|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 29, 2010 11:37:02 GMT -5
Not sure what swamper does, but I can help one morning this weekend.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 13, 2010 12:08:42 GMT -5
Well...I exploded at the end of Bartram Extension and had to limp out on the road from WW to the cars parked at Keg Creek. Within a few minutes, the group came off the WW connector and refueled at the Keg parking lot. It was hot in the sun (car said 91°F) but they all looked strong heading into Keg.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 12, 2010 20:41:26 GMT -5
Yep, still in. Might have a buddy showing up as well.
Looks like it might be cooler tomorrow...only 98°F.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 14:16:43 GMT -5
Did not see her on Sunday morning. Parked near picnic bench/ water bowl.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 11:13:04 GMT -5
I'm starting to like the West Dam-> Wildwood-> Keg-> M'toe-> Keg route. With my car at Keg, I have three options to bail: after Wildwood, after Keg, or after M'toe.
Staging cars/water is gonna be tricky. Depending upon who/when/where bailing happens, gotta make sure at least one accessible car remains at Keg and/or Petersburg. I'm fairly certain that I will not make the the round trip from West Dam.
I don't live too far away so, after a shower and a nap, I could drive back later that day/evening and help shuttle folks back to their cars...
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 9:56:08 GMT -5
I'll see how close/slow/far behind I am at Wildwood and make the call from there. I don't mind riding back by myself. I just want to get back before dark and under my own power. We should exchange cell phone numbers among the group, just in case... My # is (seven 06) fiveone3 fivefive2three
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 7:30:53 GMT -5
I think your slow is not as slow as my slow.
I had figured that you guys would catch up to me somewhere on my way back to West Dam.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 7:18:41 GMT -5
I can bring a gallon or two of water.
As I'm doing the math/estimates, I think the whole route (if I could finish) will take me >10 hours. I'm leaning toward the shorter West Dam -> Keg Creek -> West Dam route, which will still be a challenge for me. Regardless, I'll be there Sunday AM.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on Jun 8, 2010 6:43:50 GMT -5
I'm in.
Maybe we should meet at the convenience store/gas station at Pollard's corner (near the ice machine) for head count and car placement?
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 31, 2010 8:15:38 GMT -5
Don't know how slow you want to go but, if you need an 'average Joe' to gauge the distance/difficulty, I'd be up for giving it a try. Either way, I could loan you my GPS so you could map the whole ride with barometric altimeter etc.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 30, 2010 10:43:27 GMT -5
Here are a few pictures to illustrate the vector nature of GPS tracks. These pictures also show the inherent error with GPS tracks. Depending upon the GPS unit, atmospheric, and tree canopy conditions most consumer GPS units are, at best, accurate within 5-10 feet. Often less (i.e., >10 feet accuracy). The first picture contains several GPS tracks from my rides at FATS. You're looking at the South parking lot with DS to the top and GW/Sk near the bottom. Looks pretty good. Each dot represents a GPS data point. The second picture is zoomed in a bit on the switchback near the intersection of GW/Sk. You can see that different tracks, representing different days/conditions, are close but not identical. Third picture is max zoom to same area. Each dot represents a GPS data point. You can also see how the switchback is not smooth but a jagged zig-zag. In order to see the whole track/loop/trail, most people will never see this zoom level. You can also see a big group of dots (in the red line) clustered near the turn off for GW. These represent me standing there resting. I wasn't moving much, but the GPS suggests I was moving within ~20 ft. area. Hope this is helpful.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 30, 2010 9:57:04 GMT -5
I don't know about the road but, on the trails, the GPS 'cuts corners' and underestimates the actual distance. In other words, the GPS records your location at specific time intervals and then draws a straight line between adjacent time points. When you're winding through twisty single track the GPS records your location but this does not reflect every foot/inch you actually travel, especially when you're moving fast and/or changing direction. The straighter the route and/or the slower you move (i.e., walking), the more accurate the GPS distance.
In contrast, your bike computer measures the distance your front wheel rolls (as revolutions) and better accounts for every inch you travel.
Even with a bike computer (for distance, speed), I still carry my GPS to map my rides.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 29, 2010 13:38:31 GMT -5
Mistletoe was a mess as well. Dustin will likely post details of our ride. Suffice it to say, he and John P. were busy with their saws today.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 28, 2010 18:53:25 GMT -5
I'm in. I'll bring up the rear.
|
|
|
Lurkers
May 24, 2010 10:38:11 GMT -5
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 24, 2010 10:38:11 GMT -5
If I'm not logged in, do I show up as a guest? I don't always log in. Regardless, that still leaves 157 guests...
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 20, 2010 9:47:35 GMT -5
If I may offer my opinion...Is the lack of directionality really a problem? If so, will directional days mitigate these risks, increase the fun factor, or both? If there is no problem, will directional days create new issues, dangers, or alter (better or worse) the fun factor?
The unintended consequences of directional days should be identified and discussed. Odd/even days applied to weekends would work, but what about 3 day holiday weekends? Although infrequent, does a Monday or Friday holiday count as a weekend day or a regular weekday?
Are hikers and runners subject to directional days? Does having a directional day give a false sense of security and potentially lead to hikers/runners getting mowed down by someone bombing down a hill? What about the biker that doesn't know, read, or chooses to ignore the trail direction? How often do you actually pass another biker going in the opposite direction?
I think whatever is decided, the "rules" should be simple and consistent or, as we say at work, "idiot-proof".
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 17, 2010 22:13:50 GMT -5
Not sure what the ACOE map looks like, but the following URL takes you to a Google map of Bartram Trail, from West Dam to Wildwood, and Keg Creek. bit.ly/b7emiKHope this is helpful.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 13, 2010 20:59:23 GMT -5
Ouch!!! Was that you walking up the Forest Service Road (662) about 6:15 tonight? Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw someone walking up the road with their bike. Normally don't see folks hoofing (their bikes) up that road.
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 8, 2010 20:34:36 GMT -5
You need to put a picture of the helmet at the FATS kiosk. Might consider hanging the helmet at the FATS kiosk
|
|
|
Post by dsquaredmsquared on May 6, 2010 8:26:32 GMT -5
As I read the thread, the Drawdy's will lead a ride of the new Bartram Trail Extension and Keg Creek on Saturday morning. They will meet at the Petersburg trail head @9am and head west toward Wildwood park. They will ride through Wildwood park, cross Washington Road, and ride Keg Creek.
From Petersburg to Wildwood Park is ~9 miles, another ~3 miles through Wildwood to Washington Road, and a loop of Keg Creek is ~9 miles. So, they should be riding ~33ish miles roundtrip.
|
|