What's the best route from Baltimore To DC and back (on a road bike)?

[TheDLake]

I'm planning on riding from Baltimore to DC (depending on where I end up about 30-35 miles each way) within the next month or so.

I see Route 1 is a pretty straightforward road into DC, but I just worry about the streets not having adequete shoulder for a bike. I don't mind riding in traffic, but I don't want the road to hit 55mph and there is no shoulder then I will get some pissed off SUV's nicking my elbow when they fly by me and honk at me cuz i'm going to slow. (this ofcourse is worst case scenario)

I've never driven from Baltimore to DC via Route 1 so I just don't know...

I'm down for an extremely beaten down trails cuz I can throw on some 28's or something to handle the trails), but i'd rather not.

Any other routes? thanks

[Plinkey]

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Balto-to-DC-Fireworks

Here is one that someone posted in the MD thread. They used it to ride down to the fireworks in DC around the 4th.

[TheDLake]

I would def. have to purchase a gps for this. Lots of turns... i'd get lost quick! Thanx though.

[cc_rider]

Race Road, River Road, Brock Bridge. That's the one most people seem to use.

The PPTC library has a cue sheet for it, but it's in the member's only section of their website.
Unfortunatley I'm not currently a member, so I can't clip it for you.

[rizz]

Put on your white Cutters jersey and ride behind a truck with an Italian name on the side heading south on I-95. If you're lucky, the truck driver will hold his hand out and tell you how fast you're going, too!

Though I suspect you'd only have people giving you one finger, and it wouldn't mean that you were going 10 MPH.

Here is one that someone posted in the MD thread.

Mid-Atlantic forum +1? 8)

[derath]

http://www.bikewashington.org/routes/dc2balt/index.htm

Cue sheet and all.

-D

[popsicleian]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm moving to Baltimore but I'll be working in DC. Most days I'll be taking the MARC with my Brompton folder, but at least once a month I'd like to do the whole trip back and forth by bike.

Any suggestions for routes that are particularly good during rush hour traffic? Anyone have any insights or tips about bike commuting from Baltimore-DC or riding the MARC with a folding bike?

Thanks!

[balto charlie]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm moving to Baltimore but I'll be working in DC. Most days I'll be taking the MARC with my Brompton folder, but at least once a month I'd like to do the whole trip back and forth by bike.

Any suggestions for routes that are particularly good during rush hour traffic? Anyone have any insights or tips about bike commuting from Baltimore-DC or riding the MARC with a folding bike?

Thanks!

Hey that's what I do! But I only have a Dahon. I also have 2 regular bikes & a locker. I only go to Muirkirk or Greeenbelt stop though. The route derath posted in the norm(with dc variations). The route betwwen the beltways is OK, not great. Narrow, some blind curves and hills but little traffic. The crossing of rt. 100, 175 and 32 kinda suck but very doable. Just south of 32 can be a little hairy because there is a gravel pit, so a few huge dump trucks rumble by ya. One route chage I have done is to take Wiley and Forest and Coca cola dr. instead of Race, A little wider(even a shoulder at times). Race is decent but lots of blind curves and very narrow. Also less hills w/ the exception of one mother hill at coca cola. I don't know inside the dc beltway during rush hour. If you don't get answers here then go to http://bikewashington.org/list.htm. Lots of dc commuters there. In fact there's a Brompton riding MARC rider on that site.
The MARC: folders allowed, bag not needed. there are 2 lines Penn(uptown) and Camden(inner harbor). Depending where you live will determine your line but w/ a folder you can ride either as they are not that far apart. This is good, if one line goes down. Doesn't happen often but does happen. I prefer the Camden except it doesn't run midday and late at night. It's a smaller and slower line but more friendly. The Penn IS BIG BUSINESS w/ lots of folks and cars. In the last few years the Camden has had a better on time schedule. In 2-3 years the cars will be equipped to handle full sized bikes. Hurrah!! Welcome to MD, if you want to ride together on Bike-to-work-day with me, drop me a line. Seldom do I see a biker. Charlie

[jamesshuang]

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Balto-to-DC-Fireworks

Here is one that someone posted in the MD thread. They used it to ride down to the fireworks in DC around the 4th.

Heh, I actually rode on that ride! That's an awesome route btw, relatively flat, well paved. A good portion of it was on designated bike paths in fact, so it's extremely safe as well. There's a few small spots that are not quite as well paved, but they're extremely minor. Do bring cuesheets though, a lot of random small turns as Race Rd. keeps on changing locations. It's a great ride, so have fun!

[invisiblehand]

http://www.bikewashington.org/routes/dc2balt/index.htm

Cue sheet and all.

-D

Barry's ride ... the bikely.com route ... is quite similar but avoids BWI and a few other high traffic roads. I would switch to Barry's route when you get close to Baltimore.

BTW, we did this ride last weekend. We would do it again.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/capitol-2-baltimore

-G