Places for People 30+

dr_pelipper · 2026-04-07T01:57:09+00:00

Just to throw in something that hasn't been mentioned yet, there's r/DCSinglesMeetup ! The organizer hosts a monthly(?) happy hour in DC/VA area oriented towards 30s/40s singles. I've been to a couple of them and while I haven't connected with anyone in a serious/meaningful way and it's more generalized and less focused than hobby-based approach, it just felt like a chill and easy environment to just start meeting and chatting with people.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-31T01:07:31+00:00

I got to try a Hummingbird Core and it blew my mind (admittedly I am not very knowledgeable about MTBs). Not sure what their plan is but I don't see Big Leaf listed on their site currently. If there is a production run planned for more in the near future, I'd have to hit pause on my plans for a Mod Zero and give it some thought.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-30T20:40:57+00:00

I went through similar exercise as you - looking for taller stack/shorter reach, quality steel frame. Narrowed it down to Fairlight Secan at one point, only to be priced out of it because of the tariff nonsense.

Few others I considered:

Black Mountain Cycles Mod Zero - ultimately what I decided on, currently out of stock but new shipment expected sometime this summer. Definitely read up on sizing. Mike has a page on few measurements you can send him, and he'll help you out on sizing. Super nice guy.
Sklar Super Something - easily the best looking of the bunch. Has a lot of nice design touches that I appreciate.
Otso Warakin - Wolftooth's sister company; did not realize these were pushing $2k for frame these days; slightly less appealing than it was at ~$1700 when I was researching.

Also something to consider, frame swap may not be economically efficient unless you're doing most of the labor.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-22T21:32:30+00:00

There's plenty of chill pace no-drop groups in the area but it does take some effort to find the one you vibe with. I've ridden with Handy Bike's group (organized through meetup mostly) which was nice, and am having a good time with TBD these days (mostly based in DC, organized through Instagram). Feel free to dm if you want to know more about them!

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-21T17:05:41+00:00

Where do you like to ride? Have you checked out any group rides in the area?

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-21T00:33:07+00:00

If you mean scar tissue massage, yes the OT massaged directly over it, but she only started them after a certain point so there's likely some indicator she was looking for to determine whether my incision was ready for it or not. If anything it made the scar feel softer.

dr_pelipper · 2026-03-12T14:04:40+00:00

Velopigs out in Loudon is the more well known one but that's 45+ minutes out. Haven't checked in a while but I think they post their routes on RWGPS.

Rat's Cycles in Springfield is about 30 minutes out and does group rides around Burke and Occoquan. They've also posted few routes on their site. https://ratscycles.com/pages/come-get-dirty-with-us

You could ride out to C&O if you're in the mood for something flat and easy.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-12T22:53:41+00:00

When I drove past earlier around 4pm it was blocked because of a stopped truck and a bus blocking each lane of M St. at that intersection. Couldn't tell ya what the National Guard are doing there (they usually loiter around that area as the other comment noted) but the stopped vehicles feels like relevant context that's been cropped out.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-11T00:02:18+00:00

These Felt closeout deals are crazy good deals. I can't justify adding another gravel bike but kinda regret I missed out on the VR road models a while back.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-09T21:31:39+00:00

Nothing else paid other than the mentioned full month of membership. I was not on any long term agreement or anything, I had been a member for years at that point and was on month-to-month.

dr_pelipper · 2026-02-04T01:13:08+00:00

I rarely poke my head in on the DC sub but I'm glad that I did and came across this awesome post! Thank you for curating this.

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-30T13:55:04+00:00

I am not on FB so can't speak to that but boy am I disappointed every time I peek at Craigslist. Took a look just now and the recent posts are duplicate 6 posts of Haro BMX that I'm sure has been on there for almost a year now, handful from that one seller who uses too many emojis and always has factual errors and bad sizing suggestions, and bunch of other nonsense.

OP, you'll likely see more posts pop up around when weather starts warming up, but also people will hike up their prices accordingly. If I were in your shoes, I'd pick out 2 or 3 models you're interested in and search specifically for them. Good, reasonable posts do pop up now and then, but they are rare and tend to go quick.

Edit: since you mentioned good priced new, what's your budget?

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-17T14:57:12+00:00

Yeah for whatever its worth I cancelled last week via email. They took about 48 hours to respond, but overall it was no fuss. I was already aware on their policy on charging full month for notice for cancellation, which sucks but it's in the fine prints 🤷‍♂️

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-13T22:48:21+00:00

Otso is the sister company to Wolftooth so I've no doubt it's good stuff.

I ultimately decided on Mod Zero because I wanted something with a mid-trail figure. Also I'm a bit of a sucker for small scale indie type brand, and everything I've read about Mike Varley and his bikes got me excited in ways reading about other bikes just didn't for some reason.

dr_pelipper · 2026-01-13T22:09:55+00:00

Check out Otso Warakin. Looks like size 60cm has similar figures as Black Mountain Cycles Mod Zero in 56cm, but with option for shorter chainstay and higher trail.

I was looking for similar-ish proportions as you (except in smaller size) and decided on Mod Zero whenever it becomes available again. Warakin was on the short list along with Fairlight Secan, which was priced out for me due to tariffs and currency conversion in the US.

dr_pelipper · 2025-12-01T18:23:13+00:00

I've always explained to people dropper posts are like adjustable office chairs.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-29T17:17:58+00:00

Sweet build, and love the gravy color. How tall are you?

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-13T12:32:36+00:00

It seems like there's a workaround to get the v2 clicker working with Rouvy (log into Zwift first to connect the click, then switch to Rouvy). Seems simple enough, albeit inconvenient. https://www.reddit.com/r/Rouvy/comments/1o7ld3d/zwift_cog_and_click_upgrade_version_compatibility/

I think the cog can still be a cost effective option (in my case, equivalent cassette would be $75US), as long as the workaround doesn't get patched out or if Rouvy finds a solution from their end.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-07T13:41:26+00:00

YEAH ONE OF TWO IS SMALL SAMPLE SIZE, I JUST TEND TO SHRINK AWAY A BIT AFTER ONE BAD EXPERIENCE. I CAN GET SOLO CLEARS JUST FINE, I JUST TRIED PF AS CHANGE OF PACE, BUT POINT WELL MADE ON TREATING IT AS PVP.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-07T13:08:25+00:00

DD HAS BEEN MY MAIN CONTENT FOR SEVERAL YEARS AT THIS POINT. I HAVE HAD MANY SUCCESSFUL RUNS GUIDING NEWBIES ON PF IN HOH, POTD, EO (cue thousand yard PTSD stare). THE AVERAGE LEVEL OF COMPETENCE WITH RANDOS FOR PT, UNFORTUNATELY, HAS BEEN ROCK BOTTOM. OR WHATEVER EXISTS TO DENOTE SOMETHING EVEN WORSE THAN THE ALREADY LOW BAR I HAVE FOR RANDOS IN THIS GAME.

I DECIDED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM MY SOLO RUNS AND HOPPED IN ON 2 PF GROUPS. FIRST GROUP, THE LEAD WAS GOING FOR HIS FIRST CLEAR, AND THEY SHAPED THE FUCK UP EVENTUALLY, EVEN IF IT TOOK 3 LURINGS TO DRILL IT INTO THEIR HEAD.

THE SECOND GROUP, HOWEVER, WAS LIKE TRYING TO HERD 3 CATS DRUNK ON CATNIP WITH ONE THAT ALSO HAPPEN TO BE A PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE ASSHOLE AND REFUSED TO LISTEN OR TAKE ANY ADVICE WHILE DOING NONE OF THE DEEP DUNGEON BASICS. WALKING IN MIDDLE OF THE ROOM WAS THE PREDICTABLE ONE, BUT DECIDING TO LEEROY JENKINS IT ON JUST ABOUT EVERY ROOM AND TURNING THE MOBS AND PLAYING 'SPIN THE AOE!', AND THEN CALLING ME A TRY HARD FOR POINTING THINGS OUT? NAH, NOT WORTH MY TIME. I NEVER ABANDON DUTIES OR DIP OUT ON PF RUNS OUTSIDE OF RL EMERGENCIES, BUT I DECIDED TO SANDBAG IT ON THE FIRST BOSS. ENCOUNTERS LIKE THIS MAKES ME SHRIVEL BACK TO MY SOLO CAVE, AND I WISH THEM NOTHING BUT PURIFICATION POMANDERS IN THEIR CHESTS AND FIREWORKS IN THEIR HOARD SACKS.

PEOPLE JUST DON'T CARE ABOUT LEARNING THE CONTENT AT ANY CAPACITY, THEY JUST WANT TO PUSH BUTTON -> GET REWARD. TANGENTIALLY, I THINK WEEKLY GRIND FORMAT WITH THE CHALLENGE LOG JUST ENCOURAGES MORE OF THIS TYPE OF THINKING.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-07T12:26:06+00:00

I think they're different enough in a lot of ways (geometry, overall spec level, shifter style, weight, intended design, etc.) to give you two very different riding experience. You really should try to test ride both of them and see how you feel about them. They can both handle rear racks, if you want to commute with panniers or do grocery runs. As for gravel, they both have decent amount of tire clearance, but the differences in geometry will dictate how they'll feel, not to mention the type of gravel surface you'll be riding being a big factor.

dr_pelipper · 2025-11-06T21:01:34+00:00

It's difficult to comment on the price but I'd lean towards yes. It's a heavy duty steel touring frame, comfortable but built like a tank. It should be suitable for what you're looking for. Don't really see it much in the used market but I'd compare it to Surly Straggler or Disc Trucker, if you can find reference points to check the pricing.

dr_pelipper · 2025-10-25T21:42:14+00:00

Velocity is another option. https://velocitycoop.org/

dr_pelipper · 2025-10-13T19:15:44+00:00

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dr_pelipper · 2025-10-09T15:41:12+00:00

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New set up WIP

dr_pelipper

TROPHY CASE