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The Arlington Triangle
SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Reichert
LAST UPDATED: November 30, 2004
No, ships and planes aren't mysteriously disappearing in Arlington, rather this is a 17 mile triangular bike route on some of the most popular trails in the area. Highlights of the ride include sights of the monuments from across the Potomac, an up close view of planes taking off from or landing at National Airport, and a chance to refuel at the Italian Store or one of the many restaurants in Shirlington. Low points include the waste treatment center off of Four Mile run, exhaust from cars on 66 and 395, and dreaded corkscrew hill to rise up over Rt. 29. And really, the low points are more interesting than low, with the exception of the corkscrew, which can be made fun, and downhill, by riding eastwardly on the Custis Trail.
Tips
If the weather is good, it's suggested that you grab a couple of subs from The Italian Store and pack them away to later eat on Roosevelt Island (no bikes allowed, but walking distance from the trail) or at Gravely Point (while watching the planes).
The store is located directly off the Custis Trail near Lee Highway and Spout Run Parkway in the Lyon Village Shopping Center. The shopping center is identifiable by signs for Big Wheel Bikes, which is a handy place if you have any bike problems.
For those outside the Beltway, convenient weekend parking can be found off 66 at the East Falls Church Metro and off 395 in Shirlington. The East Falls Church Metro is off of the WO&D trail just west of the triangle, while Shirlington places you along a brief street section of the Four Mile Run trail.
East Falls Church Metro
2001 N Sycamore St (parking entrance off of Washington Blvd.) Arlington, VA 22205
Shirlington
4000 28th St S (various parking structures and street parking) Arlington, VA 22206
Related Resources
The Italian Store (DigitalCity.com write-up)
3123 Lee Hwy
Arlington, VA 22201
703-528-6266
Big Wheel Bikes (website)
3119 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22201
703-522-1110
