r/bikedc • u/hikesbikessquats • 8d ago

Moving to DC 🚲

Hi! I’m moving to DC for a year and I’d like to bring my bike. I’ll be in DuPont circle and Hill East areas. I’m looking for advice re: a couple things:

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  1. what’s a good and friendly bike shop for me t

o ship

  1. my bike to and have built upon arrival? My home bike shop recommended this vs driving with it across country.

+ what are some

  1. fun and friendly cycling meet ups? I’m no pro, but I love group cycling.

    Currently I join a women’s ride as it fits my schedule but I’m open to any chill and welcoming group that isn’t trying it stay over 19mph. I average 13-18 depending on hills (I am a terrible climber right now).
    +

  2. what trails do you recommend? I’m primarily a road cyclist

, considering bringing my gravel bike as well

  1. .

    I love a good long autumn ride.

Anything else I shouldn’t miss?

Thanks so much!

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u/pseudoeponymous_rex 7d ago

One on my regulars list that doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet is the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Virginia. From DC you cross the river to the Mt. Vernon Trail and head south past the airport to Four Mile Run Trail, which comes within a short block of the W&OD trailhead at Shirlington Road. The W&OD runs clear out to Purcellville, Virginia; round-trip from my place in DC that's a little over a hundred miles.

(Four Mile Run is a decent ride on its easternmost portion, but as you move west it becomes much better suited for walking so I always switch to the W&OD at the first opportunity. You can also get to the W&OD by going north on the Mt. Vernon Trail and connecting to the Custis Trail; this is actually the quicker way, but I almost never do it because I hate the Custis Trail.)

I'm one of the people who patronizes Conte's without a problem.

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u/hikesbikessquats 7d ago

Thank you so much!