD
Sunday, April 19- KD
Sunday, April 26- KD

Apparently I did have something on my April calendar, after all.

ny biker
03-28-2009, 09:18 AM
Did we kill this by trying to reschedule??

HillSlugger
03-28-2009, 10:52 AM
Did we kill this by trying to reschedule??

I think it's asleep, but not dead.