Kidical HP 100: The Finale - December 2019

This December we ring out the decade and see the finale of the wonderful HP100 - an awesome, fun day-long festival ride around Hains Point to raise funds and awareness for WABA’s Women & Bicycles program. The HP100 is getting kidical (again): We will have our own special roll out and mini-loop (WITH SPECIAL KIDICAL HANDUPS/STOP-AND-GRABS ON THE ROUTE!!!) 

And this year there's a special raffle for a BRAND NEW BALANCE BIKE!

This isn't a typical Kidical Mass ride -- there will be lots of other riders doing a longer ride and we're just going to ride in a mini loop once -- but it'll be a blast.  The fun continues all day, and you are welcome to ride the entire loop and do as much or as little as you'd like!

We'll start and ride near the tip of Hains Point, which conveniently has an awesome play structure and bathrooms. The Hains Point loop is a completely FLAT 3 mile loop, our mini-loop will be a completely flat 1/2 mile, with a bit of gravel. There are no hills. Plus, it’s got scenic views of the river, the harbor (LOTS OF BOATS) and the airport (PLANES). 

There is no registration fee for the ride, however riders are encouraged to donate to WABA's Women & Bikes.  There are lots of giveaways, raffles, donations and hand-ups the people have donated that will be part of the fun. So if you are participating in the festivities, riders are encouraged to sign-up on the HP100 site.  Details about the ride, sign-up and donate here: www.HainsPoint100.com

There is parking near the start/finish– please park cars along the side of the main street, and not in the start/finish section (there are plenty of spots on the sides).
 
Our mini-loop should end around the time of the first raffle prizes.  And stick around afterwards to check out and chat about the many family-friendly rigs that will be out there. And don't forget, there are active Kidical Mass rides all over the Washington area - come meet some of their regulars!

There will be lots of give-aways and treats. Come! Bring friends! Donate to WABA!

When:  Sunday, December 22, 2019, meet 10:15am, roll out 10:30am RAFFLE at 11am (though the fun will continue all day, and you’re welcome to come down any time)
Start/finish: Hains Point – the tip (the bike symbol on this map)
Parking: Along the sides of Hains Point
 
PS. Sunday morning weather is looking to be warmer than its been, but still cold-ish. Don't forget to bundle up!
Happy Holidays!

October 2019: Arlington Fun Ride & Cargo Bike Test Rides!

The Arlington Fun Ride is new and improved, starting and ending this year at Phoenix Bike's new location at the Arlington Mill Community Center.  This year, the Kidical Mass ride will offer a short, easy 2 mile route, suitable for new riders.

Also, our friends at ElectriCity Bikes in Tenleytown are bringing some cargo bikes to test ride!  You can come for 2 mile ride and/or just come to Arlington Mill to see the cargo bikes in person and take test rides.

And there's more!  Arlington Mill will also host the family-friendly finish festival for the Fun Ride, complete with moonbounce, face painting, raffles (starting at 11am), snow cones and lots of family fun!  It will be going from 10am - noon, so we can enjoy it after the ride.

When: Saturday, October 5
Meet: 10:00am - Arlington Mill Community Center S Dinwiddie St & Columbia Pike - roll out 10:15am
Parking: Arlington Mill Community Center
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31180163

Yes, this is our sixth year teaming up with the Fun Ride! We'll start at the Arlington Mill Community Center, after the intrepid souls doing the full Arlington Fun Ride leave for the (long and hilly) Arlington loop.  After a safety briefing, we'll roll out along the Four Mile Run trail, riding an easy 2 miles to the Long Branch Nature Center and back.  The route is as flat as we get in Arlington.  Perfect for kids new to riding and anyone new to groups, or who just wants a very relaxed, easy route.

Registration for the Fun Ride is encouraged! (though not mandatory -- if you register by 9/25, you  a cool t-shirt and  your donation goes to support Phoenix Bikes, register for the 2 mile option).

Hope to see y'all there!

September 2019: Towers Park to Trek!

Arlington County has a new bike trail, and Kidical Mass is excited to explore it!  For this ride, we will ride along the new trail from Towers Park and will ride past the campus with TJ Middle School and the new Fleet Elementary School.  

We'll then connect through Lyon Park into Clarendon, where our friends at Trek will welcome us with an ice cream social (with coffee for adults). 

To make things easier Trek, please RSVP via the Facebook event by noon on Saturday).  

We'll meet at 4:15pm, but we won't roll out until 4:30pm.  There is water at the park but NO bathrooms.  All are welcome. The ride is free.

The ride is planned for a bit less than 4 miles and it's pretty flat for Arlington.  We cross all major streets at lights.

When: Saturday, September 29, 2019
Meet: 4:15pm Towers Park - S Scott St & 9th St S (roll out 4:30pm)
Parking: Towers Park parking lot
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31087249

To get back to Towers Park, staying on the trail along 27 under Rte 50 will shave about a mile off the ride.

July 2019: Rocky Run to Dawson Terrace!

Arlington County has some amazing parks, and Kidical Mass is going ride between two of the best: we'll start at Rocky Run, and end at the newest playground, Dawson Terrace.  The ride will wind around Clarendon and Lyon Village a bit, and enjoy a lovely little hidden gem in of a street in North Highlands.  

We'll meet at 10am, but we won't roll out until 10:15am.  There are water and bathrooms.  We'll end at Dawson Terrace, with it's really cool new playground.  There's also a hiking trail, if people want to enjoy a little walk after the ride.

The ride is planned for a hair more than 3 miles and it's pretty flat, especially once we've left Rocky Run.  We cross all major streets at lights.

When: Sunday, July 14, 2019
Meet: 10:00am Rocky Run Park - North Barton & Fairfax Drive (roll out 10:15am)
Parking: Neighborhood streets
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30480282

Gillian's Birthday Ride

 

Hi all! Grant Mandsager (Mr. KidicalMassArl) here. I'm taking over the June ride to celebrate Gillian's 40th birthday. I want to make it a huge, fun, rolling party - so invite your friends, neighbors, anyone and everyone on two wheels. In true KidicalMass style, the ride is 3.5 miles, doesn't climb any big hills and we will travel at a PARTY PACE slow enough for riders of all ages and abilities. 

WHEN: Saturday, June 8 10:00am

WHERE: Henry Clay Park, 3011 7th St N, Arlington, VA 22201

RIDE: The ride will be 3.5 miles through North Arlington, hitting some of our favorites, including the Quincy Street protected bike lane which Gillian has advocated tirelessly for, and (I think) a new (to us) trail!

 Route map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29853481

The ride will end at Bon Air Park, where we will have set up a picnic birthday celebration. We will have hot dogs, burgers and veggie options on the grill and other food/drink. If you plan on joining us for the picnic, please email me at grant.mandsager@gmail.com so I can make sure we have enough food.

April 2019: Arlington Women's Club Bike Rodeo & Ride

Happy Spring!

It's time to shake out the winter stiffness, and get out on our bikes!

RODEO Saturday, April 27, the Arlington Women's Club is again hosting a Kidical Mass Arlington, Phoenix Bikes, Bike Arlington bike rodeo.  There will be stations to practice bike skills, Phoenix mechanics to check out bikes, and SNACKS!  Bring helmets and a bike for your kid, if you have one.  Bike Arlington will have balance bikes to borrow (bring helmets).

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019 10am - noon

Where: Arlington Women's Club, 700 South Buchannon Street, 22204

Parking is easy at the park and on neighborhood streets. All are welcome. The rodeo is free.

RIDE At 11am, we will welcome spring with our first Kidical Mass Arlington ride of 2019! This will be short and sweet. We will start our safety talk around 11am, then ride around the neighbor as a group.  The route is only 2 miles long, fairly flat and easy.  We should be back by 11:45 at the latest.  Like all of our rides, kids must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2019 11am

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29759464


Also, Phoenix will be collecting bike donations at the rodeo. Bring those bikes that are collecting dust and their youth mechanics will fix them up and get them to a new home!