i totally agree with Bella, the only time to ride is 5:00 am to 6:30 in the morning (weekdays or you get those marathoner's and it just gets worse )..
i personally enjoy riding the south path more... not as many runners and stupid people.
parking...there is a bridge south of soilder field that leads over to 18th street (it might have some parking?)

have fun biking the drive twice, did that last year and it wiped me out Would do it again but out of town this weekend.

let me know if you go on any weekend rides, i have been wanting to find some gals to ride with.