My Morning Commute

[TwoWheelsDC]

@oldbikechick 44025 wrote:

Hi all- I normally commute from North Arlington to downtown, but today need to go to a dinner party in upper NW DC after work. I see on the map that it’s about 9 miles. My question: Is it relatively flat so I can go slow and arrive relatively sweat-free to the dinner party, or is it like my normal Custis trail commute uphill all the way?

Thanks for any insights

The difficulty level depends on the route, but yes, it’s uphill basically any way you go. It’s not as bad as the Custis, but it’s generally a grind. If you’re on, say Mass Ave, it’s a pretty decent hill out of Dupont and up to the Cathedral, then a downhill, then back up a decent hill to AU, then repeat. Up Conn. it’s a decent hill out of Dupont to the park, then flat into Woodley Park, then it’s a decent hill all the way to MD. 16th St is pretty much the same. It’s not super steep, but it’s a workout. Many of the side roads can get pretty steep though, so if you’ll be off the main drag, keep that in mind.

[Mikey]

@oldbikechick 44025 wrote:

Hi all- I normally commute from North Arlington to downtown, but today need to go to a dinner party in upper NW DC after work. I see on the map that it’s about 9 miles. My question: Is it relatively flat so I can go slow and arrive relatively sweat-free to the dinner party, or is it like my normal Custis trail commute uphill all the way?

Thanks for any insights

It is uphill – you can check out http://www.ridewithgps.com and plot your course then look at the elevation.

[dasgeh]

You may consider a combined bus-bike trip. Depending on where you’re headed, you may be able to take a bus up the biggest hill, then cruise on from there. You’re trip home should be nice…

[oldbikechick]

@essigmw 44029 wrote:

It is uphill – you can check out http://www.ridewithgps.com and plot your course then look at the elevation.

Thanks- great tip on the website!

[oldbikechick]

@dasgeh 44031 wrote:

You may consider a combined bus-bike trip. Depending on where you’re headed, you may be able to take a bus up the biggest hill, then cruise on from there. You’re trip home should be nice…

Great idea. Thanks!

[TwoWheelsDC]

Yeah….

[consularrider]

Even worse, it was a headwind from the south as I headed down the MVT at 5 pm and then switched to the NW as I headed out the 4MRT/W&OD = No fair!

[vvill]

That’ll teach you guys to do the Arlington Loop backwards.

[DaveK]

@vvill 44081 wrote:

That’ll teach you guys to do the Arlington Loop backwards.

Doesn’t everyone ride the loop counter- (or anti- for you Euros) clockwise? Why wouldn’t you? Hills on the Custis then time trial down to the airport with sleeping bag cyclocross under the bridges by Route 1. It’s a stage race in a box!

[Steve]

“Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.”–The Sun

Ok, the sun wasn’t out, but there was some color (pinks and blues) in the sky on my commute for the first time in a long time. It made me happy.

[consularrider]

But you’ve got to love that headwind coming up the Potomac – who needs any climbing training!

[Terpfan]

@consularrider 44337 wrote:

But you’ve got to love that headwind coming up the Potomac – who needs any climbing training!

Yes, Gravelly Point (MVT Northbound) was going for alpine status this morning. Nevermind trying to climb a few of the hills into the wind. However, if this keeps pace, I will attempt a time trial run tonight. I just have to catch the lights right on 15th St and I can probably break a record with this wind at my back.

[DaveK]

@Steve 44334 wrote:

“Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.”

…and there goes the morning, lost to my early-90s rap Pandora station.

[consularrider]

@Terpfan 44344 wrote:

… However, if this keeps pace, I will attempt a time trial run tonight … and I can probably break a record with this wind at my back.

Just remember the 15 mph speed limit on the MVT. :p

[Terpfan]

@consularrider 44367 wrote:

Just remember the 15 mph speed limit on the MVT. :p

I probably won’t be more than 3-4mph over on it as an average speed going home and that’s how I have always interpreted the sign . Besides, if they do round trip, my average probably won’t even surpass 15mph.

[Author]

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