Washington D.C.

United States Bike Tour

A tour based in history

Welcome to Washington, D.C. the capital of the USA!

George Washington, the first president and namesake of the city, chose the site and appointed three commissioners to help prepare for the arrival of the new government in 1800.  Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city as a bold new capital with sweeping boulevards and ceremonial spaces reminiscent of Paris of his native France. Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African-American mathematical genius, provided the astronomical calculations for surveying and laying out the city. The full development of Washington as a monumental city, however, did not come until a hundred years later when the McMillan Commission updated its plan to establish the National Mall and monuments that most visitors to Washington now know.

Washington is also a cosmopolitan city. While it has always had foreign delegations from the countries of the world it also boasts an increasingly diverse ethnic population. New ethnic groups have brought new restaurants, as well as new residents. New housing and urban revitalization is now attracting people back to the city for a downtown renaissance of housing, offices, entertainment and nightlife.

A bike is the ideal way to get around this bike friendly city. You can cover much more ground at a faster pace, yet still have the pleasure of seeing things up close and in person. Traffic and parking hassles disappear, and you always have the option to stop when and where you please.

Interested in more variety, please see our Tour of Three Cities!

Where You’ll Stay

Hilton Garden Inn (3 *)
Donavan House (4 *)

What’s Included

• Accommodations in 3* or 4 * hotels
• 6 days Bike rental
• Route descriptions with cue sheets
• Sign posted route

What’s Not Included

• All meals
• Museum entrance fees

Tour Dates

• Check in Fridays, April 13 to November 2, 2012.

Skill Level

This is a relatively easy self guided tour but traffic will be encountered. In the past two years, the city has added 11 miles of bicycle lanes and 10 miles of signed routes.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

For this based tour, you will be given suggestions and cue sheets for the  rides that are  possible. The following itinerary gives you enough routes for 7 days of riding  but you can mix and match or eliminate as you desire. Note that you will want to allow yourself time to visit some of the renowned museums and monuments that DC  has to offer!

1. Arrival in DC.
2. C & O Trail to Great Falls Trail Loops:  34mi/54 km
3. DC Downtown Monuments & Trails: 31 mi/50 km
4. Mt. Vernon Trail: 42 or 47 mi/67 km or 75 km
5. National Arboretum Loop: 18 mi/29 km
6. Arlington History Trail Triangle: 29 mi/46 km
7. Washington Waterfront Trail: 25 mi/40 km
8. Departure from DC or extension of stay.

DAY 1: Arrival in DC

DAY 2: C & O Trail to Great Falls Trail Loops:  34mi/54 km
This route takes you along the great C&O rail trail from Georgetown, DC to a spectacular scene of rapids and waterfalls. The scenery makes the flat but bumpy miles go by with ease. Allow for a lunch at the Great Falls Visitor Center, with time to visit a few noteworthy historic landmarks on the way back. You will be on a dirt bike path going out, and paved bike path coming back into the city. This rides give you views of the great Potomac river and the natural beauty that surrounds.

DAY 3: DC Downtown Monuments & Trails: 31 mi/50 km
The monuments on this ride include the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Memorial, The US Capitol, and The White House. Allow a minimum of 1.5- 2 hours to casually ride through this section. More time if you wish to visit any of the free museums. Be prepared that on any given day there is an event, construction, or security blockage is likely in this area of the city. There are police on nearly every corner that can help with redirecting you if a street is closed. If you desire you can then ride through Rock Creek Park on paved and hard packed trails and lunch in Bethesda, Maryland. Return back to DC via the paved Captial Crescent Trail.

DAY 4: Mt. Vernon Trail: 42 or 47 mi/67 km or 75 km
The Mount Vernon Trail is a big favorite of area cyclists. The route offers riders beautiful vistas of the Potomac River and of the national memorials including; the U.S. Capitol and the National Cathedral. Other points of interest include George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Olde Town Alexandria, Arlington National Cemetery, and Gravelly Point (at the north end of National Airport's main runway).

Located just across the river from downtown Washington D.C., the Mt. Vernon Trail is a great multi-use, paved recreation trail. Nearly 18 miles long, the Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac's Virginia shoreline to Mount Vernon. The terrain is mostly flat and winds through parks, wooded areas, and wetlands.

About midway the trail passes through the city of Alexandria; where there are actually two route choices, both of which go through the city and meet back up to one pathway on the other side of the city. The more popular route is along the waterfront, via Union Street. There are several shops and restaurant around the King Street intersection. Either street route is bicycle friendly. There are services for food and restrooms along the route.

If you wish to extend your visit to one of the many sights along this route, you can also opt to take the Metro (DC’s efficient subway system) back to the downtown DC area.  

* Bikes On D.C. Transit: Use elevators instead of stairs. Enter subway at end of cars. Bikes allowed all day weekends; weekdays no bikes during rush hours 7-10am and 4-7pm.

DAY 5: National Arboretum Loop: 18 mi/29 km
The National Arboretum is one of Washington, DC's best kept secrets that first-time visitors to the District will not want to miss. The National Arboretum comes alive in the spring and the 446 acres of lush greenery transforms into a garden of paradise. In the fall, you can walk, bike or run through the changing colors!

DAY 6: Arlington History Trail Triangle: 29 mi/46 km

Notes before you start: You will need your ID and Passport for access through Fort Myer on this ride. Entrance into Fort Myer allows bicyclists to ride through one section of Arlington Cemetery. We also suggest that you begin this ride at 10am and return at the latest right before 4pm to not get locked out of using the metro during peak periods. You can opt to return by bike to allow for more time within Arlington Cemetery. Using the Metro is not necessary, but avoids  very high traffic areas and allows for more of your ride time to be on bike trails.

Arlington National Cemetery remains the Nations most revered burial site, the final resting place for over 300,000 Americans. Its grounds are consecrated by the sacrifice and dedication of its sons and daughters and tells the Nation's history through the stories of those buried there.

DAY 7: Washington Waterfront Trail: 25 mi./40 km

DAY 8: Departure from DC or extension of stay

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us