Metropolitan Branch Trail from Fort Totten to DC + Metrobar

**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 29%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 14 mph (per Accuweather) **

EVENT SUMMARY
We will start from the Fort Totten Metro Station and bike straight down along the Metrorail and CSX tracks to Union Station - about 4.6 miles. We’ll break here for water/bathroom/ a visit inside. Participants can return from there or continue biking with us. Next, we'll bike over to the Capitol, National Mall, and some surrounding points of interest. We'll take a break, and then return the same way. We expect to do about eight miles each way.

Option to join us at the very cool Metrobar (right off the trail) for a lunch break. It's the 2024 winner of Best Bar in DC. You can opt to eat/drink in the refurbished metro car or outside in cozy seating areas. They have food trucks and the Bryant Market is 1/2 a block away,

TRAIL DETAILS AND FEATURES
When completed, the Metropolitan Branch Trail will start further north, from the Silver Spring Metro station down to Union Station, for eight miles. It is very flat, maybe 40 feet of elevation change. To learn about the history of how this trail was conceived, see Metropolitan Branch Trail - Wikipedia

This is a very different type of bike route compared to the usual rail trail because the trains are still running and it’s more urban. I cant compare it to any other trail in the area. From Fort Totten south, the paved trail is well established. It mostly runs between the train tracks and the backs of warehouses. It connects several neighborhoods. We'll see: graffiti wall art, urban art, a dog park, outdoor movie area, and garden areas, and restaurants along both sides of the path.

PARKING
Park at the Fort Totten parking lot across the street from the station. Arrive by 11:15 so you have time to prepare your bike, helmet, water bottles, etc. Meet us at front of the station at 11:00

BATHROOMS
Breweries on the way
Museums
Union Station,
REQUIREMENTS
You need to be comfortable riding on paved trails and crossing streets in an urban environment while negotiating pedestrians, cars, and scooters.
Helmets are required while seated on a bike.

RECOMMENDATIONS and TRAIL ETTIQUETTE
Water bottles, backpack, bike lock, sunglasses, sunscreen, money.

Staying below the speed limit (usually 15 mph). Staying to the right in general. Using a bike bell and saying "Passing on your left" when approaching pedestrians and bikers from behind.