Capital Crescent and Rock Creek Trails Loop

Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. If chance of rain is > 29% or wind > 15 mph It may get cancelled/postponed

ROUTE DISTANCE

The distance for this loop is ~23 miles +/- 887 ft. The only way to shorten the distance is to stop somewhere and return the same way you biked.

TRAIL DETAILS
50% mostly flat. HOWEVER, we’ll encounter five inclines in first 2.1 miles (neighborhood streets) as we bike towards the trailhead for Capital Crescent Trail (Bethesda). I suggest warming up leg muscles in the pkg lot before we get start.

On the return, there are slight inclines in the first two miles. After passing the National Zoo, it's fairly flat. Road, hybrid, and mountain tires will work. E-bike riders are welcome. Both trails have a lot of river/creek views, shaded sections, and cool breezes coming through.

RESTROOMS
Located at the starting point, at retail shops in Bethesda, at the resting point on the C & O Canal path, in Georgetown, and in Rock Creek Park on the way back.

THE PLAN
Arrive by the posted time so you have 10 minutes to get your bike ready, helmet on, test ride, etc. We'll do a roll call and depart on the hour.

1. Ride westward to the CCT (~15 minutes)
We'll start at Meadowbrook Local Park (the bathrooms may not be open but there are three outdoor loos). Then bike through quiet neighborhood streets to Bethesda Ave (a couple of hills here) to get on the CCT.

2. Ride south on the CCT (~45 minutes)
CCT is mostly flat and scenic, but it may have a lot of walkers to navigate around at the first 3 miles.

Regrouping spots:

1. Capital Crescent Trail entry (opposite Ourisman Honda) (10 min. stop for a regroup/getting a quick bite if needed). 4760 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD.
2. Capital Cresent Tunnel (Keryn will stop & wait if needed)
3. Fletcher's Cove Boat House (5-10 min stop for socializing/drinking etc.)
4. GeorgetownHarbor waterfront park (near the Thompson boat house), Georgetown.

We'll ride past the boat house and go through Washington Harbor (waterfront area) for a final stop.

We plan on a 30-minute minimum stop for socializing/lunch/relaxing/cooling off). Some participants may want to return earlier, and some want to stay longer. We usually work out who’s staying vs going back earlier. Feel free to go on your own or join us for a group lunch if anyone offers.

3. Return on the Rock Creek Trail (RCT)
Departure point and time TBD. We'll get on the Rock Creek Trail from the end of Georgetown Harbor.
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Regroup Spots:

1. Pierce Mill (bathroom/history stop)
2. National Zoo staff road intersection** with the trail. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
3. Rock Creek Park Station at Beach Drive & Joyce Road. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
4. Intersection of Beach Drive and Broad Branch
5. End of Rock Creek Park where you can take the paved trail to the parking lot or bike on the road.

The RCT is mostly shady due to trees on the side of the trails. It hugs the Rock Creek from one end of the park to the other, providing scenic views and it often has breezes to cool bikers off. It is mostly flat with a small amount of decline on the way down and an incline on the way back. Only one noticeable hill when you get to Cathedral Ave (near to the National Zoo). It will take 45-65 minutes to bike back.

What to do and bring
All participants must wear a helmet while riding and must carry a cell phone the entire trip.

Trail Etiquette
-All participants should stay on the right and pass on the left whenever possible.
-Saying "passing on your left" and using a bell to warn walkers /bikers as you approach from behind is good practice (to avoid people moving out in front of you as you attempt to pass them).
-Be on the lookout for possible collisions and be prepared to pull off the paved trail to stay safe.
-Keep a safe distance from other bikers, in case they suddenly stop.

Suggestions: Water bottles, snack, bike chain, bike bell, bike gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, spare tire, leave a change of clothes or items for wiping down before you get back into your car afterwards.

I will have first aid items (acetaminophen, antibacterial cream, Band-Aids, gauze, alcohol) in my backpack.

Participation is at your own risk. You are responsible for any personal or bike mishaps. But we’ll try to help.

Pace
To keep up with us, you need to ride at an average pace of 9-12 miles per hour on flats (which is considered a beginner pace on other bike groups). Otherwise, go at your own pace, put the destination points in your mobile phone's nav app and meet us at the meetup points listed below where you can wait for us to catch up or we can wait up to 5 minutes for you to catch up - Call/text Keryn at 240-496-5600 if needed.

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