TE-DC Monument Tour

[Kalidurga]

Isn't it about time we do another one of these rides? Anyone wanna shoot for a Saturday sometime within the next handful of weeks?

[kmehrzad]

Isn't it about time we do another one of these rides? Anyone wanna shoot for a Saturday sometime within the next handful of weeks?

Is that a nighttime ride or daytime? I recently did a nighttime Monument Tour with Potomac Pedalers and thought it was awesome. Would love to do another one.

[7rider]

The 2 we've done have been daytime events.
And they usually coincided with a TE forum member visiting our fair city from out of town....so we can show them around. Cuz then we get to be tourists in our own neighborhood!
Anyone visiting D.C. this fall?? Sorry, MMQFC...we didn't get together for a ride.

[Kalidurga]

We could break tradition and do it without having an out-of-town'er along.

[Zen]

Why not do the one led by the NPS Rangers?
Might learn something interesting.

[HillSlugger]

I'm up for it!

[Possegal]

I would love to do this and meet more of you folks. :)

[Kalidurga]

Possegal, it'd be very fun to get to meet you.

Janice, do you still have the route you created? Or do we want to check out the ranger-led tour (Jeanine, do you have a schedule for that?)?

I suggested doing this on a Saturday because I know Regina has a shop ride on Sundays, but let's see what works best for the most folks. Add your name to the dates you'd be available:

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD
Sun 10/4-

Sat 10/10- KD
Sun 10/11- KD

Sat 10/17-
Sun 10/18-

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1-

[ny biker]

NPS ride:
Sunday 9/27
1:00 - 4:00
Jefferson Memorial Plaza

http://www.nps.gov/ncr/customcf/apps/eventcalendar/events/mallevent05375970.html

Oct 4
same time and location
http://www.nps.gov/ncr/customcf/apps/eventcalendar/events/mallevent92923528.html

They're every Sunday from 1-4. The themes vary.

[Kalidurga]

http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/national-bike-frequently-asked-questions.htm Seems they do these tours every Saturday and Sunday so that's convenient, but each tour apparently focuses on a different theme. (Note: I was typing this as NY was editing her post...)

Do we want to try to pick a day with a theme that's interesting, just pick a day and have it be a surprise, or not worry about learning anything new and just go on our own route as our own group?

[HillSlugger]

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD, MDHS
Sun 10/4-

Sat 10/10- KD
Sun 10/11- KD

Sat 10/17-
Sun 10/18-

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1-
A quick look at my calendar shows 10/3 as my best day but most of the others Saturdays can be made to work (didn't look at my Sundays).

[divingbiker]

Janice, do you still have the route you created?

I think this is the route (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/42304), but we had to make some modifications as I recall.

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD
Sun 10/4- DB

Sat 10/10- KD, DB
Sun 10/11- KD, DB

Sat 10/17- DB
Sun 10/18- DB

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1

Does anyone else have Monday, October 12 off (Columbus Day)? Is that a possibility?

I can go either way, ranger-led or on our own. Not sure how big the crowd would be on the ranger tour.

[kmehrzad]

Possegal, it'd be very fun to get to meet you.

Janice, do you still have the route you created? Or do we want to check out the ranger-led tour (Jeanine, do you have a schedule for that?)?

I suggested doing this on a Saturday because I know Regina has a shop ride on Sundays, but let's see what works best for the most folks. Add your name to the dates you'd be available:

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD
Sun 10/4-

Sat 10/10- KD
Sun 10/11- KD

Sat 10/17-
Sun 10/18-

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1-


I've got lots of plans for the month of October already, but 9/27 and 10/31 work for me.

[7rider]

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD, 7
Sun 10/4- DB, 7

Sat 10/10- KD, DB
Sun 10/11- KD, DB

Sat 10/17- DB, 7
Sun 10/18- DB, 7

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1


Don't worry about me and sundays. I've been drifting away from the group rides lately, much to Tom's dismay (mainly, just sitting on the couch, pouting, but that's another story). My back has been achy since my crash, and large, fast, group rides on my road bike just aren't "doing it" for me right now. :(

[Becky]

This sounds really cool! Don't plan around me, as I typically work Saturdays, but I might join y'all if it falls on a day that I'm free.

Are well-behaved spouses welcome?

[Pedal Wench]

I'll be heading to DC for their Breast Cancer 3-Day walk (doing 4 this year on Bicycle/Route Safety Crew!)

Our closing ceremonies are at the Lincoln Memorial on October 10. While I would LOVE to meet everyone (I'll be the one on the very pink bike with a very pink helmet/tiara and I'm sure I'll be wearing a tutu!) you might not want to plan to be biking amongst 3,000 weary walking women! :)

[MM_QFC!]

The 2 we've done have been daytime events.
And they usually coincided with a TE forum member visiting our fair city from out of town....so we can show them around. Cuz then we get to be tourists in our own neighborhood!
Anyone visiting D.C. this fall?? Sorry, MMQFC...we didn't get together for a ride.

No worries...as we stopped at a number of monuments when we rode into DC on 9/13; photo opps at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Mem, Capitol, White House...all enroute to our finish line nearby...was lovely!

I took the more traditional route - aka, walking - for some additional sightseeing last week, along with enjoying our meet, greet and eat!
Thanks again!
Mary

[ny biker]

http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/national-bike-frequently-asked-questions.htm Seems they do these tours every Saturday and Sunday so that's convenient, but each tour apparently focuses on a different theme. (Note: I was typing this as NY was editing her post...)

Do we want to try to pick a day with a theme that's interesting, just pick a day and have it be a surprise, or not worry about learning anything new and just go on our own route as our own group?

Well I thought they were only on Sundays, so thanks for checking!

If they're like the family rides that they do once a month (which I highly recommend, btw), then you ride to a spot, stop and talk about something historical, ride to the next spot, stop and talk, ride, stop, ride, stop, etc. So definitely not a sustained cardio effort.

I don't know how you've done your rides in the past, i.e., if you like to ride around the sites with few or no stops or if you stop frequently to check things out.

[ny biker]

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD, 7
Sun 10/4- DB, 7

Sat 10/10- KD, DB
Sun 10/11- KD, DB

Sat 10/17- DB, 7
Sun 10/18- DB, 7

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1



Oct 4 is the Tour du Port. Who else is doing that ride?

I was considering doing the Civista Potomac Heritage Tour in La Plata on Oct 11. Other than that I have no plans.

[Kalidurga]

I'm definitely doing Tour du Port, and Catriona will be also unless she bags it for a kite buggy event ;)

[7rider]

I'll be heading to DC for their Breast Cancer 3-Day walk (doing 4 this year on Bicycle/Route Safety Crew!)

Our closing ceremonies are at the Lincoln Memorial on October 10. While I would LOVE to meet everyone (I'll be the one on the very pink bike with a very pink helmet/tiara and I'm sure I'll be wearing a tutu!) you might not want to plan to be biking amongst 3,000 weary walking women! :)

Unfortunately, October 10th is the Seagull Century on the eastern shore of MD. Perhaps others can make it to do a meet and greet, but I'll be away - making a weekend of it, as it's also Columbus Day weekend. But I do hope you post pics!

[Cataboo]

I'm definitely doing Tour du Port, and Catriona will be also unless she bags it for a kite buggy event ;)

So far I am not bagging it for a kite buggy event. I might run up to the buggy event the day before.

If we finish at a reasonable time after tour du port, we could pop into the reservoir (triadelphia?) for a paddle afterwards. Something slow. Rob (the guy on my facebook page that's going with us, is making a wood kayak in a CLC class I think this month, so I'm sure he'll wanna come with) or pop into baltimore harbor (never paddled there - is the water calm enough for you? There's enough lights down there that it could be a fun & pretty paddle if it was getting late.)

This weekend I'm heading over to assateague, so not a good one to pedal.
I wouldn't mind a moonlit, evening tour of DC... Just 'cause there's so much less traffic & people.

[divingbiker]

Doesn't look like it's emerging as a good day, but October 25 is the Marine Corps Marathon so we'd want to avoid that day also.

[ny biker]

Sat 9/26 (would take some quick planning)- KD
Sun 9/27-

Sat 10/3- KD, 7
Sun 10/4- DB, 7

Sat 10/10- KD, DB, NY?
Sun 10/11- KD, DB

Sat 10/17- DB, 7, NY
Sun 10/18- DB, 7, NY

Sat 10/24-
Sun 10/25- KD *Marine Corps Marathon*

Sat 10/31-
Sun 11/1


I would say we should definitely not plan anything in DC or Arlington on the same day as the MCM.

[Kalidurga]

This is indeed a tricky time of year to plan things.


Catriona, I answered your TdP question over in that thread so that this one wouldn't end up drifted all over the place: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=463007#post463007

[Zen]

Sat 10/10- KD, DB, Z
Sun 10/11- KD, DB, Z

Sat 10/17- DB, 7, Z
Sun 10/18- DB, 7, Z

Sat 10/24- Z
Sun 10/25- KD, Z

Sat 10/31-Z
Sun 11/1- Z

Availability subject to change

[kmehrzad]

So far I am not bagging it for a kite buggy event. I might run up to the buggy event the day before.

If we finish at a reasonable time after tour du port, we could pop into the reservoir (triadelphia?) for a paddle afterwards. Something slow. Rob (the guy on my facebook page that's going with us, is making a wood kayak in a CLC class I think this month, so I'm sure he'll wanna come with) or pop into baltimore harbor (never paddled there - is the water calm enough for you? There's enough lights down there that it could be a fun & pretty paddle if it was getting late.)

This weekend I'm heading over to assateague, so not a good one to pedal.
I wouldn't mind a moonlit, evening tour of DC... Just 'cause there's so much less traffic & people.

I'm in favor of the moonlit tour of DC. Took one in early August and loved it, especially the ride around Haines Point ... no one was there except us cyclists and the view was spectacular.

[Zen]

I could groove on a night ride. The streets are practically empty at night.
I will make up interesting stories about the monuments if you like.

[kmehrzad]

I could groove on a night ride. The streets are practically empty at night.
I will make up interesting stories about the monuments if you like.

I like ... Zen.

[Possegal]

Sat 10/10- KD, DB, Z, PG
Sun 10/11- KD, DB, Z, PG

Sat 10/17- DB, 7, Z (isn't this bikeDC day?)
Sun 10/18- DB, 7, Z, PG

Sat 10/24- Z, PG
Sun 10/25- KD, Z, PG

Sat 10/31-Z
Sun 11/1- Z

My niece has talked about doing bikeDC, but if we did this ride in the evening, I could bikeDC then bike DC I suppose. :-)

[Cataboo]

I think Oct 1st is the full moon.

[Zen]

Does that have contraindications for you?

[Cataboo]

Does that have contraindications for you?

I get even hairier? And I might bite a few of you, but it'll only be a love bite. Make sure to wear cloves of garlic if you don't like being bitten.

Nah, but if we're gonna bike DC at night, we should at last have a fairly bright moon when we're doing it.

[kmehrzad]

I think Oct 1st is the full moon.

This works for me. Count me in on Oct. 1 (if it works for others).

[Cataboo]

hrm. That actually might work. I've got a conference to be at in Bethesda, so I could just head over to DC after that. We could get a light dinner somewhere beforehand.

[Kalidurga]

An Oct. 1 ride won't work for me, alas, since I can't bring my bike on the Metro during morning rush hour and I doubt I'd have time to head all the way home and then come back down into DC again. If you all do that ride, be sure to take some photos of the moon to post here.

[HillSlugger]

Friday night, maybe; Thursday night, no good.

[Cataboo]

k. I can probably do the Friday night as well, since I'll be in Bethesda then too.

Kali, you're in Montgomery county - do you live anywhere near NIH in bethesda? I could possibly grab the bike in the morning and stick it in my car or lock it to the car and then drive it to DC later if you wanted.

[Kalidurga]

Kali, you're in Montgomery county - do you live anywhere near NIH in bethesda? I could possibly grab the bike in the morning and stick it in my car or lock it to the car and then drive it to DC later if you wanted.

I'm in Gaithersburg right off of 270 and usually leave for work about 10 minutes to 8:00.

Does anyone have a link to details about the evening rides? The one thing I found through Bike the Sites looks like it's $45, unless I read it wrong (which is possible because I'm busy at work and shouldn't even be on the internet :rolleyes: )

[Cataboo]

I was just thinking that we were gonna pick a route & ride it ourselves and have Zen make up entertaining stories as we go. I'll google and see if I can find cue sheets or something. but I guess we could do bike the sites or some guided ride as well.

I was going to stay over in Silver spring so i didn't have to fight the rush hour to bethesda in the morning, but if we're doing this FRiday night, then I'll probably have dinner with a friend on Thursday night in Rockville - so after dinner, I could pop by, pick up your bike and just keep it in my car till Friday.

Or if Zen's coming down for this (she may still be scared what I'll do to her under a full moon), maybe we could work out a way for her to grab it on her way down 270.

[Kalidurga]

This is beginning to sound complicated. Maybe I'll pass until a time when we can plan it far enough in advance that I can more easily get my bike downtown in the evening.

[Cataboo]

This is beginning to sound complicated. Maybe I'll pass until a time when we can plan it far enough in advance that I can more easily get my bike downtown in the evening.

we're doing tour du port anyways on Sunday.

I think kmehrzad is going to be spending a long weekend biking around Rehobeth that weekend, so she may not be able to do Friday the 2nd.

[divingbiker]

If we really wanted to ride Friday, October 2, I could bring KD's bike home with me Sunday and take it into the office on Friday (I drive on Fridays, and we've got a bike room).

This would be a nice birthday celebration for me. :p:p:p

[Cataboo]

Ah well, then we almost have to do this. And it'll set a precedent tht we have to celebrate all our birthdays with a bike ride or paddle.

I checked out a bunch of books at the library the other day with bike tours in them... One of them has an 11.7 mile monuments meander. So we could do this, unless someone has something better:

starts an lincoln memorial, on to the tidal basin, then potomac park, hains point, jefferson memorial, burea of engraving/holocaust museum, washington monument, then smithsonian castle & hirshhorn museum up to the c& botanical gardens. then taft memorial, garfield & peace statues. the the former main post office & union station... senate office buildings, supreme court & library of congress... house office building, national gallery of art, national archives, the j edgar hoover building, ford's theater, national history museum... old post office, dc city hall, treasury building, white house & lafayette park... renwick gallery, old executive office building, corcoran gallery of art, organization of american states, and vietnam veterans memorial.

the book's kinda old... I assume the world war II memorial is somewhere along this route but thruthfully I've only been there once and sorta avoid dc as much as possible :)

[Possegal]

I could do next Friday. It will spur me on to go get some lights for my new bike, which I keep telling myself I have to do and yet never actually DO. :)

[Kalidurga]

If we really wanted to ride Friday, October 2, I could bring KD's bike home with me Sunday and take it into the office on Friday (I drive on Fridays, and we've got a bike room)

That would work except for the fact that I'm off on Wed, 9/30, and was planning to ride that day. I'll think about it between now and Sunday and decide whether I might want to go out hiking instead on Wednesday. Though if I do the DZ thing on Thursday night, I might not want to hang around downtown two nights in a row.

And Possegal's comment reminded me that I have no lights or reflectors on my bike...

Oy, too much to think about right now, this week at work fried my poor li'l pea brain.

[kmehrzad]

we're doing tour du port anyways on Sunday.

I think kmehrzad is going to be spending a long weekend biking around Rehobeth that weekend, so she may not be able to do Friday the 2nd.

Hi Catriona,

You're right, I can't do the Friday night ride since I'll be in Rehoboth Beach then on a 'biking weekend.' I realize that a Thursday night moonlight ride is a bit untimely perhaps for some, but there'll probably be less traffic at that time than on a weekend. Just my two cents.

[kmehrzad]

I could do next Friday. It will spur me on to go get some lights for my new bike, which I keep telling myself I have to do and yet never actually DO. :)

Possegal,

My first ever, brand new bicycle light came in the mail today. I researched lights for under $200 and came up with Busch & Mueller's Ixon IQ from Peter White Cycles in New Hampshire. The Ixon IQ has gotten very good reviews. Total cost of the lights, charger, converter and 4 NiMH batteries plus shipping came to $154. Can't wait to use it.

Check out the beam of light that it throws out: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp

[divingbiker]

And Possegal's comment reminded me that I have no lights or reflectors on my bike...

I could scare up an extra headlight and taillight or two...

[Zen]

I can't bring a bike on Metro until after 7pm :rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

I can't bring a bike on Metro until after 7pm :rolleyes:

Or before 4. You could come in to my office early and hang out, see a museum, have dinner, then ride.

[Cataboo]

I can't bring a bike on Metro until after 7pm :rolleyes:

it's not moonlight till after 7 pm. but there should be parking in dc.

I can scare up lights - they won't be as nice as Kmerzhads, but I have blinkie tail lights & some headlights. i'd just have to find the mounts that matched them all.

Zen, if you wanna bring me a bike on Wednesday - i'll take it to R's house with me, and stash it and bring it to DC on Friday night. You got 4 bikes, you won't miss one.

Kmerzhad, if you look over on cpakayaker, they're having an "upchuck" moonlight paddle & spaghetti feast on Thursday oct 1st - maybe we could do that. Or it's called something like that. cpa can be kinda snobby about the boats they want you to bring to events, so if you wanna borrow a sea kayak, I could bring one for you, I think.

Kali, if you wanna be complicated, I can meet up and grab your bike Wednesday evening. I'll be driving over to Silver spring.

[kmehrzad]

If you look over on cpakayaker, they're having an "upchuck" moonlight paddle & spaghetti feast on Thursday oct 1st - maybe we could do that. Or it's called something like that. cpa can be kinda snobby about the boats they want you to bring to events, so if you wanna borrow a sea kayak, I could bring one for you, I think.

Catriona, I'm very interested. I went to their site and looked at what was posted. Do you think they'd turn their noses up at a Wilderness Systems Rascal? How far do they paddle out into the Potomac and are they paddling past any monuments? Whatever details you might have about this trip, I'd appreciate. You've done this trip before, I'm assuming? Thank you for mentioning it.

[Cataboo]

Kathy,

I actually haven't done the paddle before - I just saw it listed and had been thinking about it. I hadn't really realized I was gonna be down in Bethesda till I looked at my calendar today. I've been to some of their rolling sessions, but usually haven't paddled with them.

But basically... cpakayaker does not do rec boats - they want sea kayaks with bulkheads. I can grab R's paddle float, bilge pump, spray skirt, etc. and his boat if you wanna go. They actually had a bit of a cantankerous discussion in their forum recently where some guy wanted to be more inclusive of rec boats and beginner trips - with various people pointing out reasons they didn't and the dangers of rec boats in certain situations (open water, etc.) I've never had a rec boat, but found it pretty illuminating.

I can bring the gps, we'll see how fast they paddle or don't - after the dinner they're proposing, I'm guessing it won't be so fast. I have no idea what the route is - but I'm sure around columbia island and there's only so many places to go on the potomac there. and we can take off if they're boring and see some monuments.

Now I'm debating whether I'll fit into the parking deck at nih with kayaks on the roof. ha

[kmehrzad]

If you look over on cpakayaker, they're having an "upchuck" moonlight paddle & spaghetti feast on Thursday oct 1st - maybe we could do that. Or it's called something like that. cpa can be kinda snobby about the boats they want you to bring to events, so if you wanna borrow a sea kayak, I could bring one for you, I think.

Catriona, I'm very interested. I went to their site and looked at what was posted. Do you think they'd turn their noses up at a Wilderness Systems Rascal? How far do they paddle out into the Potomac and are they paddling past any monuments? Whatever details you might have about this trip, I'd appreciate. You've done this trip before, I'm assuming? Thank you for mentioning it.

Catriona, I just heard from fpharris of the cpa kayakers and this is what they require for gear: Safety equipment required for a CPA paddle is:
- personal flotation device (PFD)
- paddle float
- bilge pump
- spray skirt
- water tight bulkheads or flotation bags (to prevent kayak from sinking when capsized)
Also, at this time of year we paddle well past dark so a light is a must! It can be a kayak light that sits on the kayak deck, flashlight, headlamp, or a "personal locator light" such as a Princeton-Tec Eco Flare or similar. Note: it should be waterproof!
Well, I have the PFD and bilge pump but not all the other gear. It really sounds like it might be a lot of work for you gathering all this gear, if in fact you have two of just about everything. If it's too much, I'll pass on this trip.

[Cataboo]

Kathy,

It's not a biggie. Most of this stuff has been riding around in my car the last couple weeks since I've been taking my brother out paddling the last couple of weekends. and *cough* if you haven't noticed, I tend to accumulate too much gear for the stuff I like to do. the kayak has built in bulkheads. lights, I actually just use bike lights or headlamps mostly for my kayak, they're waterproof. which is why I can rustle up spare bike lights if people need 'em for friday. i just gotta remember where I stashed the handlebar mounts (not necessary on the kayak)

R's gotta work late next week for some big deadline, so he's not using his gear that night anyways.

Not sure if you noticed that I replied while you were replying up there.

I'll put you in charge of bringing some food to contribute if you want :)

[kmehrzad]

Kathy,

It's not a biggie. Most of this stuff has been riding around in my car the last couple weeks since I've been taking my brother out paddling the last couple of weekends. and *cough* if you haven't noticed, I tend to accumulate too much gear for the stuff I like to do. the kayak has built in bulkheads. lights, I actually just use bike lights or headlamps mostly for my kayak, they're waterproof. which is why I can rustle up spare bike lights if people need 'em for friday. i just gotta remember where I stashed the handlebar mounts (not necessary on the kayak)

R's gotta work late next week for some big deadline, so he's not using his gear that night anyways.

Not sure if you noticed that I replied while you were replying up there.

I'll put you in charge of bringing some food to contribute if you want :)

Yep, I saw your reply after I submitted mine. So, your car is the 'catch all' for your gear, eh? That tends to happen, especially if you're using the stuff often. Sounds like I'll be set using Reggie's kayak, your lights, etc. (Thanks for your effort in making this happen.) Bringing food will not be a problem. I'll take a look again at what's needed and let the group know I'll be bringing food for you and me.

[Zen]

it's not moonlight till after 7 pm. but there should be parking in dc.



If I drove I wouldn't get there until 10.
I know my way around the Metro, though.

So we're doing this when?
A Thursday?
I have to get up for a busy day of unemployment on Friday.

[Cataboo]

yay! I should have a funfilled extended weekend next week.

Yeah, the meeting looks like I'll get out at 5:15 - so I'll just head straight over to COlumbia island then - I don't think I'd have time to stop for food and I probably don't want to leave food in the car all day. So it's great if you can do that.

Okay, back to the monument tour - Kali & Zen, let me know if I'm hauling your bikes around. and if someone needs lights, let me know and I'll go try to match lights to mounting brackets.

[Cataboo]

If I drove I wouldn't get there until 10.
I know my way around the Metro, though.

So we're doing this when?
A Thursday?
I have to get up for a busy day of unemployment on Friday.

We're doing it on Friday, Oct 2nd - so you won't have to get up early for your busy day off from unemployment on Saturday.

I can take one of your bikes from you on Wednesday if you want, or you should go to dc early & hang out with db.

[Zen]

Or before 4. You could come in to my office early and hang out, see a museum, have dinner, then ride.

This sounds like the way to go.
I can go by Commerce and see my bud.

[7rider]

Sorry.
Can't do Friday evening on the 2nd.
Have fun. Take pix.

[Cataboo]

Should we either just bike in dc twice or postpone till more people can go?

[Possegal]

Well I'm new at this all, so take my thoughts for the 2cents they are worth - I think we should go for it and do this more than once. It seems that organizing everyone in the DC metro area is some times more involved than invading Normandy :) Plus -it's DB's bday, we have to! ;)

[Zen]

...I think we should go for it and do this more than once. It seems that organizing everyone in the DC metro area is some times more involved than invading Normandy :) Plus -it's DB's bday, we have to! ;)

This will be my first so, yea. Lets do it.

[Cataboo]

k. what time & where to meet? shall we get dinner before or after? do we all get to spank db for her birthday?

[divingbiker]

Plus -it's DB's bday, we have to! ;)

Actually, my birthday is the first, but close enough. No spanking need be involved.

Are we going to do Catriona's tour which I think starts at the Lincoln Memorial, or the one we did the last time, which starts at Union Station? I'd say let's just meet at the starting point at, say 6:30. Sunset that day is at 6:49.

[Zen]

You guys fight it out.
Just tell me where to be and when.

[Cataboo]

catriona just grabbed that tour froma random book, so she's not overly attached to it... if last year's tour was nice, let's do that.

[Cataboo]

alright - who's coming, where/when are we meeting? is there parking near?

[Zen]

I'm coming.
Where do we start?

[divingbiker]

alright - who's coming, where/when are we meeting? is there parking near?

If we start at Union Station, there's parking there.

Or I could check today with the parking attendants in my building and see if they'd let an extra car go in after hours, and we could meet there then ride down to the mall and start the actual tour at the Washington Monument (the Ronald Reagan building is a half mile down the street.)

Possegal, are you driving in or taking Metro?

[Zen]

^that gets my vote. It's close to Commerce

[Possegal]

I was planning to drive down. I'm sure I can find a place to park, given that it will be easy to then ride over to wherever we start. :) So just let me know where and when!

[divingbiker]

I'll send y'all a PM and we can nail down details of where and when, cell phone #s, etc.

[7rider]

If we start at Union Station, there's parking there.

Lots of bike parking. The new bike station (http://www.bikestation.com/washingtondc/index.asp) opens tomorrow.
Details, plz.
:p

[mthr3brghtys]

Sounds like a great time.

[Zen]

There may be a postponement...

[Cataboo]

y'all should go without me if my knee's not up to it.

Happy Birthday, Diving Biker! (11 mins late)

[divingbiker]

There may be a postponement...

I would be willing (and actually might prefer) to do it another day. It's supposed to be cloudy anyway, and possibly rainy.

Edit after I've thought about this for a few more minutes: Logistically, this ride is going to be a hassle for me today (have to do some bike maintenance, haul it in to the office, arrange for puppy care or take leave and drive home early to feed/walk, then drive back in, etc, plus I have a 5K early in the morning) so I'd prefer to wait for a nicer day if others are ok with that, or bow out and have you go ahead without me.

Now watch the weather turn out to be beautiful.

[Zen]

The forecast does say mostly cloudy (http://www.accuweather.com/us/md/myersville/21773/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=1&metric=0).

When I heard that last night I thought"hmm...maybe not the best time for Full Moon Ride"

:(:o
http://i36.tinypic.com/2dcfo2h.jpg

[Cataboo]

Oops. I was gonna say my knee was mostly fine, but it looks like there's other reasons to cancel, so Okay.


Let's go on a prettier day.

[divingbiker]

Let's go on a prettier day.

And preferably a Saturday or Sunday.

[Possegal]

A Saturday or Sunday is definitely easier to work out for me.

In an amusing aside - I was so preoccupied last night and this morning with making sure I had all my bike gear, got new lights and attached them and packed all I needed, including a lock so I could lock the bike to a rack at work - that I came into work without my work laptop. :) It's like I really didn't want to work at all today. Now I'm working on some ancient division computer that to call it old and slow would be an insult to all things old and slow.

Hope we can arrange to ride soon! And next time, I'll at least log on to my home computer in the morning to double check. Don't know why I didn't think to do that.

[Cataboo]

sSSorry Possegal :(

[Possegal]

No prob! It did sort of push me along to get the lights and I'm very glad I did that. And in the interest of full disclosure, it isn't the first time I've shown up at work while leaving my work computer at home. :)

[Cataboo]

Looks like it's raining out there, so it's just as well we cancelled.

[Zen]

I don't even think you can see the moon :(

[Cataboo]

I don't even think you can see the moon :(

which woulda made us safe from any werewolves roaming the street!

[Zen]

which woulda made us safe from any werewolves roaming the street!

But not zombies!
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/zombies.jpg

[Cataboo]

I think I can outbike a zombie. Not sure about a werewolf.