DC and cycling the scene

[Bala Verde]

So I just moved to DC.

Are there any forum members who know something about

1) routes. I live near Rock Creek Park/Cleveland Park, so I was hoping someone knows some nice routes/loops (40-60 miles) that start there, without too many traffic lights (they slow you down) and, yes I am asking for the impossible, without too many cars. I don't own a car, so I don't really have the option to go out to the countryside of VA or MD. Perhaps not all routes have been shared on mapmyride, and someone could share the gem with me

2) clubs. Are there any club members/team riders, and if so, why do you like your club? What is the reputation of the different clubs, are some more competitive and others more recreational? How often do you go on group rides and how long are they approximately? What are the costs involved etc?

3) racing. What's going on in the DC racing scene?

any help/advice/hints/tips/introductions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Power13]

Used to live in DC years ago and ran a team there....lots of races and teams.

Rock Creek is a popular area for rides, etc. just hanging round there will get you lumped in with group rides.

Go to the VeloNews forum and ping Keith Richards (one of the mods there). Good guy and lives in DC and can give you all the details.

 

[elperrito]

1. Get on the MABRA list. http://groups.google.com/group/mabra-uscf

2. There are TONS of people riding and racing in DC, but be patient in getting to know them. I never found them that helpful, but if I kept asking questions, I did get answers.

3. Here's a really neat route that you can knock out in under 2 hours if you tire of Rock Creek. You can see that it's just a tear drop. You can add/extend/redo at will and get in a decent ride.

4. If you like riding in the dirt, Schaeffer Farms trails are just splendid good fun. Skill level means nothing, you can let your legs choose the difficulty.

 

[Greg Johnson]

1) routes. I live near Rock Creek Park/Cleveland Park, so I was hoping someone knows some nice routes/loops (40-60 miles) that start there, without too many traffic lights (they slow you down) and, yes I am asking for the impossible, without too many cars. I don't own a car, so I don't really have the option to go out to the countryside of VA or MD. Perhaps not all routes have been shared on mapmyride, and someone could share the gem with me

Our good friends at Cyclingnews' sister site Bikeradar.com can help too:

http://www.bikeradar.com/routes/?sr...region=130&is=&isnot=&x=97&y=10&run=listpaths

Cheers
Greg Johnson

 

[Bala Verde]

Hey guys,

thanks a bunch already. I'll try to contact some of the people you mentioned and sign up for the group to see what the insiders are saying!

much appreciated.

 

[Juan Pelota]

Hey welcome to the area man. Could always use more cycling fans. Can't really help you out with bike clubs or anything, but maybe we get some people together to watch the big races on the weekend or something.