Montgomery County MD

**Kalidurga** · 07-04-2006, 08:44 AM

I do most of my riding on the C&O Canal towpath &/or the WMRT Rail-Trail out around Hancock, Md, with occasional forays down to the W&OD or up to the NCRT. I'm hesitant to do a real road ride (I know how I drive on the back roads around here), though I'm finding that Antietam and Gettysburg battlefields are good spots to build up a comfort level for dealing with cars. If anyone's interested in getting together for a ride, let me know.

**dingster1** · 07-04-2006, 05:05 PM

I bet you have one of those expensive road bikes too?? Got pics

**Selkie** · 07-05-2006, 12:23 AM

Kali - I'm hoping to have my 'cross bike either later this month or in August. After I get it, I'd love to ride w/you on the C&O. Maybe I can meet you at Calderock or Great Falls? Right now, I have just road bikes which can't handle the C&O's terrain.

**Kalidurga** · 07-05-2006, 03:06 AM

Originally Posted by dingster1

I bet you have one of those expensive road bikes too?? Got pics

Depends on what you consider expensive, dingster. In March I traded my old Schwinn hybrid in for a Specialized TriCross. I got the Sport version for $1000 instead of the Comp. To me, that's expensive enough. I've been wanting to get more into road riding, but I felt a road bike wouldn't be as comfortable on the C&O (or if I just get a wild hair and decide to try riding in the woods, too!). I do need to take some picks of the pony, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Originally Posted by mickchick

Kali - I'm hoping to have my 'cross bike either later this month or in August. After I get it, I'd love to ride w/you on the C&O. Maybe I can meet you at Calderock or Great Falls? Right now, I have just road bikes which can't handle the C&O's terrain.

Carderock or Great Falls would work fine, mickchick. If you ever feel like driving a bit farther, I usually get on the C&O out past Potomac where there are a lot less people. One of my favorite spots is actually the area up around Harper's Ferry/Shepherdstown. Or, I'd be happy to head down towards the Mt. Vernon trail. Old Town down to Mt. Vernon's a nice ride. What sort of 'cross are you shopping for and at what shop?

**dingster1** · 07-05-2006, 03:38 AM

Another question. Any of you guys in Potomac Peddlers? I was looking around and this seems to be the prime club for this area. Are there any ladies only clubs?

**Selkie** · 07-05-2006, 10:17 AM

I belong to Potomac Pedalers but haven't done one of their rides yet. There's a gals bike club here in Arlington (Babes on Bikes) which I used to belong to but since they ride during weekdays, I couldn't go on any of their rides. Unfortunately, I've still got 12.5 years left on my "sentence" before I'm eligible for retirement at full pension (release w/no parole, haha!!) and do what I want with my time!!

I'm getting a custom 'cross bike---Margo at Luna Cycles is building it for me. I've ordered it from her directly. Did the same thing with my Eclipse, which is a pre-built bike that fits like a glove, and was so pleased w/the bike & her customer service that I decided to have her build my 'cross bike. I tried some "off the rack" 'cross bikes but couldn't find anything that fit. Considered IF and Seven custom 'cross bikes, but decided to get a second Luna.

**Kalidurga** · 07-05-2006, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by mickchick

I'm getting a custom 'cross bike---Margo at Luna Cycles is building it for me. I've ordered it from her directly. Did the same thing with my Eclipse, which is a pre-built bike that fits like a glove, and was so pleased w/the bike & her customer service that I decided to have her build my 'cross bike.

Custom bikes, huh? Why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna be able to keep up with you if we ride together?

**tulip** · 07-06-2006, 08:57 AM

do let me know if you go for a ride. I have a Luna, too, but I'll ride my other one on the C&O.

By the way, it's the rider that makes a bike go fast. A full custome titanium-carbon-whatever bike is only as fast as the rider riding it. But my Luna sure is comfy!

**Selkie** · 07-06-2006, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Kalidurga

Custom bikes, huh? Why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna be able to keep up with you if we ride together?

No one gets dropped, girl. That's rule #1 of riding together--it's to have fun, enjoy each other's company, laugh, NOT race. I agree w/Tulip---it's the rider, not the bike. Besides, on the C&O, I'll be going slower because of all the rocks and stuff.

**mtbmargie** · 07-06-2006, 02:14 PM

hi... another gal from the dc area jumping in here. if you guys go on a ride on the C&O I'd love to join you guys. i'm out in PG county in maryland but willing to drive out anywhere to ride with others. i mainly ride by myself on the WBA trail and with my SO when i visit him. so the compnay of other women would be nice! let me know if you are all up for it some weekend!
-m

**tulip** · 07-06-2006, 02:39 PM

I've gone on several Potomac Pedalers rides, and I've really enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I have to drive pretty long distances to get to the ride start.

I'm on the DC-Prince Georges County line. I can ride to the C&O no problem.

**Kalidurga** · 07-06-2006, 04:38 PM

Anyone want to do the C&O this Sunday, 7/9? I can do pretty much any time of day, though I usually pedal later in the afternoon because it's less crowded then.

Disclaimer: This would be my first non-solo ride, so I've no clue of the "etiquette" of a group ride. I usually aim for anything from 20 - 30 miles, and I tend to average a bit over 12mph due to much coasting while checking out the scenery. I also tend to get a bit whiny if there's too much gravel on the path (yes, I whine to myself as I ride alone...

). Still interested?

mtbmargie: I've thought of checking out the WBA trail. How crowded is it usually?

**mtbmargie** · 07-07-2006, 12:31 PM

hey kali! short notice... i would go but i'm traveling this weekend and won't be back until late sunday night. i may be able to go next weekend... the 16th. i'll have to check my work schedule next week first. i'll let you know.

as for the WBA trail. the part i'm near can get crowded. a lot of people use it to walk/run. the section near me is only about 4 miles one way. i usually combine it with roads and an mtb trail at the high school. if you are willing to come out this way, the trail around BWI is also an option. There is also the baltimore-annapolis trail.. i believe it's 13miles one way. both of those trails are paved. i'm not sure how crowded those get as i've never riden them. it's a lot easier to hop on the trail by my house than drive out to BWI airport. i've been thinking of riding it one weekend though just for a change of pace. if you plan on coming out here some time let me know and we can ride together.

have a good weekend!
-m

**Kalidurga** · 07-07-2006, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by mtbmargie

hey kali! short notice... i would go but i'm traveling this weekend and won't be back until late sunday night. i may be able to go next weekend... the 16th.

I'm open pretty much any Sunday. I work one or two Saturday's a month so that's a trickier day for me, but I'm fairly flexible (the joy of being single!). I'm also willing to drive pretty much anywhere in MD or Northern VA, but I do tend to stay away from crowded trails if I can. Let me know any time that you want to get together

**tulip** · 07-07-2006, 07:19 PM

This Sunday I'll be watching the finals of the World Cup...last chance to watch Zizou's magic.

Another Sunday ought to be fine. The problem with bike trails is that they are crowded on the weekends. I prefer roads, but I do understand the aversion to cars that many riders have.

I hope that we can work something out soon.

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