Getting Started in DC

[7rider]

I recently moved to the DC area and want to get into riding, possibly eventually joining a road racing team. I have no true intensive biking experience. Are there any recommendations for pure novices in terms of finding a good shop ride, bike routes, bike shop, team, and bike model in the Metro DC area (VA/MD/DC)? Someone recommended the Giant OCR 3 W. Thank you!

Hi! Welcome to TE and the D.C. area!
Be sure to join discussions with a group of locals in the Mid-Atlantic discussion forum. We're a friendly bunch!

Oxon Hill and Potomac Pedlars are ride clubs, but not racing teams. They are great places to go to get to know the area, however, and have rides for a variety of levels.

For racing, two local teams are Artemis and Squadra Coppi.

For local shops, I have to admit my bias towards the Bicycle Place in Silver Spring (on Grubb Road, off East West Highway). They are covenient to some really nice riding in Rock Creek Park and have a group ride every sunday a.m. that is spirited (i.e., pretty fast) and friendly (and latey, BIG). The Bike Place Velo Club has spawned many local racers and is a great place to get your feet wet in the local racing scene. Post-ride coffee discussion often includes a re-cap of local races and tips from the more experienced riders.

Again, welcome!!

[ny biker]

My bike shop is The Bike Lane. Their original location is in Burke, Va, and they just opened a second shop in Reston Town Center right off the WOD trail. The owners, Anne and Todd Mader, are both active cyclists and are also very supportive of the local cycling community. They have a good selection of women-specific bikes and accessories and also do a great job with bike fitting.

They lead a weekly Saturday morning road ride at their Burke location and they're also starting up weekly rides at their Reston shop (they only just opened at the end of June). They also have a race team.

http://www.thebikelane.com

[tulip]

I heard good things about the Bike Lane when I lived in the area. But it was just way too far out for me to get to so I never went. Proteus was much closer to where I lived. If you can, you might like to spend a day just going to different bike shops and checking out what you like (and don't like) about each. Think of it as pre-purchase surveillance.

[madscot13]

If you can, you might like to spend a day just going to different bike shops and checking out what you like (and don't like) about each. Think of it as pre-purchase surveillance.

all of my bike shop run- ins are like this, alas.

I've heard good things about proteus from TNT also. The word has spread near and far! Good luck with the riding. It is highly addictive.

[Velobambina]

Proteus is worth the drive to College Park.

[tulip]

Proteus is worth the drive to College Park.

It's only 4-miles from the DC-MD line on Route 1 (Rhode Island Avenue), 8 miles from Logan Circle. It's not very far, but for some reason, people in DC and NOVA think that College Park is like in Baltimore or something.

[Velobambina]

LOL!

Tulip Girl, I live in Arlington so it is a bit of the hike due mainly to traffic, not distance. I admit that I'd rather cross the river than go outside the beltway, particularly into the Virginia suburbs (I work next to Dulles Airport, and I am counting the days until I can move to a new assignment because I HATE driving/working out there).