Originally Posted by blazin

You're just looking in the wrong places. I assume you are referring to the W&OD trail, which is for commuters, joggers, and the like. It is not where serious cyclists ride. I know of quite a few young (HS school aged) cyclists in the NOVA/DC area. They ride with Haymarket Bikes further out from town or Rock Creek Velo, a club specifically devoted to junior development, in town. You just need to Google around and venture off the MUP.