Phil, Tony and I left from the Potterton Bridge and met up with several other riders at one end of Bluemont Park, at North Manchester Street near Arlington Boulevard. A slight snafu in directions arose for a couple of riders who followed Google maps directions, which also pointed them to a site labelled Bluemont Park at North Manchester Street, but that one was near Wilson Boulevard, at a point slightly north of our group. You may know how Arlington streets are broken up on the map with several sections of the same named street separated from one another. Nevertheless, a quick mobile phone call and we all eventually caught up together for the ride into the city.
We took the ride at an easy recreational pace, down the Washington and Old Dominion Trail to the Four Mile Run Trail to National Airport, then north on the Mount Vernon Trail. Before long, we were crossing the 14th Street Bridge and landed right at the foot of the Jefferson Memorial.
The flowers were at peak bloom, just as predicted by the National Park Service. We locked up our bikes and enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful cherry blossom trees, with the Washington Monument in the background and the blue sky reflecting brightly in the Reflecting Pool. Here are some photos of our day.
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| Matt, Phil, Andrea and Paul taking a break at Gravelly Point. |
In the background, across the Tidal Basin, you can see the Martin Luther King Memorial.
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After our time enjoying the scene, the group decided to split up for the return ride, with some heading back on the same trails as the ride in, and the rest of us taking the more challenging return ride up the Custis Trail. I have to say that this trail is not everyone, and I was huffing and puffing to keep up with the stronger riders. My recommendation on the Custis Trail for anyone considering it is to ride INTO the city on this trail, and return via W&OD/Four Mile Run, unless you want a really tough workout ride.
All in all, a great ride for our club.
Upcoming rides being considered include rides to Vienna (for Cornish pasties at the Great Pasty Company), Ashburn (for Carolina Bros. BBQ), Mount Vernon, and for the more adventurous (and fit), Great Falls, Virginia. If anyone has other suggestions, please let me know.
Happy riding everyone!
