The Otakus Take A Ride

Yesterday was clear and cold (upper 30's, low 40's) in our (or my, at least) nation's capital. So the Otaku clan saddled up for a ride.

Mrs. Otaku rode a quietly elegant 1985 Trek 720.



This bike has too much nice stuff to mention, but I'll try: 32h Croce D'Aune hubs laced to Campy Omega Hardox rims, Suntour Cyclone Front/Rear derailleur, CLB brake levers from Chris K's private stock at Velo Orange, Shimano XTR bottom bracket, Stronglight Headset, VO Grenouille brakes, ITM stem, Nitto Randonneur bars, Honjo fluted fenders, Brooks Countess saddle. C-Record dt Shifters.

My Trek 620 is the traction unit for baby Otaku's cozy Burley trailer. We hit the road and soon intersected with one of the seedier warrens of the Georgetown Branch Trail.





Crossing over Rock Creek into Chevy Chase, the social climate warms considerably. My son likes to watch the horses at Meadowbrook Stables, but from the comfort of his trailer:



The cold was not slowing down this budding equestrienne.



Rock Creek Parkway is largely closed to motorized traffic on weekends, giving the Otakus a safe, straight shot to the heart of D.C. We were aiming for Hayne's Point.



It isn't called Rock Creek for nothing.



And the stream valley gives the opportunity for a number of interesting bridges.





Our little flock takes a quick break. It is quite cold, outside the trailer anyhow, from which Otaku Junior still refuses to emerge.



Memorial Bridge from a low angle behind the Lincoln Memorial. This area is actually a little grungy - bad pavement, litter, detritus in the water.



We finally arrive at Haynes Point. The place isn't quite the same since they removed the awakening statue.



We take a very quick and chilly break. Otaku Junior, in maroon, risks a brief foray from the comfort of his litter.



Mrs. Otaku's special cycling onigiri provides sustenance. Believe it or not, my kid wolfs this stuff down.



The Trek 720 is looking good.



It was quite windy and cold at Haynes Point, so without further ado or photography, we hightailed it home up the Capital Crescent trail.

Here is another shot of my 1985 Trek 620 warhorse, which actually carries 1986 decals and paint styling.



This bike includes Dura Ace RD-7700-GS rear derailleur (I love these..), Specialized Triple Cranks, CR-18 wheels, rear hub is Campy Croce d'Aune, front is Schmidt Dynohub. Early Nitto mini rack. Brooks Conquest saddle. Berthoud stainless fenders. Bridgestone Solar powered fender mounted taillight. Rivendell Silver dt shifters. Canti brakes are Tektro knockoffs of Mafac frogless. All these parts are from the original build in 2000 w/the exception of the taillight, a recent addition to replace my dynamo powered taillight, and the brakes.