NPS is having a weekend of special events at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Douglass’ birth. NPS is encouraging people to walk, bike, or take public transportation to get there, and I think we should take them up on that invitation.
What: ride to Anacostia for the opening ceremony of the Frederick Douglass bicentennial weekend. There’ll be speakers (including Douglass’ great-grandson), a choir singing spirituals, and presentations from the winners of the student oratorical contest. Afterward, if people are interested, we can walk through Frederick Douglass’ home, get lunch nearby, then ride to other DC sites associated with Douglass — including Douglass’s first home in DC and the Capitol building, where Douglass was the first African-American allowed in the press gallery.
Where and when: roll out from Whole Foods in Pentagon City (520 12th St. South, Arlington VA) at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, February 17. Take the 14th Street bridge and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to get to Anacostia. Or meet us at the Frederick Douglass site — we should be there around 10:00 a.m.
Who: this ride is open to all. The 8-mile route to the Frederick Douglass site is mostly flat. Social pace (12-15 mph), no drop.
Have questions? Read on.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Bring a bike lock, and bring money if you’re staying for lunch.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: I hope yesterday’s dumpling ride exhausted my quota of bad-weather rides. Check back here for updates, but I’ll probably ride unless there’s ice.
Q: Isn’t this the same weekend as Judd’s Presidents Day ride?
A: Yes, it is. Think of this ride as a preview for Judd’s ride. Douglass knew Lincoln, and received a special gift from Mary Todd Lincoln after Lincoln’s death. What is it? Come on the ride to find out.
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