View Full Version : biking in DC recommendations?
aeiea
10-05-2009, 09:03 PM
I'm traveling to DC tomorrow!!
Would love some recommendations. My hotel for the first few nights are in Alexandria Old Town. I heard it would be nice to bike around there. Then I'll be at a friend's place somewhere in DC proper (not too familiar with the area).
I do want to rent a bike one day and just tour DC/VA ... any recommendations of nice and easy paths? (Road)
owlice
10-05-2009, 09:36 PM
Downtown DC -- the tourist part (National Mall, Smithsonian, monuments, and all) -- is great for biking. Nice and easy, great sites.
The Mount Vernon (paved) trail is 15 miles long and runs next to the river in Virginia down to (you see this coming, I'm sure!) Mount Vernon. I haven't ridden that trail, but people I know who have really like it.
Check out www.bikewashington.org for more ideas.
Selkie
10-06-2009, 12:40 AM
Be careful on the Mt. Vernon Trail. It's heavily traveled, narrow and windy in spots, and a lot of the trail users either are plugged into IPODs or going way too fast. I avoid that trail for those reasons. However, if you go during a weekday day---say around noon---it shouldn't be as bad.
You might want to head north, and either go into the city or take the Custis Trail to the W&OD.
Cataboo
10-06-2009, 05:02 AM
Aeiea - how long are you going to be here? I wonder if a couple of us can bike in DC with you this weekend. I'm waiting for the forecast to firm up, 'cause i'm heading for the shore if there's no rain.
Cataboo
10-06-2009, 05:57 AM
I was hoping that you were going to be here during Bike DC - but that's Oct 17th, not this weekend.
The Mount Vernon trail is going to be a nice pretty one for you - it runs along the potomac, through woods, parks, and over the wetlands on bridges. I don't know if the leaves are turning over there and if any have dropped on the path (It is paved) - but wet leaves (or just leaves) on the path can be slippery. They tend to collect on downhills & turns.
there's a few twisty downhills (or uphills) with sharp turns onto bridges, etc... So take it easy going down hills.
If you take the path in the opposite direction, you go up to DC.
If you just want to putz around downtown you can ride to all the museums on the mall or wherever you want to go downtown. There are some bike lanes here and there on the street but if you don't feel comfortable you can ride on the sidewalk.
Do you want to see a bike trail or do you want to see the city?
ny biker
10-06-2009, 07:25 AM
If you just want to putz around downtown you can ride to all the museums on the mall or wherever you want to go downtown. There are some bike lanes here and there on the street but if you don't feel comfortable you can ride on the sidewalk. There are even bike lanes here and there.
Do you want to see a bike trail or do you want to see the city?
Cycling on the sidewalk is illegal in the DC Central Business District. Click the "DC Prohibited Sidewalk Cycling zone" link on this page to see the map.
http://www.waba.org/areabiking/maps.php
I second the bikewashington recommendation. Lots of info on that site.
aeiea
10-06-2009, 10:08 AM
I'm in DC until Sunday (morning). So I figured I'd do one ride on Friday and another ride on Saturday.
I'd love to join up if any of you are doing anything then! Group rides <3
Thanks for the recommendations; I will check them out.
Cycling on the sidewalk is illegal in the DC Central Business District. Click the "DC Prohibited Sidewalk Cycling zone" link on this page to see the map.
http://www.waba.org/areabiking/maps.php
On a weekend? Meh.
Cataboo
10-06-2009, 10:24 AM
On a weekend? Meh.
You scofflaw.
Have you been violating the law?
aicabsolut
10-06-2009, 04:26 PM
If you ride the Mt Vernon trail, then I would take it south from Old Town (not north to DC unless you plan on taking your time and going in just to tool around the monuments and such). There's often less multi-use traffic on the southern end, but on the weekends, it's not going to be great.
There's some great riding in and around DC. What area of the city will you be in? What kind of mileage do you want to do? Do you want to see the sights or ride to get in a good workout?
aeiea
10-06-2009, 08:00 PM
If you ride the Mt Vernon trail, then I would take it south from Old Town (not north to DC unless you plan on taking your time and going in just to tool around the monuments and such). There's often less multi-use traffic on the southern end, but on the weekends, it's not going to be great.
There's some great riding in and around DC. What area of the city will you be in? What kind of mileage do you want to do? Do you want to see the sights or ride to get in a good workout?
I'll be in Alexandria Old Town as I'll be performing in the evenings on Weds and Thurs, but the rest of time is up to me! I probably just want to see the sights (it is a bit of a vacation lol) or rather have a nice ride -- partially as my sister, who doesn't often ride bikes, will be riding with me. I've been to DC before and don't need to see the monuments or smithsonian (unless they're on the way) -- my main priority is to check out VA/DC nature views... whatever is different from Los Angeles. Which will probably mean -- autumn!!!
I am definitely feeling this Mt Vernon trail :) Thanks all.
Cataboo
10-06-2009, 08:03 PM
If you want to do nature views - do the Mount Vernon trail. The C&O Canal towpath might be a nice one.
Western Maryland rail trail is 22 miles of paved flat that's up near the mountains that you can return on the C&O canal... it's a bit of a drive out of DC, but could be worth it.
tulip
10-07-2009, 04:14 AM
Make sure to have a bell on your bike and use it. Or yell Passing on Your Left or some such phrase. And don't ride too fast. Lots of people are on that trail, but if you go south, there will be fewer. Nice views of the Potomac.
There's a bike shop in Old Town Alexandria that rents bikes. In fact, there are two. Big Wheel Bikes is down on Duke Street at the very end towards the river. It's a yellow building--just follow Duke Street toward the river and you'll get to it. The other one is on Montgomery Street (I think) in Old Town North. It's called Wheel Nutz.
Pedal Wench
10-07-2009, 05:47 AM
I'm heading up to DC tonight for the 3-Day Walk. I'll be on a VERY fluffy pink mountain bike, I have a pink helmet with a tiara, or a cowboy hat with a pink boa when I'm directing traffic. Pink tutu or pink tennis skirt too. Stop and say hello if you see me! :) Unless the pinkness scares you away!:o
tulip
10-07-2009, 09:37 AM
Wave as you pass by the clock tower in Richmond!
owlice
10-07-2009, 05:53 PM
Cycling on the sidewalk is illegal in the DC Central Business District. Click the "DC Prohibited Sidewalk Cycling zone" link on this page to see the map.
http://www.waba.org/areabiking/maps.php
Oh, hell's bells, I ride on the sidewalk on the Mall up to the Capitol! I wouldn't ride on a sidewalk north of Constitution Avenue, but on the south sidewalk of Constitution and further south of it, I do it whenever I'm biking in DC :eek:, as do loads of other bikers.
(Good to know that it's not legal, though; now I'll smile when I ride! :D )
Another nice ride is the Capital Crescent Trail, which parallels the C&O for a bit and runs up to Bethesda. If you are going to ride the C&O, you want fat tires if you're going to head up to Great Falls (which is very pretty and good for nature). The C&O Canal towpath is rocky in the Great Falls area.
Rock Creek Park is good for nature, too. From Alexandria, you have easy access to Capital Crescent, C&O, and Rock Creek. Not so much for nature, but another nice little ride, if you're riding in DC, is around Hains Point. It's a different perspective on DC, and is a very very (very) popular loop for bikers, runners, skaters, etc.
(I was biking around Hains Point yesterday, and had to really work to pass one skater.... me passing someone almost never happens. Of course, she later passed me. I was doing what for me is a very speedy 14 MPH, and she zoomed right on by.)
Parts of Rock Creek are closed to motor vehicle traffic from 7 AM Saturday to 7 PM Sunday (and on holidays). The hiking is good in the park, too.
Possegal
10-07-2009, 06:57 PM
Today the Capital Crescent was like an obstacle course of downed branches and large tree paraphernalia. My niece and I enjoyed it, but laughed at all the defensive maneuvering we had to do. I'm amazed neither of us have a flat at this point (though I haven't checked my bike since I got home). Other than that, gorgeous day for a ride on it!
aeiea
10-11-2009, 10:04 PM
Just got home but wanted to thank everyone for their input!
My sister (who hadn't biked since childhood) and I went to Big Wheel Bikes, rented some (actually, first hour was free!), and rode down the Mt. Vernon Trail. SO AMAZING, so much fun! My sister had a blast too. Great sibling bonding moments.
I mentioned the Mt. Vernon Trail to some of my friends who live in DC, and they had no idea what I was talking about... so in fact I'm introducing them to their area.
Not enough time (and a bit rainy) to do the other recommendations, but next time... so much to do!
THANK YOU
tulip
10-12-2009, 06:22 AM
Just got home but wanted to thank everyone for their input!
My sister (who hadn't biked since childhood) and I went to Big Wheel Bikes, rented some (actually, first hour was free!), and rode down the Mt. Vernon Trail. SO AMAZING, so much fun! My sister had a blast too. Great sibling bonding moments.
I mentioned the Mt. Vernon Trail to some of my friends who live in DC, and they had no idea what I was talking about... so in fact I'm introducing them to their area.
Not enough time (and a bit rainy) to do the other recommendations, but next time... so much to do!
THANK YOU
I'm glad you had a good time with your sister. About your friends not knowing about the MVT...well, I would bet they don't know about a WHOLE lot of DC. I found that people stick to what they know and rarely venture out. Too bad, because the whole city is a really neat place. I was fortunate to discover all sorts of interesting places thanks to commuting and exploring by bike all over the District. Most people know the route from their apartment to the nearest Metro and that's it.
Cataboo
10-12-2009, 06:25 AM
Hrm. I lived within 20 miles of DC most of my life. The furthest I've lived is maybe 100 miles away... Driving in DC typically gives me hives.
I'm pretty sure I've seen less of DC than the average tourist.
I've never even been up the Washington monument.
That's awesome you loved the trail, Aieia... It really is a pretty one
tulip
10-12-2009, 06:31 AM
Hrm. I lived within 20 miles of DC most of my life. The furthest I've lived is maybe 100 miles away... Driving in DC typically gives me hives.
I'm pretty sure I've seen less of DC than the average tourist.
I've never even been up the Washington monument.
That's awesome you loved the trail, Aieia... It really is a pretty one
Well I've never been up the Washington Monument, nor in the Capitol. I'm talking about the 'real' city--the parts where people actually live. And I'm not talking about Georgetown or Dupont Circle, either, although people do actually live there. I'm talking about NE DC. And SE--there are some amazing houses and neighborhoods in Anacostia. And far NW is very, very nice, too. SW is interesting and quite manageable since it's the smallest quadrant.
I understand that construction is coming along nicely on the Metropolitan Branch Trail in NE DC. It runs from Catholic University in Brookland all the way to Union Station along the Metro tracks. Well, right now it kinda stops at M Street, but they will eventually build a bridge to Union Station. I took that route (dirt and gravel) before it was under construction and it cut off 10 minutes from my 1.25 hour commute down to Alexandria. I can only imagine how cool it would be to take it now! There's also some amazing grafitti along the trail--really amazing. DC TEers should check it out on their next DC get together! Maybe I'll come up for that, even!
Go exploring! A wonderful ride ever year is the 50 States Ride that hits all 50 State Avenues in the District. It takes all day, and is just great. It's held in September.
ny biker
10-12-2009, 08:29 AM
Best time to go inside the Washington Monument is January-February. There are no lines that time of year. The view is impressive.
I did the 50 States ride the first year WABA ran it. It was in June that year and very hot. Some people warned me that I would be in some bad neighborhoods in NE. But I found the people were extremely nice there. Polite kids who were very curious about our bikes, and really nice helpful people working at the convenience stores. And some kids selling freshly baked cookies.
tulip
10-12-2009, 10:28 AM
...Some people warned me that I would be in some bad neighborhoods in NE...
My experience is that the people with the warnings have never ventured past their comfort zone. Too bad; they are missing out on a vibrant and wonderful city.
They moved the 50 States ride to September because it was just too hot earlier in the summer. When I did it 3 years ago, it was in August and way too hot for an all day ride.
7rider
10-12-2009, 10:39 AM
I'm pretty sure I've seen less of DC than the average tourist.
Pretty much the only time we "explore" D.C. is when we have company come from out of state. If it's their first time here, we do the requisite "Museum and Monument Tour". Otherwise, we hit the art museums or the zoo, depending on interest.
pfunk12
10-12-2009, 12:21 PM
A former co-worker of mine lived in DC - near the U Street Corridor - and he would commute to work by bike almost every day. Since his commute was so short, he would leave his apartment early and ride around and explore the city so he could get in extra mileage. He would do the same thing after work - riding through every quadrant. Our secretary, who lives in SE DC, would tease him and tell him that he was going to get in trouble. No one ever bothered him and he often met really nice people who were curious about what the heck he was doing in their neighborhood.
aicabsolut
10-12-2009, 01:37 PM
When I ride my bike, I try to get out of the District as quickly as possible. During rush hour, I take the CCT. Otherwise, I typically head out MacArthur Blvd. Most of my riding around the city, I avoid places I hate to drive. I generally go to Hains, though I will tool around the Capitol or cut in front of the White House on the way home after traffic dies down.
tulip
10-12-2009, 02:16 PM
Aicabsolut, I'm not a racer anymore, so I prefer to just explore on my bike and not worry about training. But there are some great opportunities for climbing, fartlek, and just bike-exploring all throughout DC and not just in NW. Traffic in NW is worse than other parts of the city, particularly if you get off the main drags. Don't get me wrong, MacArthur is a nice ride on the weekends, but it's hardly all of DC.
But I get it that some folks just don't like to explore cities. I do; I guess that's why I did the whole architecture-urban design-city planning thing for my schoolin' and my workin' (and my playin').
pfunk12
10-12-2009, 02:41 PM
Tulip - I think it's great that you explored DC by bike. I wish I could do it but I always feel like I have a target on my back during my commute in the city. I'm usually a nervous wreck because so many motorists are speeding, not paying attention, in a hurry, etc. and they could care less if they run me off the road. I'm very confident of my ability to ride in traffic (not so much when I first started commuting) and I'm always very aware of my surroundings (I try to predict what could happen). But...I always breathe a sigh of relief when I hit the Cap Crescent Trail. Just last week when I was leaving my building and a co-worker yelled, "Be safe!", I crossed the street when I got the green light and a car came within inches of hitting me. I came to the conclusion a few weeks ago that a good commute for me is one where I don't have an altercation or near altercation with a motorist. Maybe some day, I'll get the courage to explore the city!
tulip
10-12-2009, 05:26 PM
pfunk, let me know if you want some routes to explore. I'll start you off easy ;). The trick is to get OFF of the main roads and don't go the way you would if you were to drive. There are many, many wonderfully quiet roads all throughout the District that are great for cycling.
If I still lived there, I'd take you out exploring myself! I am going to come up to ride the Metropolitan Branch Trail in the spring, though. So if y'all are game, we can meet up.
Cataboo
10-12-2009, 05:52 PM
Tulip, I took your advice and paddled around dc today ;)
I rode down a heretofore unknown alley in Frederick today :rolleyes:
Cataboo
10-12-2009, 07:21 PM
I rode down a heretofore unknown alley in Frederick today :rolleyes:
Should you show it to me?
Nah. it was over by the hospital, thru to Dill Ave. then thru College Terrace area, ended up on Second Street, up the hill in front of Frederick HS where I had to get off and wait thru a light cycle because I was in a line of cars and had to start (from a stop) at the top of the hill:p
tulip
10-13-2009, 06:15 AM
That is so cool, Catriona and Zen! Catriona, because of my lack-of-boat status, I was not able to paddle around DC, although several times I did rent a kayak at the Bladensburg Marina and paddled down the Anacostia and into the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. That is a wonderful, wonderful place, from both the land and the water. If you paddle there, though, you have to time it with the tides, since at low tide, the gardens are not passable.
I've also paddled from Bladensburg Marina down the Anacostia to the Route 50/NY Ave Bridge, but I haven't gone beyond that. You could go all the way to the ballpark and the Potomac, but there's a very low railroad bridge that I'm not sure you can get under, and also it's a long haul back if you're going against the tide.
You all have inspired me to start a new thread on Exploring Your City By Bike. First, though, I'll have to get out and do a bit of exploring and take some pictures and then I'll start the thread. That won't happen today; maybe tomorrow, though...I've been in Richmond for 2 years and there's alot to explore. Thanks for the inspiration, y'all.
Cataboo
10-13-2009, 06:27 AM
Tulip, I've been through the Aquatic gardens on foot before, but not by boat. I once took a Botany class at George Washington, and we went all over the DC area learning about all the plants. I wish I remembered more of that.
I put in at Columbia island marina, went up the river a bit, then came down, went up the fork at Haines Point, went by the Maine St. Harbor, then up under the bridges and got to a tunnel that was really really low since it was high tide. There were bolts sticking out of the ceiling, 3 pigeons had flown up inside a hole in it, and there were lots of spider webs with big spiders... and I'd've literally had to hug my kayak deck to get through...
I sat and pondered it, because I think it went to the reflecting pool... but I was a little worried as to whether there was anything trapped in the water under there and whether I'd be able to get back out (water was running rapidly into it and there was a barrier on the other side.. I wouldn't have been able to paddle to come out)...
so in the end, it was the spiders that were the deciding factor and I went back down the Potomac past the Woodrow Wilson bridge & checked out the National Harbor & Old town Alexandria. I was debating going up the Anacostia, but figured I'd leave that as another trip.
I usually take my boat and look for areas that have no humans or buildings :)
Pics are here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ImmunoGirl/PaddlingAroundDC#
I can't remember if I sent you the pics I took in Maine, but if you go out to the main page, there's a ton of those.
Cataboo
10-13-2009, 06:33 AM
Nah. it was over by the hospital, thru to Dill Ave. then thru College Terrace area, ended up on Second Street, up the hill in front of Frederick HS where I had to get off and wait thru a light cycle because I was in a line of cars and had to start (from a stop) at the top of the hill:p
I haven't actually ridden or walked or driven through much of downtown frederick. We should go on a picture taking tour one of these days.
pfunk12
10-13-2009, 06:37 AM
Catriona - Your photos are beautiful.
And Tulip, I'll take you up on your offer to recommend an easy route to explore DC!
Catriona - Your photos are beautiful.
If only they had identifying captions :(
Cataboo
10-13-2009, 07:25 AM
If only they had identifying captions :(
Meh. I was wiped out last night & didn't get there. I was using a boat I hadn't used before, and I must have been using my arms too much while paddling - because they were dead... however they were already sore from playing with kites. And the sun never came out, and I think being chilly just tires you out.
I'm going to pretend that I musta been fighting a lot of current or something. I did have a headwind to fight most of the way back.
Besides, it's DC... don't you recognize most of it?
I wanna know what the unusual buildings are. Were you over by Washington Harbor?
Cataboo
10-13-2009, 07:57 AM
I wanna know what the unusual buildings are. Were you over by Washington Harbor?
Yeah - Went to Washington Harbor & went to National Harbor.
Chances are I don't know what the unusual buildings were - there weren't any labels on a lot of the buildings.
I was really tempted to stop at Washington harbor & get some steamed shrimp 'cause I could smell them cooking it. But since I didn't have my usual boat, I didn't have rope in it with me - so I wouldn't have been able to tie up the kayak. So I ate my apple instead.
Yeah - Went to Washington Harbor & went to National Harbor.
Ya, National Harbor is the one I was thinking of. That's where the bridge with the arched trusses are.
Cataboo
10-13-2009, 11:19 AM
Ya, National Harbor is the one I was thinking of. That's where the bridge with the arched trusses are.
The Woodrow Wilson or whatever they're calling the replacement bridge.
ny biker
10-13-2009, 11:20 AM
The Woodrow Wilson or whatever they're calling the replacement bridge.
It's still the Wilson Bridge. Just a new and improved one.
aicabsolut
10-13-2009, 06:43 PM
Aicabsolut, I'm not a racer anymore, so I prefer to just explore on my bike and not worry about training. But there are some great opportunities for climbing, fartlek, and just bike-exploring all throughout DC and not just in NW. Traffic in NW is worse than other parts of the city, particularly if you get off the main drags. Don't get me wrong, MacArthur is a nice ride on the weekends, but it's hardly all of DC.
But I get it that some folks just don't like to explore cities. I do; I guess that's why I did the whole architecture-urban design-city planning thing for my schoolin' and my workin' (and my playin').
Yeah...coming from about as far SW as NW gets...I really can't go anywhere deeper into the city without going through worse traffic before things start to get better. I keep thinking that it would be nice to go out near RFK sometimes, but yeah.. I never make it.
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