Bethesda to Rosslyn/Foggy Bottom

@Rocaka 15883 wrote:

Is there anything in the gear dept. that anyone considers “absolutely necessary” for a new commuter? I was at best a casual commuter before (only rode if the weather was nice and I had plenty of time before my first meeting), so I suspect there’s lots I haven’t even thought of yet

Lights. But I’m finding I don’t even really need them at this time of year.
You’ll also need a good U-lock if you’re leaving your bike at the metro.

it’s a nice ride from bethesda to dc on the CCT!

Just a quick note to say “Welcome”. I commute in from Bethesda to the National Mall, and I couldn’t agree more about what a great route the CCT is…the grade isn’t all that bad, no cars, and year-round beautiful scenery….hope to see you out there!

If you are travelling during rush hour you will not be able to bring the bike with you on metro therefore you will have to find someplace safe to lock up your bike. Metro only allows bikes during non-peak hours (check wmata’s site for more details).

@Dirt 15878 wrote:

It is really hard to find a nicer route than the Capital Croissant Trail. http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_Maps.htm

Thank you Pete for once again making me spit my drink on the keyboard.

I commute by way of the CCT from North Bethesda. It is GREAT. As others have pointed out, it is nice having a generally downhill ride in the morning. Here is a video of my commute in the morning…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AZArg7XtWg

@Rocaka 15883 wrote:

Is there anything in the gear dept. that anyone considers “absolutely necessary” for a new commuter?

I would suggest;

– A helmet light with high, med, low, and strobe settings, at least 250 lumens. A helmet light allows you to look directly at drivers to increase their awareness of you, and a daytime strobe is very effective on the street. On the trail, one can look slightly down or the side to prevent too much light in the eyes of oncoming cyclists. I picked up a Nightrider Minewt 600 cordless, and it is working great. I use the light on steady when on trails or roads in the dark/dusk, and on strobe on the road in the daytime. I turn it off on trails in the daytime. Recharges via mini-USB. I also have an inexpensive 80 lumen fixed light that takes 4 AAA that I use as an always-on modest blinky.
– Strong tail light: There are several – I am using a Planet Bike Turbo Blinky and am happy with it (takes AA batteries that I recharge)
– High viz clothing: Bright yellow/orange/etc helps drivers notice you. I’ve seen too many people in traffic with dark or drab colors and having been hit once, I’m concerned for them.
– Reflective aids: Car lights will light up any reflective aids you have, whether on cloths, helmet, frame, wheels, commuter bag, etc. 3M sells good reflective tape that also comes in high viz daytime colors as well.
– Bell: to signal passing
– Fenders: to reduce puddle splash and road ‘dribble’.

@Rocaka 15950 wrote:

Thanks for the welcome, all, and for the great suggestions! (sounds like I’m going to need more lights and reflectors, if nothing else, since I have almost none of either)

Consularrider, my end destination is George Mason, so I’m just planning to lock up at Rosslyn and hop the bus at the end of the Orange line (though looking at maps, it looks like the W&OD runs most of the way there? Not up to that yet, but it’s nice to have a dream anyway )

Kim

It’s not that much further to George Mason, so once you’ve started bike commuting, eventually you’ll decide to just ride the entire way. One other suggestion, if you’re going to take the bus from Rosslyn to George Mason, don’t lock up your bike at Rosslyn, put it on the bike rack of the bus and then you can lock it up at your desitination. Also, it’s downhill from George Mason to Rosslyn!