heading in your direction soon...

[MM_QFC!]

Hi DC-area-TE'ers...
I'll be riding to DC soon, as my AIDS ride route this year in from NYC to DC, arriving Sunday afternoon, 9/13.
If any of you are interested and available to come to our arrival, I'd be glad to share the details via a PM; just let me know, ok?

I've had the pleasure of meeting 7Rider when she came out here to Seattle - both last year and again a couple of months ago.
It'd be great if I could meet some of you while I'm in your area too!

When I asked her about the Washington - Old Dominion trail, as I'd like to ride it while I'm in the DC area after the AIDS ride ends - R suggested that I post my query for more info here. Is anyone familiar with it? It looks like it stretches about 47 miles west of Arlington; is that correct? I'd be interested in hearing any of your insights and about your experiences on it.
Many thanks,
Mary

[7rider]

Yay!
Would love to see you again - and cheer your arrival into D.C. - and check out your new bike!!!
I MAY be at a tri in Reston VA (volunteering to be boat crew for the swim portion..but I haven't heard anythnig from them yet..hmmmm), but that should be in the a.m. I'd try to find a place to tuck the truck and boat and ride in, perhaps, later that day. Do send me info.
And...we should make plans for a TE-DC dinner if/when you are available.

[Kalidurga]

I ride the W&OD out at its western end, between Leesburg and Purcellville, and it's really beautiful. I haven't been on the Arlington section since I was a kid, but I believe they've just opened a connector between it and another trail in that area. The NoVa TE ladies can probably give you more info on that.

A TE-DC dinner could definitely be fun. How long are you in town?

[divingbiker]

Definitely up for dinner! But doubtful that I'll be at the ride end...too many people for this crowd-hater.

I've ridden the W&OD twice, and what I remember is that there are stretches that are way too sunny. Could be nice mid-week, though, when the weekend hordes are at work and school.

7rider said you'd be staying in Takoma Park? That's where I am! Why not just ride the trail over to Lake Artemesia in College Park (20 miles RT) or take the Sligo Trail up to Wheaton (another 20 miles RT)? Or you could take Sligo up to where it connects to the Metropolitan Branch, and then over to Capital Crescent and down into DC.

Just offering options that wouldn't require driving into Virginia. (We Marylanders generally don't cross the Virginia state line.)

Looking forward to meeting you! Good luck on the ride.

[HillSlugger]

I'd love to meet but I'll be down in Williamsburg

[MM_QFC!]

Hi All,
Thanks for your responses...yes, a TE meet n' eat would be great. I actually won't be staying in Takoma Park, but my Aunt lives there and I'm planning to visit her along with the ton of family all over the area.
Also, I'm in town all week - I'll be flying back to Seattle on Sat, 9/19. I don't have set plans yet for meeting up with family, but assume it'll be Monday and maybe Fri, to accommodate their work schedules, so let's get some plans going!

Thanks also for the info about the trail...I'm looking forward to riding it!
Mary