I think a test run is a good idea. Whether you can get through Fort Belvior is unknown -- I'd suggest calling them. I used to commute through Fort Meyer, and all they required was a Government ID, which I had. Right before 9/11, they were getting ready to require a special permit to travel through their facility.

Since my post-9/11 route does not use the fort, I never found out whether or not the plan to issue a free permit was carrried out or whether everyone is banned from the fort.

Fort Meyer has beautiful 19th century military architecture. I miss riding through there -- and the gate guards were always polite and friendly.

I hope your commute is pleasant and practical for you. If I didn't commute, I wouldn't ride at all -- or get any other significant excercise.

Have a good ride --

Paul

Sipper - I have the same situation, so I'm considering biking one way and driving back the other. I have to do it at least once, just to say I did, but I think it may become addictive.

An hour is a long way, just one way.

I like the suggestion of a trial run.

An hour isn't bad, especially if you think of the time you would lose going to the gym after your commute, or going on a ride after. The net loss isn't bad at all.

Sometimes, with increasing frequency, I ride extra miles in the morning and the evening, pushing my commute to 2 hours each way.

I carry my clothes in my backpack every day, and leave my shoes in my locker at work. The more stuff you leave at work, the lighter and more fun the ride. RainmanP had a good suggestion for keeping your clothes neat. I was in the Navy, and did MANY pushups before learning how to fold mine without wrinkles. Forget the gas and everything else, your ride route by itself sounds like it would be worth the riding.