Sure. MapQuest says it's only a tick over a thousand miles from Little Rock to Washington. If I start pedaling on New Years, I should be able to reach there by Inauguration Day no problem. :thumb:

Currently a young man is commuting to the inauguration.... from LA. He's in Texas currently:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...&postcount=254

His route as of now is across Adventure Cycling's Souther Tier route, and then up the coast to DC.

Any suggestions, tips, etc, you DC commuters can offer him?

While true, remember that *almost* half of us voted for the other guy! :)

I'd love to be there, too, but it's in the middle of winter and it's a 7 hour drive.

There are a lot of people who are saying that this presidency is going to be of historic significance. This is generally a reference to Barak Obama being the first American president of African-American descent. Certainly this is significant here in the United States, but from a world perspective, it is but a footnote. The idea that Barak Obama’s presidency is automatically of high historical significance to the world is a bit presumptuous. I do believe that there are people who have allowed their visceral hatred of George Bush to drive unrealistic expectations of the Obama presidency. And there are some who will only be happy if the Obama presidency reduces the United States the world’s lap dog, submitting to every whim of the world’s self proclaimed higher authorities. Pardon me for being the iconoclast, but I don’t see the US trading all its power and independence for the world’s approval. If the US does, it will be the first super-power in the history of the world to willingly do so. That indeed would be of historical significance. But I will reserve my judgment of the significance of the Obama presidency until after it’s over.

Now, to keep this on topic, there is no way in hell I’m subjecting myself to these types of crowds on the National Mall.

-Old Army

I hate crowds too, but if I was in any position to get there, it would be well worth it. I could tell my step-grandkids all about it.... :thumb:

It's going to be a total zoo. I've been to the Mall on the 4th of Jul,and those crowds were almost impossible to navigate. Plus the DC Council has voted to extend last call to 4am,which means the entire city is going to be Adams Morgan on a Sat night for a week. It's going to be stupid.

And this is all assuming nothing bad happens.

On the front page of the LA Times web site right now...

http://www.latimes.com/la-na-moment1...,3535091.story

I'm a native Washingtonian, lived here all my life and seen many of these big events come through. There's no way in HE** I'm going to be anywhere near DC while this is going on. First off, the crowds all around the DC Metro area are going to be horrendous. Then there's the terrorism threats (which are probably the least of my concerns, but a concern still). The biggest issue however, IMO, is what's going to happen with the crime when you go just a mile away from the parade route. Remember that all the MPD officers are basically being pulled in from every corner of the city to deal with this madness - what do you think happens in the surrounding areas? Crime soars. We have seen it happen with just about every major event that takes place downtown (July 4th is always bad). All the gangs that terrorize many of the neighborhoods in DC have a field day knowing that no one is going to respond to 911 calls. Nope, we're heading out of town to a little cabin in WVA for a few days.

Huge crowds and bitter cold will not make a pleasant time, no matter how historic.
Besides that, think of all the germs and viruses floating around.
It'll be one massive flu-fest.
Disgusting.

I agree, I can't believe the City Council passed that. Hello? Does anyone here remember the 68 riots? A lot of people here are just looking for an excuse to tear this city apart. IMO, the events should have been canceled. You don't need a big broo-haha to acknowledge what a momentous even this is. The bottom line is that many people in this city could care less WHO is elected - sadly, they are just looking for an opportunity to present itself. And with all the MPD officers down at the event, neighborhoods like Anacostia, Petworth, Columbia Heights, etc are going to be ripe for the picking.

It will be a grand and glorious event--the best party the world has seen since 12/31/1999. Obama is even more loved in the rest of the world than he is here in America.

Perhaps because the rest of the world doesn't live here.
Ignorance is bliss.

He shoulda took the Northern Tier... we're all "red" states down here where Obama lost bad in almost every state. We're sore losers, too ;-)

Metro announced that there'll be no bikes allowed in the Metro train system for the entire four days that weekend, January 17 - 20. They must be expecting extremely heavy ridership all weekend, usually they only prohibit bikes on the 4th of July!

There might be a million people with a great story about how they witnessed live the inauguration of Barack Obama, and one and a half million people with a horror story about how they travelled all the way to DC and missed the inauguration sitting in a car/tour bus/broken Metro train/cager.

George

Yep.. When was the last time the world witnessed foreigners flying American flags. They have now..

As I recall, we had lots of the world's population flag waving right after 9/11. But it didn't take long before waving turned to burning. Obama or not, its good sport to hate the USA and it always will be. Right now it also is fashionable to embrace Obama. But I expect, like most fashion trends, it wont last long.

-Old Army

You mean the music festival in Germany where Obama made a scheduled cameo?
Very funny.

Here' s the rules about bikes and the Inaugural.. Keep your distance from the Capitol at the very least.
...
Inaugural Security: Leave Chairs, Strollers Home

WASHINGTON (AP) -- No strollers near the Capitol. No tents on the National Mall. None of that Silly String on the parade route.

That's just a sample of the items forbidden from President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration for security reasons. And while many people say the inconvenience is a small price to pay to witness the swearing-in of the nation's first black president, others are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how they will sit, snack, carry diapers or transport tired tots.

snip

Some older people are backing out of their inaugural plans, partly because of a no-chair rule for the parade route. Parenting blogs are abuzz with complaints about the less-than-kid-friendly restrictions. Thermoses, coolers and backpacks are out at both the Capitol and the parade route.

''Of course, they're not going to say, 'no children,''' said Sunny Chanel, a San Francisco-based contributor to Babble.com, a parenting Web site. ''But they're definitely not making it easy for parents with smaller children to go.''

snip
West Front of the Capitol. There are understandable prohibitions on weapons and pepper spray. But you also can't carry an umbrella. And don't think about holding up any ''Yes We Did'' signs -- posters also are not allowed.

It could get tricky as people congregate along the parade route, where many items allowed on the Mall will be off-limits. That list includes bicycles, backpacks, aerosols (which could include Silly String), coolers, thermal containers and chairs.

Signs or placards can be brought to the parade -- but only if they're made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and are not more than 3 feet by 20 feet.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008...ules.html?_r=1

I'm planning on taking my bike here with a group of friends. Should be a lot of cyclist. I'm just not sure how close to parade route they'll let us get. Also I see they will have a free bike parking valet service.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric Gilliland
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
p) 202-518-0524
c) 202-215-5249
e) gill@waba.org
America Bikes to the Inauguration
Local Cycling Group Announces Free Valet Bike Parking for Inauguration
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), a local non-profit bike safety and advocacy organization, is
pleased to announce it will be providing free valet bike parking services at two locations during the 2009 Inauguration
festivities on January, 20th as a way to encourage more people to travel that day by bike. The bike valets are being
made possible through the support America Bikes, Dero Bike Rack Company, and the District Department of
Transportation. America Bikes, a coalition of national bike advocacy organizations based in DC, is working on
incorporating the needs of cyclists into the forthcoming economic stimulus package as well as the future
reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. Dero, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of commercial bike parking,
will be supplying the bike racks that will be used to hold bikes in the valets.
According to WABA’s Executive Director Eric Gilliland, cycling could prove to be the ideal way to get around on the
day of the inauguration. “Many roads will be closed to vehicular traffic, access to bridges into the city will be restricted,
and Metro will be packed. If you have a bike, we encourage you to ride it that day and we hope to make it as easy as
possible for you to do so,” Gilliland said. The association has also created a special inaugural web page with
information about the safest routes to the valets, information on safe cycling and bike rentals, as well as other tips to
make riding safe and enjoyable. That page can be found at www.waba.org/events/inauguralbikevalet.php. Cyclists
who take advantage of the bike valets will receive a free commemorative claim check and bicycle wheel spoke card
courtesy of WABA, America Bikes and Dero.
“In addition to making it easier for people to travel by bike on that day, we hope the bike valets will demonstrate the
important role biking plays in our transportation system as a new Congress and president take office,” said Caron
Whitaker, Campaign Director of America Bikes.
“Bike valets are very similar to car valets,” said Henry Mesias, project manager at WABA. “You simply ride up to the
valet, a volunteer will attach one half of a claim ticket to your bike and hand you the other half. The volunteer will then
park the bike in a safe enclosure while you head off to enjoy the inauguration. When you want to leave, you show us
your half of the claim check and we get you your bike and you ride off. It’s quite simple.” Mr. Mesias says that the
association is prepared to park well over 1000 bikes.
The bike valets will be located on the south side of the Jefferson Memorial and on 16th Street NW between I Street and
K Streets NW. Both will be open from 7am to 5pm. In case of extreme weather, the valets will be closed, but the
unattended bike parking racks will still be available for use.
For more information, please contact Eric Gilliland at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association at 202-518-0524 or
email gill@waba.org.
For more information on America Bikes, visit www.americabikes.org, or contact Caron Whitaker at 202-215-3908 or via
email caron@americabikes.org.
For more information on the Dero Bike Rack Company, contact Nick Mason at 612-359-0689 or email
nickmason@dero.com. Dero can be found on the web at www.dero.com.

This is in the "rumor" category, but one of the radio guys was saying he heard that Bruce Springsteen will be playing in front of the Lincoln memorial. As in previous inaugurals, this kind of concert would be free.

rdubbz: coming in from VA? FYI,you may not be able to cross most of the bridges:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ina...etclosings.pdf

Some will be open to peds,but who can say how the cops are going to treat bikes.

Also,a general map of street closings. Not as detailed or inclusive as the press release,but gives you an idea:

http://www.secretservice.gov/press/GPA01-09InaugMap.pdf

Anyone recomend a good route from Bethesda to DC? I will be staying with relatives there and the bike sounds like the way to go.

I am. The key bridge is the closest to me but from your link looks like it will be closed to peds. Memorial looks like it may be an option.
It's silly that i haven't heard any local news report on restrictions for bikes. I guess we'll find out then.
Thanks for the info!

Capital Crescent trail. Take you right down to Georgetown.

More than a rumor..

I'm really not sure how pervasive the restrictions on bikes will be. For example, they won't be allowing bikes, ice coolers, baby strollers, and folding chairs on the parade route.

I may just hoof it that day even though I live two blocks away.

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Arlington's Schedules for Martin Luther King Day and Presidential Inauguration
Residents, visitors urged to plan ahead for Jan. 20
All Arlington County administrative offices, schools, public libraries, courts, and nature centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Presidential Inauguration. Please note:

ART Bus Service: ART Bus and STAR: ART 41 & ART 51 will operate an enhanced Sunday service schedule on Jan. 19 and 20. No other regularly-scheduled ART services will be operated on these holidays.
STAR (Specialized Transportation for Arlington Residents): STAR Call Center is closed and all standing order rides cancelled on Jan. 19 and 20.
Parking Meters: Meters are not enforced on Monday, Jan. 19; however, all normal weekday parking regulations will be in effect for Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Courts: All Arlington County courts are closed Friday, Jan. 16, for Lee-Jackson Day and Jan. 19-20.
County offices, courts and schools will resume normal schedules on Wednesday, Jan. 21. More information available on our holiday schedule web page -- it features details on closings and schedule changes.

Presidential Inauguration: Plan Ahead Planning for the Presidential Inauguration is in full swing. Arlington is proud to be an important part of the Inauguration and celebrations. The entire Washington, D.C. area -- including Arlington -- is bracing for record crowds during the inaugural weekend January 17-20, 2009. Crowds and events during the inaugural weekend will affect all area residents – even those not planning to attend any of the events.

Our best advice for Arlington residents and visitors – pretend that a snowstorm is coming… and plan accordingly. A storm is coming, bringing with it crowds, congestion, traffic and delays. Getting around on Jan. 20 will be difficult at best – you’ll want to plan ahead. Please note that no privately-owned vehicles will have access to DC from Virginia.

Be prepared: Please visit our special Inauguration web page for helpful tips from now through Jan. 20.
Make a plan: Avoid driving if at all possible; telecommute if you can. Remember, the storm is coming!
Be informed: Sign up for Arlington Alert and stay tuned to 1700AM Arlington, our emergency radio station.
###

Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.



Last Modified: January 8, 2009

Just found this update:

Inaugural Bridges

Yesterday, Transportation leaders announced that Key Bridge will also be closed to car traffic. That means 14th, Memorial, TR and Key are all closed. It does appear that bikes will still be allowed
Instead, these bridges will carry a mixture of motor coaches, shuttle buses and pedestrians, all trying to flock to the central core of D.C. for the ceremony.

but you can expect the sidewalks/MUPs to be filled with pedestrians, so it looks like Commonwealthers will be walking their bikes. You might be able to bike in the road on Memorial or Key, but I'm unsure. There isn't a lot of direction coming out honestly.
Transportation experts have been advising anyone planning to attend the inauguration to either walk or bike to the ceremony if at all possible.



January 07, 2009

That was back then he is the president elect now BIG diffrence ...

It does indeed look like all the MUP's are going to be open. This includes the 14th Street Bridge, the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge, the Key Bridge and, of course, the Memorial Bridge. I would recommend the Teddy Roosevelt bridge as it is the least well known MUP and pedestrian access requires a good bit of local knowledge. However, given the expected crowds on the Mt Vernon Trail, just getting to any of the bridges is going to be probelmatic. They really should have opened up some lanes on the George Wahington Memorial Parkway to bicycles only.

I'm really beginning to think the best way to get there from VA is to swim.

-Old Army