Relocation this Summer to N.Virginia- Any riders there in area?

[tulip]

Girls - Count me in. If we meet super early or later in the day, the trails shouldn't be TOO crowded.
Tulip, the Mt. Vernon Trail connects with the Custis up by Chain Bridge (Key Bridge Marriot). There's a stretch between Old Town that goes past Nat'l Airport---not sure if that's the Mt. Vernon Trail or something else. Anyway, it hooks up with the Custis, which will lead to the W&OD and we could head west. There are some dicey road crossings, but if we ride in a group, we should be OK.
I live about 1/2 mile from the Custis (my house is a mile north of Ballston Metro Station).
I wonder if we could ride at the Arboretum in DC? I'm not sure how busy the roads get there (I've been there only in the winter), but it's nice, quiet, and there's at least one good hill.
We can take it at a leisurely pace. Maybe stop somewhere for some eats?
I'll check w/the fellas at work to see if there are any less-busy places we can ride.

I take the Mount Vernon Trail on my commute once I get to the Virginia side of the 14th Street Bridge. I work in Old Town Alexandria, so I go south. I have not been north of the Key Bridge on the MVT. I think that early would be okay, but it gets horribly crowded in nice weather, like you have to stop and wait crowded. I think the Arboretum would be a fabulous place to ride. I have seen people on bikes there, and the azaleas must be amazing right about now. I don't know about the traffic during azalea season, though. Lots of peole drive around there, although slowly. I'll do some investigating to make sure that bikes are allowed.

There's also a PPTC ride that I was thinking about this weekend. Here's a description (the last sentence is comforting):

C * 36 * VA * 9:30 AM * Nokesville Community Park (NCP) * 50%
South of Nokesville. Join us for this popular Virginia ride. We are able to stay relatively close to the Metro area, while still enjoying a rural setting. The ride is mostly flat to rolling with no serious hills to contend with. There are two rest stops to allow for regrouping and refreshment. I will lead at a true C pace and promise to leave no one behind.
C (9:30 AM) * Ed Kerr * ekerr56@comcast.net * 703/791-6113

[Selkie]

Tulip - Looks like rain for the weekend, unfortunately. Heavy rain for Saturday. I guess we've been lucky, in comparison w/our Northern California pals. Hopefully, that ride in Nokesville in on Sunday because it's supposed to clear up.
Once I get my cyclocross bike (delivery date is late July/August), we should all take a day-long jaunt out the C&O!!
In the meantime, I look forward to meeeting everyone for a low key ride. If it works out, maybe we can get together on a regular basis? We can even make my place a rendevous point, as the folks who live a ways out can bring their bikes on the Metro. "No Cars" necessary!!!

[tulip]

Tulip - Looks like rain for the weekend, unfortunately. Heavy rain for Saturday. I guess we've been lucky, in comparison w/our Northern California pals. Hopefully, that ride in Nokesville in on Sunday because it's supposed to clear up.
Once I get my cyclocross bike (delivery date is late July/August), we should all take a day-long jaunt out the C&O!!
In the meantime, I look forward to meeeting everyone for a low key ride. If it works out, maybe we can get together on a regular basis? We can even make my place a rendevous point, as the folks who live a ways out can bring their bikes on the Metro. "No Cars" necessary!!!

Great idea, as I really don't like to drive in order to ride my bike, and I like low-key rides. As of now, the Nokesville ride is a go for me, but rain may put it on hold. Let's keep this thread going until we actually do a ride together!

[Selkie]

Tulip - If you are able to do the Nokesville ride, let us know about it. I belong to Potomac Pedalers but have never done one of their group rides.

[tulip]

Tulip - If you are able to do the Nokesville ride, let us know about it. I belong to Potomac Pedalers but have never done one of their group rides.

Okay, I will let you know. I have to get my road bike out and pumped up (I ride another bike for daily commuting), and I'll check the weather. I also have to figure out if I'm REALLY up for driving 1 hour + to get there...check back tonight and I'll let you know yes or no.

[tulip]

I'm 90% for tomorrow's ride in Nokesville. The bike is ready, I even bought a Luna bar for the ride...and if I set the coffee pot for auto before I go to bed, I'll be ready, too.

It'll be my longest ride (36 miles) in a long time, although I regularly do 30 on my commute, but that's round trip. I'm also going to be riding my new road bike, which I have ridden only a few times. I guess I'm a bit nervous about keeping up is all, but 12-14mph ought not to be a problem.

[amandaesq04]

Warrenton, in Fauquier Co., is a cute town. I wouldn't rule out living there or further west. The commute from Winchester to Fauquier isn't that bad on 66 (45 min.) - I've done it a few times. It's commute from Fauquier Co. to DC - now that gets a little sticky.
The Winchester Wheelmen usually have a pretty high male/female ratio when we road ride. Everyone is welcome. www.winchesterwheelmen.org.
Is anyone doing the MS 150 in Charlottesville?
On another subject, any ideas on living arrangements in Alexandria? I am job hunting in that area.