Annapolis to DC routing

[QueueCT]

I'm touring across the Delmarva to DC. How bad of an idea is it to ride Riva Rd to Central Ave all the way to the District line? It looks like there are good shoulders on Central Ave east of 301, how is it closer to DC? It looks like the section between 301 and the Beltway is the worst (and may need to bypass). I don't mind riding in urban traffic but 4-lane strip mall roads without shoulders are not my cup of tea. I prefer heavier traffic/wider shoulder to heavier traffic/curving/no shoulder in dense suburban areas.

I suppose the alternative is to take Queen Anne Bridge/Mitchellville Rd up to Mt Oak/Woodmere/Lottsford Rd then reconnect with Central Ave inside the Beltway.

Any opinions from locals who have done the ride before?

[QueueCT]

Wow, I take it back. I looked at Google Street Views and Sheriff Rd seems to be a much better option inside the Beltway. This is why I definitely need help

[StanSeven]

I would try this

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...C-to-ANNAPOLIS

[maxine]

Maybe this?

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

I've never ridden this route myself, so I have no first-hand comments.

[greaterbrown]

I've ridden this (Annap to DC) and it's about 10 miles shorter than the Stan's suggestion. Central has a big shoulder up to Largo, but you'll want off of it west of that. Jog up to Sheriff, which is trafficky, but safe. When you get to the Benning bridge, you'll have to cross on the opposite side of the bridge.

The northern routes (Stan's and Max's) are longer, but more scenic.

[greaterbrown]

Actually, now that I looked more closely at the bikely and bikewashington routes, I think you could do much better. Riding into town on the new Metbranch trail is nice. The northern routes will be more mileage, but if you you want to come that way, I can give you a cue.
Best. -Bob

[maxine]

Actually, now that I looked more closely at the bikely and bikewashington routes, I think you could do much better. Riding into town on the new Metbranch trail is nice. The northern routes will be more mileage, but if you you want to come that way, I can give you a cue.
Best. -Bob

Yeah, BikeWashington has lots of info, some of it good, but I think that a lot of it is pretty dated.

[QueueCT]

Thanks everyone. You've given me two good options . . . direct on reasonable roads (for the area at least) and less direct but more scenic with the trail option. I may not even make the decision until hitting Annapolis as I'll have ridden three centuries in a row and may want the shortest route possible (although I think either will look short after the prior three days). Doing some fast touring from Fairfield County, CT down the Jersey Shore and across the Delmarva into DC in the spring. If I stay with relatives I'll extend the ride out of DC to Herndon. Having lived in VA I'm familiar with the Custis/W&OD trails.