Headed to the W&OD Trail? Get conditions via Twitter first.

Following Lance Armstrong on Twitter to learn the temperature wherever in the world he happens to be, or what he's watching on TV, or how many times he has peed in a cup may be entertaining. But it certainly isn't useful.

But the W&OD Trail on Twitter - now that's useful. Created by Brian Cheung (Evolution Cycling), the service enlists trail regulars to tweet in trail conditions via their mobile phones in real-time. Some examples:

"Trail was perfect from Ashburn to falls church! beware of a few spots of glass in the Herndon area."

"The parking lot gate leading to the trail at the bottom of Clarks Crossing @ Vienna is now closed and locked - Careful bombing the hill!"

If you ride the W&OD, Mount Vernon or Custis trails regularly and want to offer the occasional update, contact Brian and he'll get you set up.