Garfield-Douglas Heights Civic Association

Fort Slocum Outdoor Activity Group

The Thrill of It - A Biking Reflection

The following contributed by Lydia Hudson & Chantal Mapp

First Saturday Morning Bike Ride

August 7, 2010

At 7:00 AM we met our Tour Leader, DuWayne, at the Fort Slocum Park shelter. He promptly inspected our bikes, did the necessary adjustments and gave us safety instructions for riding on the road.

Our route took us west on Kennedy Street NW down through Rock Creek Park.  What beautiful scenery.  Riding along the water taking in the scenery we rode at a very easy pace.  We went south on Rock Creek Parkway to the C&O Canal Tow Path in Georgetown to the Key Bridge.  It was such a great ride we didn’t notice we were in Georgetown that quickly.  Next stop, Washington Canoe Club, then breakfast at Dean & Deluca in Georgetown, which seemed to be the place all bikers relaxed and ate after a great morning ride.  After a much deserved break we headed back.

On the way back one of us had a flat tire and luckily it was only a 15 minute walk home.  We would encourage anyone who likes to ride to join the group Saturdays or Sundays or both at 7:00 AM.  The ride is one you will want to do on a regular basis.  We actually rode about 15 miles down and 15 miles back over a five hour period.

We will surely do it again next Saturday.  Come along and join us!  You will have the ride of your life!

  

Busy Week for Walking and Biking (posted June 29, 2010)

What a ride last Sunday. 3 of us met at Ft. Slocum at 7am on Sunday, June 27 and drove north along Beach Drive in Rockcreek Park. We met some new people along the way. Here is a picture. Oh, we will be skipping this Sunday because of the holiday weekend.

We have another walking group meet up this Thursday, July 1st. It's at the same time, 6:45 pm at Ft. Slocum.

June 20 Bicycle Tour (posted June 18, 2010)

June 20, 2010: Bicycle Tour / Time: 7:00 AM / Meeting Place: Fort Slocum Park Shelter area (Kansas Ave @ Madison St NW)

The weather forecast for Sunday is high 95 degrees with zero% chance of rain.  By getting an early start (7:00 AM) we can beat the heat.  The real heat will be early to mid afternoon.  I propose we terminate our ride at approximately 12 noon or before.
I’m also proposing we head west to Rock Creek Park.  Once there we can decide which direction we want to travel.  I am open to riding anywhere in DC, MD or VA.  The group consensus will decide.  Following are some basics:

• Get a minimum of seven to eight hours sleep the night before
• Eat a hearty breakfast - I carry power bars for emergencies or between restaurants – have a credit card and/or cash with you because the group may decide to stop at a restaurant to eat - have a way to secure you bicycle from theft
• Bring one or two bottles of frozen water for drinking – actual bicycle water bottle or used 12, 16 or 20 oz store bought water bottles
• Ideally, any clothing you wear (under and outer) should be of the “sweat wicking” type – in hot weather it makes your ride so much more comfortable – this specialized clothing can be purchased at bicycle shops, internet or mail order
• Bring a towel to wipe sweat - I wear a sweat cap under my helmet - it wicks the sweat away resulting in no sweat in my eyes
• Wear a bicycle helmet and plastic lens sun glasses to protect your eyes from the sun and debris
• Bring an extra inner tube - if you have no place to carry it I can manage it for you - I carry tools for flats or minor repairs and a first aid kit - the best tire I’m aware of is Kevlar type – the same material used in bullet proof vest - I’ve been using Kevlar tires for four years and haven’t had a flat - before then I had two or three per year

I’ve been using a rear view mirror attached  to my sun glasses since the late ‘70s - imagine driving your car w/o a rear or side view mirror

Sun screen is questionable – in past years I’ve worn it religiously – however, when my lab report came back stating I was vitamin D deficient I stopped wearing it – for those of us that are non-Caucasian, in my opinion, it’s safe not to wear it

I’m looking forward to seeing a large group Sunday morning.  If you have questions don’t hesitate to call me at 202-882-2744. Until then...

Your fellow bicyclist,
DuWayne Preston
dappappy@gmail.com

Great Walk!!! (Posted June 10th at 10:10 PM)

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight to walk the South Manor neighborhood and Ft. Slocum park. We met a lot of neighbors along the
path and hopefully some of those neighbors will meet us for our next walk next Thursday at 6:45pm. (same place...Ft. Slocum)

Here are some pics:

If you are interested in joining us, please call Richard at 202.553.7010 or 202.525.2400 (lambertra@gmail.com).

Walking Group Thursday, June 10th at 6:45 PM.

We had one walk last week. Now it's time to get more people out.

We are meeting this Thursday at 6:45pm.

It will be at the gazebo in Fort Slocum (5700 Kansas, Ave, NW).

Outdoor Activity Group....always for the Fun of It

Yokhemi Ali and Richard Lambert of the 5700 block of Kansas Ave, NW are trying to get a group of people who want to get outside and be active on a regular basis together to...well....to be active. We were going to make it just a running group, but we have had interested individuals who want to also include walking and cycling. We may even include some water sports in the future!!!

We think it would be great to meet new people, exercise, create a regular presence in our neighborhood, and commune with our community. All levels are welcomed. 

We have set a tentative date for our first Open House Walk Thursday June 3rd after 6:45 pm. It will be at the gazebo in Fort Slocum (5700 Kansas, Ave, NW).

If you are interested, please call Richard at 202.525.2400 (lambertra@gmail.com).