Pedaling up all those steep hills and winding roads is sure to get your appetite revving. (Or is that the sound of the cars whizzing by?) Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bike ride or a day’s long adventure, you’re going to want to eat. With that in mind, we put together three biking itineraries with stops for grub along the way.
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
Parts of this 28-mile trail are under construction, though there are 18 miles of (nearly) consecutive paths ready for riding. A majority of the trail borders — you guessed it — the Anacostia River, so prepare for views.
Maine Avenue Fish Market: Pick up the trail at the Tidal Basin and head southeast along the Washington Channel until you hit this fishy stop — the oldest open-air fish market in the United States, not to mention a crabcake heaven. 1100 Maine Ave. SW.
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Cantina Marina: Without overdoing it, stop for a drink at this legendary dockside restaurant known for its strong margaritas. 600 Water St. SW.
Ice Cream Jubilee: Grab a scoop of Thai iced tea ice cream before crossing the 11th Street Bridge. The bridge’s 10-foot-wide paths and lookouts encourage lingering. 301 Water St. SE.
Rock Creek Park trail
At more than 1,700 acres, Rock Creek Park is full of treasures, including a horse center, an amphitheater and tennis courts. Though stretches of Beach Drive are closed to car traffic on weekends, if it’s food you seek, the better bike route is south of the National Zoo.
Bar Civita: Hop off the trail in Woodley Park at Calvert Street and head to this Italian-leaning small plates restaurant from chef Liam LaCivita. Ask for some house-made charcuterie and pasta. 2609 24th St. NW.
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Stachowski Market: Hit the trail southbound and get off at P Street NW. We hope you left room for some jaw-challenging sandwiches stacked 3 inches high. This local institution cures many of its own meats on site. 1425 28th St. NW.
Share this articleShareJaco Juice & Taco Bar: Go west on P, then north on Wisconsin Avenue. Stop for fresh-squeezed juice. 1614 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Washington and Old Dominion Trail
This 40-plus-mile trail in northern Virginia begins in Alexandria and passes through Vienna, Reston, Herndon and Leesburg before spilling you out into Purcellville. It’s relatively flat, so we recommend going the distance.
Maple Ave Restaurant: Let’s save you some time since you’ve got a lot of miles ahead of you: Order the creme fraiche wings at this teeny French-meets-Asian spot. 147 Maple Ave. W., Vienna.
Barcelona: For a glass of sherry with a side of retail therapy, pop into this Spanish-themed bar within Reston Town Center. 12023 Town Square St., Reston, Va.
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Market Burger Fries and Shakes: Fresh produce and fresher meat abound at this casual burger joint. We can’t think of a better way to end a long bike ride than with grilled patties and a milkshake. 145 W. Main St., Purcellville, Va.
Read more about biking in D.C.:
Forget bike lanes. In the inaugural DC Bike Ride, cyclists can take over the streets.
3 popular D.C.-area bike trails you should ride now
5 major advances we can thank bikes for
New Belgium’s annual Tour de Fat is a free celebration of beer, bikes and silliness at Yards Park
Biking to work is great. If you can put up with the cars. And the weather.
Take an edifying spin past bike stuff of yore at the American History Museum
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