General route from W&OD to northern part of Tysons

[jabberwocky]

I have a friend who is starting to bike commute. Shes coming down the W&OD and needs to get to the part of Tysons behind the Galleria (Jones Branch Dr near the Hilton). I used to live in Tysons but its been a while and I’m just looking for some route directions. I know everything has changed in there a ton post-silver line.

Glancing at the strava heat map, it looks like just looping the backside of the mall is pretty popular. I could either W&OD to Gallows and ride the bike lane to Gallows Branch over 7 and into the mall, or do my old route (electric ave cutoff from the W&OD to Woodford, and then maybe across Wolftrap to try and hit Gallows closer up). Or I could look at hopping off earlier, back roads through Vienna and use the path to connect up to Spring Hill and then loop that all the way around.

Anyone have recommendations? I’m all ears. I’m going to hopefully ride in with her Wednesday morning as a first run.

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[Rockford10]

Oh hey! I would really recommend the backside of the mall. Gallows to Tysons, right on Old Gallows Road and cross Rt. 7 on the funny bridge with low walls. Once you get over Rt. 7, you veer right again to be on Tysons One. Once you get to Fashion Blvd. (yo!), you have a bike path kind of thing on the right. It’s nice. Just keep bearing right. You take that around the mall until you get to the new apartment buildings and turn right onto Westpark Drive, which takes you over 123. Once over 123, you turn right onto Westpark Drive (again!) and past the Silverline Center. Right on Jones Branch and you are there.

There are some stressful parts, but its OK.

I usually avoid Gallows from the WOD and take Branch Ave., Echols, Wolf Trap, Lord Fairfax, but that would add additional miles. I would not loop around Spring Hill or Gallows/International. I do not like Woodford. Linky.

[jabberwocky]

@Rockford10 160453 wrote:

Oh hey! I would really recommend the backside of the mall. Gallows to Tysons, right on Old Gallows Road and cross Rt. 7 on the funny bridge with low walls. Once you get over Rt. 7, you veer right again to be on Tysons One. Once you get to Fashion Blvd. (yo!), you have a bike path kind of thing on the right. It’s nice. Just keep bearing right. You take that around the mall until you get to the new apartment buildings and turn right onto Westpark Drive, which takes you over 123. Once over 123, you turn right onto Westpark Drive (again!) and past the Silverline Center. Right on Jones Branch and you are there.

There are some stressful parts, but its OK.

I usually avoid Gallows from the WOD and take Branch Ave., Echols, Wolf Trap, Lord Fairfax, but that would add additional miles. I would not loop around Spring Hill or Gallows/International. I do not like Woodford. Linky.

Thanks! Woodford is part of my old commute when I worked at the 7/123 intersection. I never thought it was bad but I was pretty used to it, and it definitely isn’t great either.

I wonder if it would make sense (from the west) to cross Gallows and take Sandburg, cut through Railroad street park to Arden to Oak and back out to Gallows. I know Gallows has a bike lane but I also know its narrow and traffic is fast and heavy. I think she will be fine with a little additional miles to have a more enjoyable commute.

Good to know the mall route is doable! Appreciate the strava link, thats very helpful.

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