Things to Do

50 States Ride

Learn about Washington's rich geographical history, and get a major workout along the way.

Why you might roll your eyes:

A 62-mile bike ride through city traffic?

Why you’ll love it:

There may be no better way to see every corner of the District than this annual ride organized every September by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. The route includes each street named after a state, sending 500 riders to parts of town they might never have considered before and reminding them just how rugged Washington’s terrain can get. (It’s very hilly, as anyone who’s ever granny-geared it up Alabama Avenue can attest.)

The cue sheet takes 202 turns and sends you on an elevation gain of 3,041 feet, but it’s worth it to gain a new perspective on DC’s geography. “Everyone’s in this insane adventure together,” says WABA’s Michelle Cleveland. “It’s neat to be able to see so much of the city in one day.”

Registration opens in August; for more, visit waba.org.

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