[tgill]

That looks like a great ride. I think there’s something wrong with the altimeter though if you were 167 feet below sea level. And you were surely above 381 in the Waterford area.
http://app.strava.com/rides/5323527

[tgill]

The bump is almost invisible. It’s the exact same color as the pavement, not very high, but steeply angled. Looking at it afterward it appeared to be about the shape of a triangular prism. So it’s not a roll over speed bump. It’s a sharp 45 degree angle with the front and back sides meeting in a flat line. I think it’s designed to be an abrupt warning for cars. Had I been paying any attention I would gone around or slowed down. As it was, I hit it at 17 mph-the last reading on the bike computer that went flying. I did a google search and found out people who own Lotuses will not use the ferry because this “bump” is a risk for their low undercarriage. Oh well, I still was able to pedal the remaining 14 miles. In a day or two I’ll be out again.
As an aside-The C&O was much smoother than expected between milepost 55 and 35. I’m quite familiar with the section paralleling the CCT-it’s in horrible shape. I was quite pleasantly surprised with how few rocks and roots there were upriver. I actually considered going on to Washington or at least Chain br rather than ferrying it. Next time I go with my gut instinct.

[tgill]

I would recommend the easiest route with kids would be to cross the National Mall and continue over to the Rock Creek trailhead near the river. The trail runs north along the parkway with direct access to the lower entrance to the zoo. Just inside the zoo near the Zoo police station there is a bike rack in a secure location, assuming you’ve got locks. En route you will be on a congested path, but it is more joggers than cyclists. It’s not nearly as wide as most multi-use trails so passing can be iffy in places. This should be an interesting ride for kids, as there are numerous spots you could pull off at to explore the creek or to take a look at a very old hillside cemetery. As you approach the zoo area you will pass under the Duke Ellington Bridge which is a magnificent span. Zoo entrance will be on your left, less than a mile after the bridge. Watch out for cars turning in and out of the area. If you wanted to take the kids to the cathedral too, you could walk the bikes up the hill from the zoo to Connecticut Ave. Go South a few blocks and turn left on Woodley Rd. When it becomes Garfield Street there is a marked bike lane, and it will get you there. This is an on street route, and may or may not be appropriate for kids, but Garfield and Woodley aren’t too hilly, and aren’t heavily traveled outside of rush hour. You might also be interested in exploring one of the U.S.’s finest urban parks, Rock Creek, by bike north of the zoo. On Saturday and Sundays Beach Drive is closed to vehicular traffic from a mile or two north of the zoo all the way to Maryland. The route is unlike anything you could imagine in a city-steep wooded cliffs, rushing water, boulders, etc… With two full street lanes open to cyclists and runners, there is plenty of space for everyone, kids included.

[Author]

Posts