Tuesday, June 22, 2010

DC Biker Chicks

Last night running buddy and I decided to take our bikes out for a spin. It figures that she recently fell in love with biking, right as I'm about to leave DC! I've gone on a lot of solo rides, so it was really nice to have someone to bike with!

We didn't go far, but we certainly saw a lot! We met up at the parking lot next to Theodore Roosevelt Island and biked across the bridge to check it out. I've passed the Island many times, but never crossed over to see what's on it. Unfortunately for our weeny road-bike tires, we found out that it is a dirt trail with lots of fun rocks, loose soil, and erosion gullies. It certainly kept us paying attention - especially when we came upon log/steps. Instead of doing the full 1.5 mile loop, we cut across and found a neat little memorial to Teddy.

What up, TR?

After cross back over into Virginia, we followed the Mt Vernon Trail to Memorial Bridge. Getting from the trail to the bridge involves a fun little game of chicken, as bikers have to cross the GW parkway not once, but twice. It certainly gets the adrenaline flowing! Once we were in DC, we went past the Lincoln Memorial and followed Ohio Drive up through Potomac Park, passed the Jefferson Memorial. Passing Presidents left and right! We tooled around the NPS National Capital Region headquarters and then up to the tip of Haines Point. I'd been out there before, but never on my bike and never fully out to the tip. It was really windy, but we were thankful for the breeze! A nice bystander offered to take our picture:


From there we went back up towards the mall and decided to head on up towards the Capitol Building. It was early and, after 6pm, there's almost no traffic! We were able to ride up the street, side by side, without pissing off motorists.


Finally, we headed back down the mall, passing the Washington Monument and back down to the Lincoln Memorial. Instead of crossing back over on Memorial Bridge, we headed up Virginia Ave to the Kennedy Center and across the 66 Bridge. Its a scary scary crossing for bikers and I think Katie will be quite happy to never do it again!

In toll, we biked about 14 miles, plus my extra mile through M st to get there. I had a flat tire that gave me some troubles but it was still a great ride! It definitely encouraged me to seek out new riding buddies in Denver - and I can't wait to check out the new city on two wheels!


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