Out to the Green

Mt Vernon, originally uploaded by MothHunter.

I'm planning a bike trip out to Mt Vernon. It's about 25 miles to get down there from my front door, which means it's a 50 mile bike trip.

I'm not sure I'm ready for 50 this early in the season. Not to mention, the last half of that 50 would be uphill.

So I'm trying to think of a Metro station that will cut out ~10 miles.

I though of Rosslyn first, because it's a station I know, both above and below ground. I know exactly how to get from the station to the trail. However, getting off at Rosslyn would make for a longer ride... I would also have to fight off the handicap folks for the elevator since Rosslyn's at least 3 stories underground...

Regan National was my second thought - another station I am familiar with. I've even biked past RNAirport. The thing is, the station is 3 stories above ground, and exits directly into the airport... which means I'd have to take my bike into the airport, then figure out how to leave...

David suggested the King's Street station, but I've never used it, and it's not all that close to the trail. I would have to bike down King's Street, which means I bike IN traffic, not alongside it. King Street would also shorten my ride quite a bit.

My last - and final - thought was Arlington National Cem. Which is inbetween Rosslyn and King. I've never gotten off there, but it's above ground (so no elevators/escalators). It's also close-ish to the trail. According to Google maps, there is sidewalk access to the trail which is just awesome.

Now all I need to do is pick a day.

And inflate my tires...