Adventures on the Metro

I'm no stranger to the Metro at all. I've grown up taking it into and out of the city, and usually it's a very enjoyable ride. This past weekend was not one of those time. Let me paint the scene for you. A million tourists who aren't familiar with the Metro, that's a million screaming kids and families, stressed out city-dwellers, and angry sports fans. And me, with a bike in tow. See, I don't think anyone had realized that the day of our training ride was also the opening day for the Nationals, the Marathon, and the Cherry Blossom festival. Needless to say that there were a million stares of white hot hatred all aimed at me and my bike when I pushed my way into the train at the Vienna Metro stop. I tried to stay optimistic, to ignore all the angry grunts and glowers. I figured, 'Hell, I'm allowed to bring this bike on the train, and all of you chose to come in on the Metro today. Tough'. But that still didn't make getting off the orange any less tricky. It was sort of like giving birth, with all of these people trying to push into the train while I was exiting. The red line was far more enjoyable, with a pair of nice ladies who let me block them into their seats with my bike because they were riding to the end of the line. Thanks strangers!

Through some act of God I managed to get to Bethesda on time, relatively. I had to call Josh, an alum who helped plan the ride, and meet him on the Capital Crescent Trail. We didn't remember to describe each other, so he passed me before doubling back. Needless to say, I was only ten minutes late to the house to start the ride. The ride itself was fun; I was very impressed by how cyclist friendly the area was. Lots of "Share the Road" signs all over the place. I missed a turn during the ride, so I lost my spot as the lead. Thankfully, the road dead-ended pretty quickly and I was able to get back on the right road just as Josh was pulling onto it. The route was fun, no horrible climbs, except at the end. Josh asked Roger, a cyclist on the Southern Route, and I if we were up to a last challenge. I should have said no, 'cause it killed me. The hill didn't have a bad grade, but it was a long one. I barely made it up.

Afterwards we had a barbeque, which was legendary, compliments of Eleni. We beat the girls back home by a good half hour, partly because Eleni had never been on a roadbike, had platform pedals, and was stuck in her highest gear in the casette. Essentially, she had a lot going against her. I was incredibly impressed that she finished the ride at all, and in great spirits. I doubt that I would have fared so well. I heard some great stories, met some cool riders, and learned a few things about cycling. Then I got back in the Metro.

In terms of unpleasantness, I'd say the return trip won the prize. I had a very unpleasant woman scowling and snarling at me for about thirty minutes, before she yelled at me, "don't touch me with your bike", and stormed off swearing. This gleaming example of humanity was later overshadowed by someone yelling at myself and several mothers pushing strollers to "move" into an elevator. I'll just close by saying, next training ride, let's check the event calendar.

Peace out Hombres!