Arlington (Pike Area) to DC – Advice for a new rider?

[dasgeh]

@Erin Potter 177660 wrote:

Hiya gang,

Wondering if I can get your thoughts. A soon-to-be Columbia Pike resident contacted me about trying to find a good bike route from home (13th Rd S and Barton St S) to work (L and Vermont NW). They said that while they had ridden in the past in NYC, four years in non-bike friendly place has lead to very little riding, so sorta starting over as a beginner.

What’s the best newbie-approved route from south of the Pike to just north of the White House? I have ideas, but they all involve trade offs, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,

Erin

This is a periennel question — from that area, do you brave the Pike for a bit (from Barton to Orme) in order to minimize hills and have a more direct route, or do you go north, (via the Memorial Bridge or Roosevelt Bridge)adding distance and elevation?

If we’re talking about a federal employee or DoD contractor, or someone who knows someone DoD who would be willing to sponsor them for a pass, they can go through Fort Myer, either to Southgate Road or to Marshall Drive (I would probably do the latter).

[dasgeh]

@Erin Potter 177660 wrote:

Hiya gang,

Wondering if I can get your thoughts. A soon-to-be Columbia Pike resident contacted me about trying to find a good bike route from home (13th Rd S and Barton St S) to work (L and Vermont NW). They said that while they had ridden in the past in NYC, four years in non-bike friendly place has lead to very little riding, so sorta starting over as a beginner.

What’s the best newbie-approved route from south of the Pike to just north of the White House? I have ideas, but they all involve trade offs, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,

Erin

This is a periennel question — from that area, do you brave the Pike for a bit (from Barton to Orme) in order to minimize hills and have a more direct route, or do you go north, (via the Memorial Bridge or Roosevelt Bridge)adding distance and elevation?

If we’re talking about a federal employee or DoD contractor, or someone who knows someone DoD who would be willing to sponsor them for a pass, they can go through Fort Myer, either to Southgate Road or to Marshall Drive (I would probably do the latter). If not, then I’d probably

[chris_s]

Last I checked Judd was doing personal guided commute tours…

[Judd]

@chris_s 177682 wrote:

Last I checked Judd was doing personal guided commute tours…

Yeah. I’m happy to help bike them through multiple options. They can hit me up on the forums or at Lumberjackcycles@gmail.com

This is pretty darn close to my commute. Lots of trade offs based on comfort level.

[Erin Potter]

Thanks, all! You highlighted all the trade-offs perfectly. I’ve shared this info back with the new rider, and encouraged them to sign up here, too.

[Author]

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