North Holmes Run Trail

[Bilsko]

I rode that section with Rootchopper and a few others on the Hoppy100 ride…it wasn’t as cold as today, but we got caught in a downpour and had to deal with those stream crossings to. Good to see you adding the tough miles to Team V’s total

[TwoWheelsDC]

@DismalScientist 40641 wrote:

The scenic route put one quickly through what looked like oversized sewer lines.

Shhhhhh!!! Those lead to the DirtCave!

[KLizotte]

I tried out Holmes Run for the first time last spring. What a major disappointment. Most of it is not a “trail” but a string of poorly signed streets, ugly tunnels, poorly maintained MUPs, etc. Alexandria can do better!

[mstone]

@KLizotte 40650 wrote:

I tried out Holmes Run for the first time last spring. What a major disappointment. Most of it is not a “trail” but a string of poorly signed streets, ugly tunnels, poorly maintained MUPs, etc. Alexandria can do better!

Fairfax/VDOT won’t do ugly tunnels, we just got a “no trail for you” under the parkway. Given the options, take your tunnel and smile.

[Dirt]

Awwww…. I like Holmes Run. It is one of my southern routes. I use it almost every week for one thing or another. The creek crossings all have step-across thingies so you can keep your feet dry if you want. The creek crossings are AWESOME and quite refreshing on the recumbent trike on a hot summer’s day. A few of the neighborhoods it goes through are probably not very good for personal safety if you ride through there at off hours. Be wise when you choose to use it. I love the section just east of Columbia Pike… I get to ride in the woods a little at a time when I don’t normally think I should have woods there to ride through.

Word of caution: The tunnel photographed earlier is not tall enough to take good Danger Panda photos if you’re tall like me. I still have a bruise on my hand from smacking my hand on a light fixture last week.

[DismalScientist]

@Dirt 40699 wrote:

The creek crossings all have step-across thingies so you can keep your feet dry if you want.

So that’s what those things were? Live and learn…

[Dirt]

@DismalScientist 40724 wrote:

So that’s what those things were? Live and learn…

They can get icy, so you sometimes gotta be careful. They usually let you step across and keep your feet dry.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrogringo/8367793455

[mstone]

I think they’re called “fair weather crossings” or something like that.

[bobco85]

My favorite part of the northern section of Holmes Run trail is the tennis court being reclaimed by nature. Best time to see it is in spring/summer.

[scorchedearth]

I’ve ridden up and down all of the Holmes Run trail from Alexandria to Columbia Pike a bunch of times. The northern part is surprisingly quiet for such an urban area and is a nice escape. Once they complete the Chambliss crossing, I may have another option for commuting from Fairfax.

[Dirt]

@scorchedearth 42350 wrote:

Once they complete the Chambliss crossing, I may have another option for commuting from Fairfax.

What/where is the Chambliss Crossing?

[Dirt]

@Dirt 42356 wrote:

What/where is the Chambliss Crossing?

Google answered my question for me. http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/localmotion/features/Presentation_March18_FINAL031809.pdf

[scorchedearth]

@Dirt 42358 wrote:

Google answered my question for me. http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/localmotion/features/Presentation_March18_FINAL031809.pdf

You’ve undoubtedly seen the construction equipment at the one end of Dora Kelley Park on your rides.

[krazygl00]

@Dirt 42358 wrote:

Google answered my question for me. http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/localmotion/features/Presentation_March18_FINAL031809.pdf

PDF download is taking forever, but I can guess what the Chambliss crossing is. I’ve looked at that spot and thought for the longest time it really needed a crossing. So, sweet! And this is right in my neighborhood, so this will be awesome for me and my family. So finally there will be a safe and scenic route to Columbia Pike. Now, if there were only something to get to in that area

[Dirt]

@scorchedearth 42361 wrote:

You’ve undoubtedly seen the construction equipment at the one end of Dora Kelley Park on your rides.

Yarp. It clicked when I saw the document to which I linked. Thanks!

[Author]

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