By tommye in August, 2010
This is a terrific ride if you don't have alot of time, but want a nice ride with amazing views of Washington DC and Alexandria, Va. It's all up and down the a hill, but worth it, there are scenic rest stops on the bridge, and an amazing little park that spans over 495 with gorgeous views of the Potomac. You might even spot George, the local American Bald Eagle that resides along the river. You can also bike a little further on and hit the Washington National Harbor. Be warned it is entirely in the sun so wear sunscreen.
By stephen szibler in May, 2010
It's great to have this project finally completed! Now a resident of DC can make a nice, 20 something mile loop through the streets and off road trails of the east side of the district, across the bridge, and back up the Mt. Vernon trail.
It's also a good way to avoid trafficky areas all together by just taking the Mt. Vernon trail to the bridge and then crossing to the less-travelled roads of Oxon Hill and southward for some good country riding (without driving way out into the Virginia countryside).
My only complaint about the bridge path, which probably isn't as much of a problem if you actually stick to the 10 mph speed limit, is that some of the metal bridge gaps are very hard on skinny tire bikes. The bumps can be jarring and possibly even cause flats or dents to you rim. You have to either jump them or take them very slowly (which is difficult since some are on downhill sections). It seems that with kind of expenditure that was made for this wonderful bike lane there would be a way to make these gaps more biker friendly - even some kind of rubber attachment.
By stephen szibler in May, 2010
It's great to have this project finally completed! Now a resident of DC can make a nice, 20 something mile loop through the streets and off road trails of the east side of the district, across the bridge, and back up the Mt. Vernon trail.
It's also a good way to avoid trafficky areas all together by just taking the Mt. Vernon trail to the bridge and then crossing to the less-travelled roads of Oxon Hill and southward for some good country riding (without driving way out into the Virginia countryside).
My only complaint about the bridge path, which probably isn't as much of a problem if you actually stick to the 10 mph speed limit, is that some of the metal bridge gaps are very hard on skinny tire bikes. The bumps can be jarring and possibly even cause flats or dents to you rim. You have to either jump them or take them very slowly (which is difficult since some are on downhill sections). It seems that with kind of expenditure that was made for this wonderful bike lane there would be a way to make these gaps more biker friendly - even some kind of rubber attachment.