Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My morning ride to Mount Vernon w/ pics

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Jersh
09-13-09, 02:05 PM
Well this morning I decided I wanted to ride the full length of the Mount Vernon Trail here in Northern Virginia. This MUP meanders along the Potomac river from Rossyln (just across the river from Georgetown) 18 miles south to Mount Vernon. I've previously never tried to ride the entire length and I knew in doing so I'd log a personal best in mileage as well. All-in-all, it ended up being a 44 mile ride which is a new best for me. It was an absolutely perfect morning for a ride, it was about 65 degrees and sunny when I left, and in the mid 70s when I got home a few hours later. Along the way there are some very scenic views, so I took my camera along to capture some of those and thought I might share them here.


From the trail, just north of the Memorial Bridge (directly adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery).
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/1.jpg

This is at Gravely Point, which is a park that is at the north end of the main runway at National Airport, it's a great place to watch the planes land/take off.
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/2.jpg


From one of the boardwalks that crosses a tidal marsh
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/3.jpg


View of the Potomac from the trail about 3 miles north of Mount Vernon
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/4.jpg


View of the trail as it runs along the river
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/5.jpg


Finally, at the end of the trail at George Washington's homestead
http://www.joshodonnell.com/91309/6.jpg

DanteB
09-13-09, 02:24 PM
Great job and congratulations on your PR!:thumb: Thanks for sharing your ride and the pictures. When my youngest son was going to American University, 2000-03, I would visit DC twice a year. I would always take my bike with so I could ride with my son and one of our favorite rides was to Mount Vernon. Your post brings back many memories and good times, thanks.
prxmid
09-13-09, 08:04 PM
That's a beautiful ride. Reminded me that I have to take my bike into DC and do it in the fall. great pics

JimF22003
09-15-09, 03:40 AM
Thanks for the report! The MVT can be a bit crowded on the weekends, but during the week in the middle of the day (if I can sneak away from work) I like to ride it a couple of times a year. I like riding it on a warmish day in the winter, when I can sit in the sun at the end of the trail at Mt. Vernon, and take in a few rays.
Neil_B
09-16-09, 06:29 AM
Next time I'm in DC I have to ride it!