Bike D.C. Ride Turns Nation's Capital into Amsterdam

What would a bicycle rush hour look like in Washington, D.C.? Well, 5,000 participants in last Sunday's Bike D.C. family fun ride found out as the event closed off to cars portions of Pennsylvania Avenue downtown, the George Washington Memorial Parkway across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia and other streets for the 20 mile ride.

The weather was perfect, which according to the organizers was a welcome change from past years when it was cold and rainy. One of the organizers announced to the crowd at the start line in front of the Capitol Building that after 9/11, when many public gatherings were banned because of security concerns, Bike D.C. was the first major community event allowed in the District.

Highlights of this year's ride included a pit stop at the new Air Force Memorial near the Pentagon. The three soaring stainless steel arcs reaching for the heavens are stunning and the views of the monuments from the elevated perch are breathtaking. It is one of the most magnificent memorials in all of Washington.

A man did have a heart attack near the Arlington Memorial Bridge. But thanks to the heroic rescue efforts of the Arlington County Fire Department, his life was saved. He gave a reassuring thumbs up from the stretcher before being loaded onto an ambulance as hundreds of bikers clapped and rang their bells in salute to this brave man and the courageous professionals who saved his life.

Here are photos from the ride:

Participants started arriving at the National Mall over an hour before the ride started.

Me before the race wearing my "I Bike D.C." shirt.

I need this sign when I am biking around the D.C. area! Please drivers, please give us bikers three feet when passing. You are much bigger and faster than us.

Looking east towards the Capitol Dome and the rising sun.

Bikers eagerly await the start of the ride.

The Roosevelt Bridge is ours! All ours! 

Biking on the GW Parkway.

The view across the Potomac.

The iconic Iwo Jima Memorial. Pictures do not do this magnificent memorial justice. It must be seen up close to fully appreciate this fitting tribute to our nation's brave Marines.

The Netherlands Carillon. A gift from the Dutch in gratitude after World War II.

Biking up to the Air Force Memorial.

Bikers take a food and water break at the Air Force Memorial.