W&OD ride from Leesburg to Purcellville

[Kalidurga]

It's been so hot these past few days, 3 or 4 might be too warm.
How about the happy medium of 8:30?

I'm more partial to 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM but again I'll meet whenever you all like.

Two things to bear in mind: We're planning a ride for a month from now, so there's no telling what the weather will be like. And, most of the W&OD out that way is shaded, so it's a tad cooler along the trail. Maybe we should wait until a bit closer to that weekend to decide on a start time.

[Zen]

OK
back to bed, everybody.

[Zen]

Bump!

I still don't know how to get there

[Kalidurga]

It's very easy. You can hop across either White's Ferry or Route 15 and head straight into Leesburg (I think that's where we decided to meet...). Depending on when we decide to meet, perhaps we could meet somewhere and you can follow me.

I guess it's time to re-begin the debate over the meeting time Zen's premonition was right, it is apparently gonna be stinkin' hot this weekend, but to get down to Va by 8:30a.m. is a heck of a stretch for me. I dunno about you ladies, but I hate having to set my alarm clock on my day off. Could we either make it a bit later in the a.m., or do late afternoon instead? The good thing about the heat, though, is that perhaps the trail will be less crowded.

[Zen]

I dunno about you ladies, but I hate having to set my alarm clock on my day off. Could we either make it a bit later in the a.m., or do late afternoon instead? The good thing about the heat, though, is that perhaps the trail will be less crowded.

Hey Tam- Toughen the eff up!
If I don't set my alarm clock I'm in bed until at least 11am, sometimes even if I do set my clock

I vote for 10 AM

This is a road bike rideable trail, yes?

[Kalidurga]

Yup, the W&OD is paved. There are a few cracks here and there due to tree roots, but otherwise it's smoooooth.

F8th had voted for 9:00 or 10:00. Maybe 9:30 would be a good compromise?

Anyone else interested in joining us?

[divingbiker]

Anyone else interested in joining us?

Is the part of the W&OD that you're riding shaded at all? I remember my one ride on that trail as being very hot, since all the trees were cut down to make way for the power lines. Am I remembering right?

If there's shade, I may join you. Otherwise I think I may hit the C&O.

[Kalidurga]

Is the part of the W&OD that you're riding shaded at all? I remember my one ride on that trail as being very hot, since all the trees were cut down to make way for the power lines.

The section that I suggested, from Leesburg to Purcellville and back, is mostly shaded (though the power companies are trying to get ahold of the right-of-ways and do the same as they've done east of Leesburg). There's one stretch in particular where the trees lining the trail make it feel as if you're riding through a cathedral.

It'd be great if you joined us, Janice! If you want to swing by my place, we could carpool up to meet Zen, then head across to Va and meet F8th.

[divingbiker]

It'd be great if you joined us, Janice! If you want to swing by my place, we could carpool up to meet Zen, then head across to Va and meet F8th.

This ride is on Sunday, right? If so, I think I'll come along. Tam, could you PM me directions to your house? I can drive to Leesburg since I've got a multi-bike rack on my car.

This will give me a chance to try out my bike with its modifications after the fitting. I'm picking it up on Saturday.

[Kalidurga]

That should be a great way to test out the fitting adjustments, Janice.

Zen, I didn't see your suggestion of 10 am. That'll work for me, if it works for F8th and Janice. F8th, are you still in?

[Zen]

I need to know how many cars will be in our gypsy caravan (two, I'm guessing)
and where we plan to meet before I can get parking instructions.

[Kalidurga]

Well, I'm guessing the caravan will consist of Janice's car and your car, unless we can fit all three bikes on Janice's car and she drives all three of us together. The three of us can meet at Bike Dr to head down to Va. I'm guessing 9:15-ish to be able to get down to Leesburg by 10:00.

I usually get on the W&OD trail in Leesburg where it crosses Harrison St, but I noticed the last time I parked near there that the lot I use is supposed to be only for the Parks Dept so I don't know if we want to try that. If it's just the three of us, we can park on the street or in one of the parking garages in Leesburg and cycle over. If we're meeting your friend, though, she might be able to recommend a better spot to meet/park/start riding.

[7rider]

Have fun, you guys.
I may be doing the shop ride sunday a.m. More likely, tho', I'll be stripping wallpaper out of our kitchen and doing final prep-work before the contractors come and start deconstructing our kitchen on monday.
I figure by noon, I'll be halfway to a breakdown!!!

[F8th637]

Sorry, ladies, I was MIA. Hubby double-booked me and we are now committed to a ride with one of his friends from college. If it falls through I'll come join you ladies. Sighhhh. . . please keep me posted for future rides.

[Zen]

That's his friend.
Give them guy time and come with us.