Introductions - New Member in Arlington/DC

I just moved to Arlington, VA after graduating college and got a job in Washington, DC last October. I never had a particular interest in biking until I realized that while I only live about 5 miles away from my workplace by roads, it takes me almost 45 minutes to get to work through a combination of walking and metro and costs me nearly $100 a month in fares. I sought an alternative.

I have no idea how I'm going to cross the Potomac, what the fastest route is, what sort of bike I am going to buy, or really anything. I am giving myself a couple months to learn all I can, make an informed purchasing decision, and start commuting by bike in the Spring. There is a lot to read here but I wanted to register in order to ask questions.

I'm hoping to take advantage of this and gain a new hobby too. Oh, and any advice is appreciated.

Google Arlington VA bike route maps Many routes are shown over the Potomac and thru DC. Cruise the forum for most other answers; my thing is bike routes. 1988 was the last time I was in DC when the Race Across AMerica finished there. I was a crew member. All riders were met about 12 miles outside of town to the northwest and escorted in by local cyclists. I have seen posts about Federal agencies with secure indoor bike parking with change rooms and showers. Good luck.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

For anyone familiar with the area who can quickly give me a recommendation on routes: my apartment is on Rt. 29 near Rosslyn and my workplace is on L'Enfant Plaza in SW DC. I suppose if I could get across the Potomac somewhere near the Key Bridge that would be ideal, but I'm not sure.

You can take the Mt. Vernon trail farther- get to the 14th Street bridge and ride across the tidal basin up 15th Street to 15th and Independence, then turn right on Independence and ride it to L'Enfant.

Koffee

The Mount Vernon Trail runs along the VA side of the river so that might be one way to go. As for crossing the river, one of the bridges has a seperate hiker/biker lane, as in there is a guardrail between you and traffic. That is the best way to cross but honestly, I haven't been down that way in while, so I forget what bridge actually has this.
As for riding in DC, I'd go with a mountain or hybrid bike. DC doesn't do a good job on road maintenance so they are kind of hard on road bikes. However, this will depend on the route you take. You may be able to chart a route on some decent streets.

Your choice:

1) Custis Trail, Key Bridge, M Street or the footbridge over the canal, Wisconsin Ave, K Street, River trail, Independence Ave.

2) Custis Trail, Mount Vernon Trail, Memorial Bridge, Independence Ave.

1) has has some Georgetown streets and a messy road crossing on the River Trail.
2) has a messy road crossing at the Lincoln Memorial, but is otherwise easy.
The two are probably about equal. I'd alternate, just for variety.

14th Street Bridge if you want to add a couple more miles.

Isn't L'Enfant really really close to 14th St. Bridge, though? I could swear it's like 3 blocks or something really close like that.

Koffee

10th and D SE. But it's almost even with Memorial Bridge and Independence is a straight shot.
For the 14th street bridge you go further south about two miles, and then come north again. The whole difference between the two is not much more than two miles.

For pleasant scenery, I'd go with Memorial Bridge over 14th St. I395 is pretty grim.

KB - How's the road connection at the 14th St end? I've only taken it to and from Hains Point, using the steps on the north side.

Oh, I got it.

I get off the 14th St bridge and follow the tidal basin around to 15th Street. I can ride one block on 15th St. to Independence and turn right on Indepndence. It's pretty easy.

With my new route to work, I just follow Independence down to the Senate. It's all good.

Koffee

Seems like I have a few choices for routes. I'll try all the recommendations, and hopefully I'll rotate - I appreciate variety.

Now I just need to decide on a bike.

Thanks for all the input. I didn't realize anyone would know so much! Perhaps I'll see some of you out there. :-)

Perhaps ;)

For the routes we're talking about, any bike will do. The roads and paths are in good shape.
If you ride on other DC streets, you'll want sturdy tires. 28 to 35 wide for the loose gravel and sand and other junk.
If you want to use your bike for more than commuting, buy what works for your rec riding preference. I use an old steel hybrid, but I like to ride dirt and gravel trails as well as road.

Where do I even shop for a bike around here? I really am clueless it seems..

Across the Key Bridge in Georgetown is a Big Wheel, and another shop on M Street

Near you, on Lee Highway, at Spout Run/Kenmore (another big Wheel, I think, next to the Italian Store.)
Spokes in Vienna and Alexandria.
The Bike Lane in Burke (one of my favorites)
Performance, several locations.
Also REI or Hudson Trails Outfitters (Fairfax Circle HTO is my lbs, and I get all my service done there.)
City Bikes and the Bicycle Place, several locations.

Go around to a couple shops and ask questions. After you have a general idea on what you might want, then shop for real.

Thanks so much for the suggestions, cc_rider. I know exactly where The Italian Store on Spout Run is (right by my apartment building); I'll head over there tonight and start my search.

Too bad I couldn't have been riding these past few days.. the weather has been fantastic.

Too bad I couldn't have been riding these past few days.. the weather has been fantastic.
Yep. I'm tired of nice having weekdays and weekends not fit to ride. Just coming off of a series of several colds, I'm not about to ride when it's only 35, but would gladly ride at around 50.

Thanks so much for the suggestions, cc_rider. I know exactly where The Italian Store on Spout Run is (right by my apartment building); I'll head over there tonight and start my search.

Too bad I couldn't have been riding these past few days.. the weather has been fantastic.

So are you bike-commuting yet?
If so, what is the relative timing on the 14th vs. the Memorial Bridge crossing route?
Another route, not mentioned on this thread would be to cross at the Roosevelt Bridge, which like 14th, has a guardrail seperating the bike lane from the cars.