Exploring DC on Two Wheels
Using a bicycle in Washington DC is like having a secret roadway underneath the busiest, heavily driven streets, like in the Simpsons.
As we drove into DC for the first time, we had at least ten close calls and a few raging moments. The last mile of our drive took us 30 minutes and one small fender bender with no information exchanged. Parking was impossible and the garages were pricey as expected. Luckily, we were able to park our car in our hotel for an affordable price, but it was still a hassle.
My girlfriend and I walked during the afternoon Saturday to explore the National Book Festival, the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum. Walking works fine in DC, depending on your destination, but the heat and humidity were definitely noticeable.
Enter: my friend Patrick who lives in DC and loves to bike. He drove his hatchback Honda from the 90’s to our hotel with three bikes deconstructed and stuffed in the back.
After an amazing dinner at a small French cafe (I can’t recall the name but it is directly across the street from Ford Theater), we began our bike ride.
Starting at the Potomac River basin, Patrick led my girlfriend Colleen and I on a personal bike tour I will never forget. It also proves that bikes are the way to travel in DC.
We saw every single monument and major political structure DC has to offer in only 3 hours. Obviously you would need a local friend who knows the area, but if you do, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. We did not just whiz by them, either. We stopped and soaked in every one.
I never thought I would be cruising beside the Reflecting Pool in front of the Washington Monument on a bike in the moonlight, but it was unforgettable.
If you have the opportunity, use BikeShare to explore DC in a way you probably never have. If you know someone in DC, make them take you on a bike tour!
Patrick: Thank you for the DC experience of a lifetime!
More stories and opinions to come on Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy the pictures! (scroll down to see an amazing Obama mannequin and a star-struck Patrick)
Washington Monument from Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument from Vietnam Memorial
Looks like you had a wonderful trip kiddo! What would a trip be without a star struck Patrick! The pictures are amazing, I love the ones at night with the brigh light on the monuments….priceless pics! If AZ would ever cool down maybe I would ride my bike….who are we kidding I wouldn’t, but walking would definetely be an option! Did you make it to 1600 Pennsylavnia Ave? I would love to see a pic of the Whilte House!!
Great job:)!
Really love all the posts you offer! I am so looking forward to seeing more like them..
I really appreciate that, thank you!
I haven’t much to say on this time but you do great job and appreciate your blog.
No worries, thanks for reading!
Pingback: Choosing The Perfect Mobility Scooter | Buy a Moped