Bike commute - how long will it take

[Anonymous]

I'm in good shape (lots of jogging) but haven't biked in years. I'm trying to figure out if a bike commute would be doable.

I commute from Alexandria to Bethesda every day and it regularly takes over an hour each way so I'm considering biking. I'd bike about a mile to the GW parkway trail @ Slaters lane and then cross the key bridge and take the capital crescent up to Bethesda. About how long would it take if I'm going a reasonable pace but not pushing myself so hard that it's like a sweaty workout? (I can clean up at work but not fully shower).

Any other thoughts or guidance before I dive in and get a bike to see how it goes?

[Anonymous]

I haven't looked at the route you propose, but 10 mph is a nice pokey commute pace, so you can kind of guesstimate it that way. Honestly, 12-15mph is more realistic on trails, but figure traffic stops and some slow maneuvering.

[Anonymous]

10:35 again. Google maps bike beta directions put the commute (without specific addresses) at 17 miles and about an hour and a half.

[Anonymous]

Ask your question on the bikearlington.com forums, where you'll get a lot more responses:

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/forumdisplay.php?7-Commuters

[Anonymous]

Biking and jogging use different muscles so don't be shocked if you're really struggling the first couple of weeks. Also, it's uphill to Bethesda, so you'll got a bit slower on the capital crescent trail.

I recommend making the trip on a Saturday. For whatever it's worth it used to take me about 18-20 minutes to go from the Slater's Lane point you mention to the 14th Street bridge back in the day when I was in better bike condition.

[Anonymous]

You should check out the "Women & Bicycles" facebook group from Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA): https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenandBicycles/

I'm sure someone there does this commute and could give you a good route/timing estimate.

I bike from Slaters Lane/GW parkway to Dupont Circle (via Mt. Vernon Trail -> Memorial bridge) and it takes me around 40 minutes in the morning. The commute home is about an hour, as it takes me a little longer to get out of the city.

[Anonymous]

I used to commute from the Georgetown end of the Cap Crescent to Bethesda by bike. It was GREAT fun and I still miss it. If I remember correctly, I allotted 30 min for the ride, including getting from the Bethesda end of the Crescent trail to the office. It's a slight uphill most of the way.

A couple of tips: leave some basics in your office (extra underwear, a pair of neutral shoes, a neutral shirt/blouse). You will appreciate it when you forget something. You'll need a cleanup kit of washcloth, small towel, deodorant, extras of any makeup you use, and a ziplock bag to carry home any wet stuff. Invest in good rain gear, reflective strips, and lights. Learn how to patch a tire quickly and carry a small gear kit and pump with you.

The PP on the different muscle groups is correct. Even if you're in good shape from running, your quads and possibly your lower back might be sore the first couple of days.

Enjoy! You'll save time, money, and have a blast.