🚀 go-pugleaf

niki said the following, on 04/02/05 10:45:
> Our family of 4 (kids are 14 & 12)will be staying at this hotel in a
> few weeks. If we bring our bikes, will we be able to access paths like
> Mt Vernon, W&OD, Custis without too many problems from the hotel? Also
> can we ride around the mall? Thanks for any other suggestions. We'll be
> in town M-F, so I guess that rules out the Rock Creek Parkway.
> 

(For the information of anyone else reading this, the Holiday Inn 
Capitol is at 550 C Street SW, close to the Air & Space Museum.)

As you probably know, you will be quite close to the Mall, so riding 
around there. the Tidal Basin, and Hains Point should not be difficult. 
  Two things to keep in mind:

   -- You'll be here during the working week, so there will be traffic. 
  (Riding on the sidewalk is illegal AFAIK.)  Using Madison and 
Jefferson Drives on the Mall may make things easier, with the usual 
cautions about car doors.

   -- There are (probably) some construction and "security" related 
restrictions on where you can go.  You may have to walk around a few 
places.  I have not been down there since last year, so my knowledge is 
not entirely current.

The National Park Service, and the Park Police, are responsible for 
these areas; they might be able to give you some updates.  I hope 
someone else here can, too.

With respect to the trails, they are more or less interconnected, so the 
problem mainly reduces to getting across the Potomac.  From your hotel, 
I think the easiest way would be west along the Mall to the Lincoln 
Memorial, and then across Memorial Bridge.  That will get you to the Mt. 
Vernon Trail. (Again, check for updated information on obstructions, etc.)

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association has some information on their 
Web site that may be useful:
   <http://www.waba.org/>
They have links to other local government resources.

They also are involved with developing the very useful "Washington DC 
Regional Bike Map", which is published by ADC.  It covers all of the 
local trails, recommended street routes, and other useful info on local 
conditions.  Depending on your schedule, you may have time to order and 
obtain a copy before you leave home.


-- 
Rich Gibbs
rgibbs@alumni.princeton.edu