Originally Posted by slantrock
What do you consider "the bottom"? Rock Creek Parkway ends and Beach Drive begins at the Connecticut Avenue Bridge. I find the whole of Beach Drive to be comortable riding, but I would never on Rock Creek Parkway unless I was with big group. It's too fast and windy. You're right, however, that there are no shoulders, but the drivers have never given me any problems. But I will admit that Beach Drive gets quieter north of Piney Branch Parkway.
I'll solo on Beach from Pierces Mill to the zoo tunnel, traffic permitting, but below that I switch to the trail or ride up to Connecticut Ave. Even that little stretch of road can be nuts. Usually run into at least one pissed off driver each time. Above the mill I seldom have problems with traffic.
Maybe this Sunday should be an Rock Creek end-to-end. I haven't done that ride in a while.