WEATHER WARNING & INFORMATION

The following information was provided by the Boy Scouts National Capitol Area Council thru the Trail Patrol

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids... stay in an air-conditioned room... stay out of the sun... and check up on elderly relatives and neighbors. Never leave children or pets unaccompanied in a parked vehicle - even with the windows cracked. An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected.

Watch for signs of dehydration! The simplest way to check for dehydration is to check urine color. It should be clear or very pale yellow. If it begins to darken in color, fluid intake should increase. (Note: If you've increased water intake -- but thirst, headache or other symptoms persist -- check with your doctor. It might simply be that a fluid containing electrolytes is needed to restore a normal balance. It could also be that some other underlying cause requires medical attention.) Remember: if you try to drink a large amount of water all at once, your kidneys will simply flush the excess fluid by sending you to the bathroom. It's better to drink regular amounts of fluid throughout the day. Each morning, pour the liquid you need to drink and make sure that by the end of the day, it's gone. That way, you won't forget how much you've already had.

Mild Dehydration: (increase fluid intake -- and for babies, call a medical professional): Thirst, dry lips, dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue, irritability, headache, urine begins to darken in color, urine output decreases.
Moderate Dehydration: (call a medical professional): All of the signs of mild dehydration, plus: skin doesn't bounce back quickly when pressed, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, (in infant - sunken fontanel, the soft spot on the head), output of urine will be limited and color of urine will be dark yellow, cramps, stiff and/or painful joints, severe irritability, fatigue, severe headache.
Severe Dehydration: (call emergency number): All of the signs of mild and moderate dehydration, plus: blue lips, blotchy skin, confusion, lethargy, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, rapid and weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, high fever, inability to pee or cry tears, disinterest in drinking fluid.

Signs of Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Experts say that adults with heat exhaustion should stop the activity, move into a cool environment, remove excess clothing and drink hydrating liquids (NOT coffee, tea, sodas or juice!). They say that adults with heatstroke, however, are suffering an emergency. Their body needs to be cooled with ice packs or immersion in cold water, and immediate and professional medical attention must be called. We say: Don't take chances. We believe that any sign of moderate to severe dehydration should be promptly attended to and medical professionals called -- especially in particularly vulnerable populations like babies, children, anyone with an illness, and seniors. If you're in doubt, please call for help. No competent medical professional will mind being called for help with a possible case of moderate to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Heat Cramps: brief but painful involuntary muscle spasms. They usually occur in the muscles being used during the exercise, and are a result of insufficient liquid intake
Heat Exhaustion: difficulty breathing, headache, feeling hot on head and neck, dizziness, heat cramps, chills, nausea, irritability, vomiting, extreme weakness or fatigue
Heatstroke: rapid and shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, unusually high or low blood pressure, lack of sweating, mental confusion and disorientation, unconsciousness, physical collapse

Temporary closures in August

DULLES CORRIDOR METRORAIL PROJECTIntermittent Closures of W&OD Trail Expected Early August as Rail Bridge Construction AcceleratesThe section of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail beneath the Dulles International Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road near Reston will be closed for short periods during several weeks in August.The closings are necessary because Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project construction crews will be ramping up work on the new bridge that will carry the rail tracks, which will run in the median of the airport and toll roads, over the trail. Crews have been working on the bridge for several months and trail users have encountered some detours.During the first week of August, crews will start site preparations for hanging and placing large steel girders on the ridge over the trail. The girder placements are currently scheduled to begin on or about Tuesday, Aug. 10.The steel girder erection work will be done during daytime hours because there are overhead power lines at this work site that would be difficult for workers to see at night.The trail will only close temporarily when the steel girders are lifted and installed. Closures are executed to last approximately 15 minutes or less for each girder.The affected section is located between Wiehle Avenue and Hunter Mill Road, where it crosses under the Dulles International Airport Access Highway (DIAAH) near the trail's mile marker 16. Because the future Metrorail line will run down the median of the DIAAH, this bridge is being built to support the tracks over the W&OD Trail.After the erection work is completed, crews will be building the bridge itself. Most of that work will be done at night and will require full closures of the trail. A schedule will be released later this fall and the work is expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.

Ride to Provid--Sunday July 18

Opening ceremony is at 11:00 at the Reston Town Center . The 35 mile ride leaves at 11:15 and the 20 mile leave at 11:30. Rides will be going from Reston to Columbia Pike and back or some portion thereof.

Civil War Hike--July 17, 2010

Civil War hike from Wiehle Avenue to Hunter Mill Road. About a dozen participants from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Friends of the W&OD 10K –July 31, 2010

On the W&OD Trail from Old Vienna Train Station to Hunter Mill Road & back
6:30 pm – 10K –Run or walk

6:31 pm – Baby Stroller Division non-competitive 10K

Attack on Trail

There was evidently an attack on a female runner on the trail today west of the 22.5 marker in Sterling. The attacker was described as wearing a Motley Crue t-shirt and having both a ponytail and a goatee. Police were notified.

Sinkhole at Brandymore Castle

There's a sinkhole on the W&OD trail at Brandymore Castle, east of East Falls Church, in Arlington.  The hole is on the east side of the hill and has been marked by cones. 

Arlington Parks and Rec is aware of the situation.  There's been maintenance work on the lights along that stretch of trail over the last few months but no word if that's the cause.

Stay safe.

May 21 (Friday) Bike to Work Day

Note that the trail will be exceptionally busy with cyclists on Friday, May 21st. Cyclist will be gathering at "pit stops" along the trail. These are located in Leesburg, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, and Vienna. Also, cyclists may be riding in large groups. While the Bike To Work event is scheduled from 6:30 am to 9 a.m. heavy use will continue throughout the day as cyclists make return trips after work.

Recently Paved Section in Falls Church Park

Recent work paving the section of the W&OD in Falls Church Park between N.Van Buren St and the N.Sycamore extension has completed, leaving smooth fresh asphalt in place of what used to be quite a bumpy ride.

Avian Sights & Sounds

Lots of folks out on the trail for a Tuesday morning. Heard or saw following birds: Baltimore Orioles, Red-shouldered Hawks, White-eyed Vireo, Catbird (carring nesting material), Robins, Goldfinches, Indigo Buntings.

Message from Trail Manager

The staff here at the trail is gradually working our way along the trail to pick up the branches left over from the winter snows. We've been busy mowing in the meantime. When the weather is a little rainy we head out to pick up the branches. The majority of the branches have been picked up, though there are a couple of areas in Falls Church and sections west (like Simpson Circle) that remain. Thanks,Karl MohlePark ManagerW&OD Railroad Regional Park21293 Smiths Switch RoadAshburn, VA 20147(703) 729-0596 - office(703) 724-0898 - fax

On the road again

Out patrolling yesterday- seem like Spring is almost over and Summer is sneaking in. Most wildflowers are already past the blooming stage. Wild Pinkster Azaleas in full bloom along trail near Hunter Station Road and perfuming the path. Skunk Cabbage has reached full growth several weeks early along Difficult Run. Saw first Brown Thrasher of the year fly across the path and dive into the bushes. Construction for Metro extension has got paved trail west of Toll Road torn up and traffic diverted to bridle path, which has been re-graveled (is this a word?) and well tamped down. Looked like crew was ready to lay asphalt down as Jeff and I went back east after turning around. Traffic on trail was very light for a beautiful Spring day- hardly anyone out.

Trail Event

Please note the following event will concentrate large numbers of trail users.

Saturday April 24, 2010

Paul's Ride for Life begins at Reston Town Center and heads west for 10 & 30 mile options between mile markers 10 and 25. http://paulsrideforlife.org/

2010 Bike Show Featuring Extraordinary Rides (Reminder)

Just one last reminder, and thanks to John for letting me post these.

Just a reminder that the Phoenix Bikes' 2010 Bike Show is tomorrow, April 8 at 7pm.  It's a great time for a great cause, no spandex required.

Tickets are $20 now, $25 at the door.  Further details below.

Buy tickets here

Event Details
WHO: You, your friends, family, and Phoenix Bikes
WHAT: The Bike Show featuring - Extraordinary Rides
WHERE: NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA
WHEN: APRIL 8, 2010 from 7-9pm
HOW: Get here by Bike, Metro, Foot or Auto (bike parking available)

More info here

See you at the show!!

Trail Patrol Seeks New Members

Any responsible adult of any physical ability who walks, runs, skates, skis, cycles, rides a wheelchair, sits astride a horse, pushes a carriage, or just strolls on the trail is welcome to become a trail patrol member. The Patrol operates under the sponsorship of the Friends of the W&OD, whose purpose is to support and enhance the Trail. The basic responsibilities of a patrol member are to: (1) Promote the safe use of the Trail (2) Provide information about the Trail to the public(3) Assist Trail users when help is needed. Volunteers should be willing to commit a few hours each month to the Patrol's on-going effort to keep the W&OD Trail safe, to maintain and, hopefully augment the luster of this bright jewel of the region. Volunteers may choose to serve on the trail or behind the scenes in support of the patrol -- or both. Even a small contribution of your flexibly arranged time will be helpful, and the experience should be both rewarding and fun. If you wish to help in these capacities there is a role you can perform.For further information please contact the W&OD Trail Office at (703) 729-0596 or WOD@nvrpa.org. To apply on line go to www.wodfriends.org and go to the trail patrol tab.

Trail work

Notice from Town of Herndon
On Monday we will close SB lanes on Van Buren St. (see attached news release) for approximately 6-8 weeks. There will be one line of traffic crossing the trail in each direction (see MOT). Pedestrian signal will be turned off for the duration of closure and temporary stop signs installed for the trail users. We anticipate the town contractor to mobilize in mid April. http://www.herndon-va.gov/Content/Town_Services/Streets/Street_Closures_Detours/default.aspx?cnlid=2108

Arlington Flasher Update

Subject: ARLINGTON COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE: Arlington Police Advise Bike Trail SafetyFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 23, 2010MEDIA CONTACT: Det. Crystal Nosal, 703 228-4331; 571 221-1492Arlington Police Advise Bike Trail Safety;Indecent exposure suspect still at largeARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington County Police Department's Special Victim's Unit is investigating eleven incidents of indecent exposure that have occurred periodically since mid-January 2010, on the Washington and Old Dominion bike trail. A white male subject has been exposing himself to woman at various sections along the bike trail. Detectives are looking for more information from the public regarding these exposures.Anyone who uses the W & OD Bike trail and observes any suspicious activity is asked to contact police. Police have significantly increased patrols on the bike paths. They also urge people who frequently spend time on bike trails and other secluded areas to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Women should avoid walking or running alone, and they are encouraged not to use devices such as headphones that prevent hearing someone approach. Police recommend that bike trail users carry cell phones so that they can call police as soon as incidents occur. People should report anyone observed acting in a manner not consistent with other bike trail users, such as loitering in the wooded areas, as suspicious behavior.Anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact Detective Comer at (703) 228-4243 or Detective Austin at (703) 228-4241.Detective Crystal L. Nosal #1187Media Relations/Legislative AffairsArlington County Police Department1425 N. Courthouse RoadArlington, VA 22201703-228-4331cnosal@arlingtonva.us

Phoenix Bikes 2010 Bike Show

This doesn't really have anything to do with the W&OD Trail but its a fun bike-related event for a good cause. Also, the Phoenix Bikes shop is right off the W&OD trail at 4200 S Four Mile Run Dr, so it's kinda related.  (Full Disclosure: I am a volunteer with Phoenix Bikes and am on the 2010 Bike Show marketing committee)

Phoenix Bikes, a non-profit bike shop in Arlington, is holding their third annual Bike Show on April 8th, 2010 and they would like to invite you, your friends, and your family to come out and take part.

The event will include an art show, a silent auction, a raffle for awesome swag (like free bikes donated by local shops and other goodies), and speeches by local movers and shakers in the bike world. Plus, there will be plenty of free food and libations to go around. 

The Bike Show is a celebration of bikes and bike culture and every year Phoenix Bikes chooses a theme as the focus of their celebration. This year the show will highlight “Extraordinary Rides” experienced by riders from the DC Metropolitan area.

There will be seven rides featured.  In one, a cyclist biked across Southern Sudan to help treat the crippling effects caused by the Guinea worm. In another, three women biked from DC to Montreal to learn about community gardens and to make a documentary film on the issue. As part of the event, local artists will display artwork inspired by these and other Extraordinary Rides.

Tickets are $20 per person and two raffle tickets are included with the purchase.

You can buy tickets or find out more about the show here.

And if the promise of free booze, food, and prizes isn't enough entice you, here are some more highlights:

Special guests at the show will include: Chris Eatough, a six-time 24-hour Solo world champion mountain biker and the Director of Bike Arlington; Eric Gilliland, outgoing Executive Director of the Washington Area Bicycle Association and newly appointed Executive Director of the National Association of City Transportation Officials; and Jay Fisette, Chairman of the Arlington County Board and passionate cycling supporter. Jay will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the show.

Some items up for auction include: an R.E.Load Bag, jackets from Patagonia, Swobo cycling apparel, free admission to Madame Toussands, a One-year free membership at Arlington County fitness centers, a family package bike tour of Mount Vernon from Bike and Roll, and dozens of gift certificates from local and national companies. And there is still have more stuff coming in!

So if you're interested, make sure to buy your tickets early.

More info on Phoenix Bikes can be found here.

Event Details
WHO: You, your friends, family, and Phoenix Bikes
WHAT: The Bike Show featuring - Extraordinary Rides
WHERE: NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA
WHEN: APRIL 8, 2010 from 7-9pm
HOW: Get here by Bike, Metro, Foot or Auto (bike parking available)

Trail work west of route 28

PACIFIC BOULEVARD EXTENSION ACROSS W&OD TRAILBEGINNING TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010WEATHER PERMITTING• From 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. April 6th – 8th, trail traffic can expect flagging operations and intermittent stoppages (30 minutes or less) as crews erect bridge beams for the Pacific Boulevard Extension over the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. The future overpass and trail connection for Pacific Boulevard is about 1/8 mile west of the W&OD trail bridge over Route 28.• On weekdays throughout the months of April, May and June, trail traffic should expect flagging operations and intermittent stoppages (no longer than 10 minutes) for construction on the bridge deck. • During construction of the bridge, no access will be provided between the W&OD Trail and existing Pacific Boulevard to the south.• In observance of Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 21, 2010, no construction will be performed that would interrupt trail traffic.On behalf of the project team, we appreciate your cooperation during construction and look forward to a major improvement in traffic congestion and public safety once the project is complete.For more project information, visit www.virginiadot.org.

Oh what a great day to cycle

I started at route 28 and headed west. I wanted to experience the "horrible" bypass that was put in just west of Leesburg to accommodate work by Dominion Power. Well, the bypass is probably as hilly and twisty as you have heard BUT, I liked it. It made cycling that section more interesting and fun. I suppose if you want to pound out the miles on your drops you will not like the bypass; but that is not me. Anyway the trail is in good shape all the way to Paeonian Springs where I turned around.