Biking In Lake Fairfax

Yesterday, after feeling restless and not wanting to waste the beautiful day we were having, I decided to drive to Lake Fairfax Park in Reston for a bike ride. I've been here a few times overall and have yet to be disappointed with the one trail I have always ridden. The trail parallels a creek and winds through wooded areas and crosses various roads including Route 7 at one point. There are also several points where you ride through the creek. I have yet to find a comparable ride in Loudoun without subjecting myself to trespassing and having to outrun a shotgun blast of rocksalt.

It was such a nice day out I was caught off guard when I arrived and saw the park virtually empty. I figured people weren't taking advantage of the day because they were still working due to it being Friday, people were out of the area getting a head start on their Memorial Day weekend, or the park was closed and I was, indeed, trespassing. I saw no signs saying they were closed and continued into the park. I drove to the picnic area which is quite often reserved for large functions. I found a few vehicles parked in this area and a small group of people beginning a cookout but nobody gave me the stinkeye so I parked and saddled up.

I began down the trail and noticed there were plenty of muddy spots leftover from the recent rain we've had. I wasn't terribly in the mood to clean my bike later so I tried to somewhat avoid the deepest spots. I made it through relatively clean and afterward was somewhat disappointed by my own wussiness. Getting out and dirty was half the point!

I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't see anyone on the trail for a while. I was so busy focusing on the trail directly in front of me that I almost didn't see a female jogger coming toward me. I'd like to say there was an almost-collision, but I don't want to be overdramatic, although I only saw her at the last moment. She was jogging along listening to music and was certainly cute enough to talk with, but I didn't. And not just because of my wussiness. Mostly because she was heading in the opposite direction and distracted by her music. I also didn't want to get a facefull of pepperspray which she undoubtedly kept hidden inside her sportsbra. I'll tell you quite honestly, after having been exposed to pepperspray before, I'd much rather take that shotgun blast of rocksalt.

Aside from the squirrels, there was a lack of animal sightings on the trail. I've never really seen any on any of my trips out to the park, but I am always hoping. I did see a hawk sitting in the creek but before I could get my camera out it flew off. I did see evidence along the trail and creek bed of deer and other animals.

I casually began riding back to my jeep and saw a few other people riding their bikes. I also saw the jogger again. This time I got a better look. Perhaps it's okay that I didn't talk with her.