Northeast - Alexandria, VA to DC commute route since the winter storms?

I used to think I liked snow. This year has me rethinking that general premise, at least when it sticks around for WEEKS AND WEEKS and makes my regular bike commute route totally impassible. :bang:

I live in Del Ray in Alexandria, and my commute to downtown DC is usually a pretty straightforward shot up the MVT. Unfortunately, given the several inches of snow blanketing the trail, I don't think it's a feasible route for at least several days, if not longer. Geography what it is, 395 and the Potomac really limit the number of ways to get into DC by bike (vis-a-vis Maryland, for example). So I was wondering if any of you are still commuting from the VA side of the river, especially Alexandria, up into DC and, if so, what routes are you using?

I was thinking about trying to go through Crystal City, up the Old Jeff Davis Hwy, then on N Boundary Dr over to Washington Blvd, walking if needed from there over to the Memorial Bridge and then coming down the Mall. Thoughts?

I hate piddling away $5.60 a day for delayed, cramped, and otherwise boring Metro service when I'd much rather be having fun riding my bike to work anyway, :ride: so please help save me from another week of torture and agony! I'm going nuts at this point... :twitchy:

Thanks in advance for any ideas, comments, and experiences you may be able to share...

UPDATE: Idea for commute route mapped out here (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=104612096522479103192.00047fbb086e3332ed273&ll=38.863504,-77.048321&spn=0.103589,0.15398&z=13).

I typically commute on the same route, except originating in Shirlington. Every day I have looked longingly out the train window while crossing the Potomac, only to see the trail still covered in snow. I think tomorrow will be the day to return, however! The asphalt has begun to show its face, and between today's rain and above-freezing temps, I think the trails should be rideable :)

I too considered the Old Jeff Hwy road route, but both my wife and the other bike commuter in my office advised against sharing the road with cars and black ice. I'm sure it was sagely advice...but that doesn't help with the withdrawa symptomsl. I keep turning my crank by hand and shifting through the gears at home :) The metro and buses have been especially annoying with the increased ridership these past few weeks. Good riddance.

Assuming I make it to work on bike tomorrow, I will provide a ride report.

I returned to my typical 4 Mile Run -> MVT -> 14th St Bridge commute into the city today. As expected, it was doable on my 700x35 equipped hybrid, but I had to dismount maybe a half-dozen times, and had to plow slowly through twice as many slush areas. A few slippery moments, but nothing dangerous. It took me about 15 minutes longer than usual over my 9 mi commute. On the DC side, I did note that the sidewalk on Maine Ave, which must be taken in the "wrong" direction to get back to the bridge and into VA, was blocked by snow/ice. I will likely plan a detour for the return trip tonight.

Verdict: get back out there and help "plow" the trails!