Road Cycling - Heading to DC Metro Area

I posted this earlier, but seems it was lost before I saw any of the responses...so i thought i'd post it again.

I'll be moving out to the DC area on 11/1 for about a year (due to a new contract at work). I am looking for any information on some good group rides or road rides in that area. I'll most likely be living in the Arlington, VA area or possibly out in Gaithersburg, MD. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

Paul,

Check out Potomac Pedalers (PPTC) for a local group. They are a large club and have many rides each weekend all around the DC area. If you're into racing I think there are NCVC, Squadra Coppi, and Team Snow Valley in the area.

Arlington is a close suburb so I don't think the riding is all that great. In No. Va. your best best is to get in the car and travel out Rt. 66 to Gainesville and beyond and ride in the Va. Hunt Country. Gaithersburg will be closer to better riding.

Western Montgomery Co. around Poolesville used to be quite nice. Anything north of Gaithersburg toward Frederick and Mt. Airy is good, too. Your best hills will be South Mtn. to the west and the Catoctin Mtns north of Frederick. Nothing like the mountains you're used to, though. In the summertime you'll need to get out early to avoid the heat and humidity.

Good Luck! SteveE

Awesome...thanks! And yeah...I'm definitely gonna miss all the hills around here :(

Funny thing ... I'm in Colorado Springs right now on business when I read your thread. Unfortunately, no time to bike or even sight-see.

I used to live in the DC area but am now residing in NorCal. I do not miss DC summers, at all. Spring and Fall are nice though. Even winters aren't too bad as long as you layer up.

There are many places to ride in the DC area. Bike trails go from Arl. VA to MD. Also a short drive to SO. MD provides good long 3 hour rides on wide shoulders. I live in Alex. VA and train 7-8 hours a week. Plenty of places to ride, let me know I train in WV on the weekends if you want hills they have them.

Prince William Forest park is good for road and mtb. Baltimore & Annapolis trail is gorgeous (so i have been told), and PPTC is a great club (I'm biased I'm a member). PPTC has many great rides in Maryland, they seem to be much better than the ones offered in VA.

www.waba.org is a great resource for teams, clubs and event info, as is www.bikewashington.org for riding locations. There is a ton of other info out there so feel free to send me a PM if you need more websites or shop recommendations. The DC area is great with lots to do.