Spring in DC- April Long Weekend
Join TBN this Spring as we explore Washington DC and the surrounding areas on bike and foot! Why DC? DC has been recognized as one of the best biking cities in the US. There is plenty of culture, history, festivals, art, architecture, nature, and food to enjoy. Check out https://washington.org/ Almost all of the top DC attractions are free (19 Smithsonian Museums, Monuments, and Memorials). With an average high of 19 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and low rainfall, April is a beautiful time of year to visit DC.
We will be staying in Old Town Alexandria, VA, nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture. It is one of the South’s prettiest cities with more than 200 trendy restaurants and boutiques. Check out www.visitalexandriava.com.
Accommodation
The Airbnb we will be staying in comfortably sleeps 8, is run by a superhost and has received a rating of 4.98 out of 5. Click here for more info about the Airbnb. It is a 15 minute Metro ride or 30 minute bike ride to the main tourist areas of DC and a short walk to the many Alexandria attractions, including King Street, recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America.
The sleeping arrangements will be as follows: Bedroom 1- Queen Bed suitable for a couple, Bedroom 2- Double Bed suitable for a couple, Bedroom 3- 2 single beds (trundle style), Living Room - Sofa Bed (suitable for one person), and Finished basement: 1 or possibly 2 air mattresses
TBN members who would like to arrange their own accommodation, but participate in the activities are welcome to do so.
Price: $410/person The price includes 5 nights accommodation, parking, and secure bike storage. Food is not included, however participants will have the option to participate in a food fund. Transportation is not included in the price. A minimum of 6 registrants is required to run the trip. If the minimum number is not reached, the trip will be cancelled and refunds will be issued. The initial price of $410/per person is based on 6 people sharing the Airbnb, but the house can fit up to 8 people. If more people register, registrants will be issued a discount ($35/person discount if 7 people register and $65/person discount if 8 people register.
Transportation
The trip organizer will make every attempt to match people for carpooling, but carpooling is not guaranteed. Each car can fit up to 3 people. Participants who carpool are expected to contribute to gas costs as well as a little bit extra for wear and tear on the car. The approximate fuel cost per way is $100 (to be shared among the passengers). If a person cannot be matched for carpooling, he/she will have to make his/her own transporation arrangements (options include air, bus, or train). A bike can possibly be taken on a plane or train, or there are a number of bike shops in DC where a bike can be rented.
Itinerary
There will be five scehduled bike rides, 4 historical guided walking tours, and free time to explore DC's attractions. The rides are suitable for Urban Roller bicyclists. All activities are optional. This schedule may be adjusted depending on weather, preferences of the group and the availability of tickets for the historical walking tours (not yet available for booking). All of the sightseeing activities suggested in this itineary are free. Dinners/Nights out and Beer tasting are at the participant's own expense, as is using the Metro. The Historial Walking tours led by DC by Foot are pay what you can/some have a small booking fee. Check out https://freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/
Wednesday
Drive to DC (about 10 hours including breaks). Check-in to airbnb anytime after 4 pm.
DC Bike Party Cherry Blossom Chase ride at 7:30 pm. Now in its eigth year, this free ride has been recognized as one of the best events of the festival and has reached cult status. Hundreds of cyclists explore the city with a playlist, and after the ride head to a bar. DC Bike Party has won the "Best Social Ride" Award from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Ride distance about 25 km, including distance from Airbnb to start of ride. Take the Metro back to Airbnb.
Thursday
Morning Ride: Bike ride from Alexandria to Mount Vernon using the Mount Vernon Trail, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24894922, 35 km, a favourite bike trail among the locals and tourists. Mount Vernon is George Washington's plantation estate which is the most visited historic home in the US.
Afternoon Ride: Alexandria Loop, https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/834-the-alexandria-loop, 30 km. This ride goes through the north west area of Alexandria, where we will see upscale neighbourhoods, The Masonic Memorial and possibly stop for some Beer tasting at Port City Brewing Company.
Dinner and Night out in Alexandria
Friday
Ride Part 1: Early morning ride to see the Cherry Blossoms at sunrise (best time to view), https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2276336, 35 km. We will visit the Tidal Basin/East & West Potomac Park/National Mall/Capitol Hill/Foggy Bottom. There will be an optional extension to the US National Arboretum (best secret place to see the Cherry Blossoms). We will then proceed to the start of the Ride Part 2.
Ride Part 2: For the members of the group who do not want to wake up so early, they have the option to join us in Georgetown. We will take two of the most popular bike trails in DC on this route- The Capital Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Park. Along the way, we will head through Bethesda and Chevy Chase Maryland. There will be a number of Metro stations along the way if anyone would like to cut the ride short. The ride from start to finish in Georgetown is 35 km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/1522922
Capital Hill Scandals walking tour (DC by Foot) in the evening, 90 minutes, 1 km
Dinner/Night out in DC
Saturday
Morning: Guided tour of the US Capitol (free tickets already reserved) and Washington Monument Tour (tickets already reserved)
Free time to see Smithsonian Museums/attractions
Historic Georgetown walking tour (DC by Foot), 2 hours, 3 km, https://freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/walking-tours/historic-georgetown/
White House at Night walking tour (DC by Foot), 90 minutes, 1 km
Petalpalooza in the evening- live music, art installations, beer garden and fireworks https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/petalpalooza/
Sunday
Embassy Row and historic Dupont Circle walking tour (DC By Foot), 2 hours, 1.5 km, https://freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/embassy-row/
Museums/sightseeing in the afternoon
End of Trip Dinner in DC
Monday
Check out time 11 am (at the latest). Drive back to Toronto
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued if a participant can no longer go. Registrants who can no longer go are responsible for finding a replacement, and arranging payment themselves. TBN will not be involved with the financial transaction. TBN can help publicize if spaces become available or connect people on the waitlist. If TBN cancels the trip, participants will be issued a refund. Registrants are encouraged to arrange trip/medical insurance.
Registration will begin January 24 for TBN members and will open to non-members on February 14. Final date to register is March 9, 2020.
Please contact Trip Organizer Lora Flanagan, weekendtrips@tbn.ca for more information.
