Nats Game — Bike Valet — Need Lock?

[Mariner]

I’ve used it. There are two guys down there for the game, not sure if that means the entire game. You need a claim check to take your bike. Don’t lose it!

I still locked mine up, and I think the Nats recommend it. Wouldn’t want to make it any easier for thieves, right? They would know if someone just wandered in looking for pickings.

And yes, I did tip those guys a couple of bucks. (I had some twos from the bank)

C’mon Nats, beat those Cubs!

[eminva]

Thanks, Mariner! Go Nats!

Liz

[Mariner]

btw, you know where it is, right? First and N Streets SE. See map here. There is a garage entrance here too.

If you have extra time, check out the Anacostia River Walk Trail. I was watching the Cubs TV feed last night and their production crew ran some B-roll of scenes from the trail and the waterfront.

Err sorry it’s between N PLACE and N STREET. There is both an N Street and Place in that area. Garage and bike shack is between the two.

Street View:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8742212,-77.0058902,3a,75y,268.05h,75.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s72iIDq1p1Xl3epu6LmrllA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[Mikey]

Yes, I would lock it up. They guys although young are very professional, and stay there the whole game. When the game lets out it’s kind of a free for all, though. A thief could easily slip out with your bike in the rush. I always tip a buck or two.

[Mikey]

I’ve also had them watch my pedicab a few years back while I went into the game while on a pedicab shift. It didn’t fit into the coral, but they watched it fine.

Mike

[Rootchopper]

Last night the bike valet was overflowing with bikes so you might want to get there a little earler than usual. An hour before game time is plenty.

[eminva]

@Rootchopper 141520 wrote:

Last night the bike valet was overflowing with bikes so you might want to get there a little earler than usual. An hour before game time is plenty.

Oh my! Then I guess I better end my work day very soon. 😎

Liz

[KLizotte]

There are a ton of bike racks located immediately around the stadium if need be. But given the choice, I would definitely chose the valet; unfortunately it seems a little small for the demand.

[Steve O]

You may have already left.
I have left my bike unlocked lots of times and I always leave my pannier on it when I go from work so I don’t have to schlep it into the park (I also hang my sweaty jersey on my bike as a deterrent. As a guy, though, I can change into my Nats t-shirt right there). Feel free to lock up, but I actually don’t think it’s necessary.

Yes, tip.

Also, those guys perform miracles with getting more bikes in on crowded days. That said, I think the Nationals need to expand the service somehow, although I don’t know where they could get more space except up.

[Tim Kelley]

@Steve O 141539 wrote:

That said, I think the Nationals need to expand the service somehow, although I don’t know where they could get more space except up.

At least 3 times bigger than this.

[Terpfan]

I always bring a lock simply because the end of the game there a ton of people coming in. But they’re wonderful. I, too, usually tip a few bucks to them as well. They also have a pump too should you have low air/need to change a tire, which I’ve run into before. Some folks even park a few miles away and then bike to stadium from car.

[dachiri]

@Steve O 141539 wrote:

You may have already left.
I have left my bike unlocked lots of times and I always leave my pannier on it when I go from work so I don’t have to schlep it into the park (I also hang my sweaty jersey on my bike as a deterrent. As a guy, though, I can change into my Nats t-shirt right there). Feel free to lock up, but I actually don’t think it’s necessary.

Yes, tip.

Also, those guys perform miracles with getting more bikes in on crowded days. That said, I think the Nationals need to expand the service somehow, although I don’t know where they could get more space except up.

Also, if you’re bringing something unique in…well offer up a test ride. I have a Riide (electric bike), and boy have the attendants been curious about it. They often ask if they can try it, and I say that’s fine, so long as they keep it in the garage (and I won’t adjust the seat because that takes actual tools). Most just take a small spin or two in the small space, declare it cool, and then let me lock it up. I do lock it, very basically (just through the frame, not wheels or anything), they always say they’ll keep an eye on it, and it’s always still there, intact, when the game lets out.

I also usually leave my trunk bag on it with small personal effects. I take my ID and whatnot with me, but things like my lunch container might be left in there. The bag and its contents have never been disturbed.

I usually give them a few bucks when leaving. If I metro’ed there it would be like $2-3, and up to $4 home depending on my public transit path; and a cab or Uber or whatnot would be $7+ there and $20+ home. A few bucks for someone to keep an eye on my expensive bike is, literally, pocket change.

[Author]

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