Jake's Mason Neck Picnic Ride
Details
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It's time once again to enjoy Jake's favorite Mason Neck bike ride and picnic fun. This ride is specially designed to concentrate all the variety and beauty of Mason Neck into a single ride that avoids busy traffic, burning sun, and other unpleasant distractions. It's been popular for several years because it's simply the most scenic, safe, and relaxing ride available within easy driving distance from the Washington metro area. We do it a few times every year to experience the different seasons.
The Bike Ride
Mason Neck peninsula near Occoquan is a perfect area for recreational cycling on quiet shaded roads and trails just a few miles off I-95 at the Lorton exit. And May is a perfect time to go when the woods are a vibrant fresh green and everything is blooming.
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The riding is all on flat paved bike trails and roads with little traffic since we're riding near the end of the Mason Neck peninsula where all the roads dead end. The route we take goes through Mason Neck State Park, a National Wildlife refuge, Gunston Hall plantation (home of George Mason), and several beautiful neighborhoods with cool homes facing the Potomac River. There's even a real covered bridge along the way. Snacks, drinks, and excellent restrooms are available at Gunston Hall and the Mason Neck Park visitor center.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDERS!
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The total distance for the ride is 22 miles, and it's suitable for all types of bikes. We'll ride together as a group at a relaxed pace of 11-12 mph, which is about normal for most people. This is a pleasant ride with one short breath-catching hill that can be walked if necessary. You must be able to pedal your bike for 2-3 hours with occasional rest stops, so be prepared to go the whole distance. There is no guarantee other riders will be there the whole time if you can't keep up during the ride.
The Picnic
After the bike ride, we'll gather at the starting point for a fun picnic at Mason Neck State Park. That's our reward to celebrate being outdoors and having fun together. Bring something for yourself or something to share, as well as a folding chair to relax and be comfortable.
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We never tell people what to bring, but our group of creative picnickers always manage to produce an array of tasty dishes and refreshing beverages to feed our bodies and uplift our spirits. The picnic at the end of the ride is an event in itself that induces us to keep pedaling to the end so we can get started with the socializing. Mason Neck is a state park where public consumption of alcohol is not allowed, so please be discreet with your beverages.
DIRECTIONS:
There is a $4 per car entrance fee for Mason Neck State Park.
Take I-95 South to Lorton (Exit 163). Then go left on Lorton Rd. to Route 1 and turn right heading south toward Woodbridge. Turn left from Route 1 onto Gunston Rd. and drive straight for approximately 6 miles to Mason Neck Park sign at High Point Rd. Turn right onto High Point Rd. and go all the way to the end towards the visitor center. Just before the visitor's center, go left at the Y junction to the picnic area where there's plenty of parking available.
Since this is an outdoor event that depends upon good weather, please check back here on the morning of the ride. I will post a notice by 9:00 am if the ride needs to be cancelled due to weather. If you have any questions or get lost on the ride date, call Jake at 703-798-8435.
I hope to see you there!
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