A Saturday Century in Fairfax County

The conditions were perfect on Saturday for an extra-long ride.  A hard work week was over, I had no pressing obligations elsewhere, Kate was in Chicago and the weather was amazing.  I had a few options for distance and location, and stayed at work late to map a route and draft a cue sheet – ultimately I decided to ride a modified version of the annual January 1 “Weenie 100″ found on the DC Century Rides blog.

I got a later start than initially planned, rolling out the door at 9:05 and taking 8th down to M, and eventually to Hains Point, where the original version of the ride starts with a lap.  I took a partial lap, and set off down the Mount Vernon Trail, enjoying the cool morning air.  Once I broke free from the hordes of runners south of Old Town, I was alone and mostly had the roads to myself for the remainder of the day.

Passing through Mount Vernon, a short hop on Route 1 (no shoulder!) and then eventually to Fairfax County Parkway.  I was really happy to see on multiple occasions throughout the day that some of the bigger roads in the county have a decently well maintained multi-use path running along the road.  Though the “instant on” cross walk signals where the path crosses feeder roads created a false sense of security and was pretty dangerous.

I headed towards Mason Neck State park where the Occoquan and Potomac rivers meet – a real gem for hikers it appeared.  Also a bald eagle nesting area – I got to see one (a first for me) and it was amazing.

Leaving Mason Neck I noticed that I had been passing many signs labeled “Washington-Rochambeau Route” This is apparently a 680 mile route along which Washington marched his army, and Rochambeau his French soldiers from Newport, RI to Yorktown, VA during the revolutionary war.  A Rhode Island cyclist appears to be mapping the good biking roads along the route at his webpage here, and is getting some press for doing so, like a local paper from Cranston, RI here.

After climbing a steep hill alongside a landfill (which I think is more neat than stinky because I’ve worked on them before) I looked at the time and distance I had traveled.  I think I had unintentionally been riding a bit slower than normal in preparation for the hillier route, and realized that I would be chasing my shadow back into DC (or worse) if I didn’t make some adjustments.  I unintentionally cut off what may have been the more challenging portion of the ride along the Occoquan, which was disappointing because it also looked to have the nicest scenery as well.  I headed up Route 123 and rejoined the original route near Burke.

Passing through some wonderful back roads and residential areas I made up some time (only 1 wrong turn) and eventually got to the WO&D trail with daylight to spare.  I suppose I could have stayed on the original route and ridden the last bit of the MVT in the dark, but the combination of unknown medium to high speed roads and poorly lit trails had spooked me enough outside of Occoquan, and now I had to live with my decision.

The Custis trail felt flatter than ever, which is a nice feeling with 80 miles into my legs.  Though I did have to ride behind one fellow who had a “too high” shirt, and “too low” pants.  I didn’t know it was a full moon!  I tried to snap a photo, but only managed to get one of him mostly covered and nearly being run down by an SUV as he crossed against the light.

I felt really good after crossing the Potomac, and decided that it would be silly to get home at 95 miles, so 2 rather speedy laps of Hains Point under the nearly set sun were a requirement.  After slogging up the mall on the sidepath of Constitution (where bells have no meaning) I arrive home just a hair under 101 miles.

I felt good, and knew that after I freshened up I would be off for Utiliitaire No.6  – a fitting ride to DC-3 on Barracks Row to get some appropriate food – hot dogs.

Now i know I can do 100 miles on roads that are more challenging than the pancake flat Eastern Shore rides – so I hope to explore more of Virginia and Maryland this spring and summer.

The original Weenie 100 route is here (Ride with GPS) 5800 feet climbing.  My modified version (Ride with GPS) 4700 feet climbing.

Wilson Bridge, ongoing detours.

Potomac River, south of Old Town Alexandria

Bridge, Mount Vernon Trail

Potomac River, Mount Vernon Trail

Mt. Vernon busses

Neat horse park near Mason Neck

Mason Neck State Park

Occoquan River

At first I thought these snails were dog turds.

Need to remember what I look like once the beard returns

Bald Eagle. Very cool!

Relaxing for a quick snack

This park was great. Well worth a return visit.

Didn’t know such a thing existed. Followed for quite a while.

Multi-Use Path. Very convenient and well used

Pedestrian Bridge over 495

This guy not only crossed against the light, but showed A LOT of crack. This wasn’t even close to the worst.

Monumental View

Potomac River

Trains at sunset. Hains Point