Originally Posted by cc_rider
Would going up North Capitol be better?
If so, then MVT to the 14th St Bridge, switch to the road around the Jefferson Memorial/Tidal Basin, cross Independence and take the Mall to the Capitol.
That's what came to my mind, too. Mount Vernon Trail, 14sb, then down the mall to the Capitol.
Except that North Capitol is terrible to ride on. I would do First Street NW, which runs directly into the parking lot of the hospital center. You've got to zig-zag a little to get to First Street from the Mall.
Also, it can be difficult to cross Florida Ave, take your time and be careful - although, at 5am on weekends, you'll just fly right through. Oh, and get some tire liners or something, because that route is practically paved with broken glass.
Going up Rock Creek is definitely going out of your way.