FABB Blog

 

Wolf Trap bike train

Bridge over Dulles Toll Rd at Wolf Trap

We went to see Wilco at Wolf Trap on Tuesday. We live in Reston near South Lakes Village Center and it's only 6 miles to Wolf Trap. Here's a map of the route, which uses the W&OD Trial, Clarks Crossing Road, a short stretch of Beulah Road where new Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs were recently installed, Trap Road, the trail along Trap Road in front of the Barns at Wolf Trap, and the great new bridge over the Toll Road to the park.

In searching our blog I see that the last time I rode to Wolf Trap was to see Wilco in 2009. Unfortunately the same crummy rack that I complained about then is still in place. It really is time for Wolf Trap to provide some decent bike parking for patrons, especially now that there's a great bridge that allows cyclists to easily ride to events. We'll send them a nice note requesting a few U racks.

The same crummy rack that's been there for many years. Time for an upgrade.

Anyway, as I was leaving I happened across Robert from the bike shop where be both work, and two other cyclists who were headed to the W&OD Trail. We decided to form a bike train and ride to the trail. I can tell you how much nicer it is to leave the Wolf Trap gates, walk a few steps to our bikes, and ride past all the frustrated motorists waiting to exit the park.

It took about 35 minutes to get home, probably less time than it would take to walk to our car, wait to exit, and drive home. An added plus was following a fox on the W&OD Trail for about 50 yards. It was a very pleasant ride home. You should try it next time you visit Wolf Trap.

Labels: wolf trap

posted by Bruce Wright at 4:40 PM permalink

 

Ped/bike bridge at Wolf Trap being installed

Bridge span being lowered into place.

The first span of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Dulles Toll Road at Wolf Trap Farm Park was installed last night. This bridge will connect the trail on the south side of the Toll Road with a new trail on the north side that will lead to the park. The existing bridge on Trap Road over the Toll Road is very narrow with no room for pedestrians.

This project is part of the Beulah Road Walkway Project that was initiated by the NoVi Trails group headed by Jenifer Madden. It shows that hard work, persistence, and patience pays off. Funding was obtained from several sources with the help of Congressman Moran and the support of Supervisors Hudgins and Foust.

The final span of the bridge will be installed tonight. Congratulations to Jenifer for her work on making this facility a reality.

Labels: congressman moran, jenifer madden, supervisor foust, supervisor hudgins, trap road, wolf trap

posted by Bruce Wright at 8:35 AM permalink

 

Wolf Trap by bike

The other night we rode to Wolf Trap to see Wilco. We live in Reston and it's a short, approximately 5 mile ride from our house to the Filene Center. We take the W&OD Trail, Clarks Crossing Road, Beulah Road, and Trap Road to the Wolf Trap entrance. It takes about 30 minutes.

Clarks Crossing Road is very bike-friendly. Beulah Road is narrow with no shoulder, but it's downhill when headed toward Wolf Trap and it's a short section. Trap Road is wide until the stop sign at Gelding Lane where it becomes narrow with no shoulder. There is a wide, paved asphalt trail along Trap Road that we took until it ended at the Dulles Toll Road bridge where we got on the road for the rest of the trip. A ped/bike bridge over the Toll Road is planned and partially funded. Here's a map of the route from Reston to Wolf Trap.

While there is a bike rack at the entrance to the Filene Center, it's the cheesiest rack I've ever seen. It's made out of lightweight metal and it's almost impossible to use a U-lock to lock the bike. We were surprised to see two other bikes in the rack. Afterwards the couple who owned the bikes said it was their first time riding there but it wouldn't be their last. The trip home was a breeze. Exiting traffic was going slow and mostly turning onto the Toll Road. We were half way home in the time it usually takes to leave the parking lot. And it was a fun ride home in the dark. Good reflective gear and bright lights are recommended.

Both Ian and The Wash Cycle have written about riding to Wolf Trap. I plan to write to the park to suggest that inverted U racks be installed.

Labels: wolf trap

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:17 PM permalink