Cycling the City: 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride

TEXAS IN SOUTHEAST? Yee-haw! Alaska in Northwest? You betcha. For the fifth year, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride lets D.C. denizens explore the nation's nifty fifty within D.C.'s borderlines.

Head to Adams Morgan's Walter Pierce Park this Saturday (8-9 a.m.) to pick up a cue sheet for directions to the 63-mile adventure that'll have you zig-zagging throughout the District. There's no real rhyme or reason to the course, says event planner Henry Mesias — you'll fly down a steep hill only to sharply turn to huff and puff up another — but this is not "for the person who just rides on the Capital Crescent or Mount Vernon trails," he says. "This is for someone who is completely comfortable riding in the streets." Unlike the recent Bike D.C., which had roads blocked off for the family-friendly ride, this event is unsupported. Cyclists should be prepared to pedal with weekend traffic. Still, there will be three pits stops along the way (for water refills, Clif Bars and road assistance). And those who register by tomorrow (Waba.org, prices vary) have the option of ordering a California Tortilla burrito lunch — not a bad idea since Mesias says it'll take five to seven hours to finish. Too long? Try the 13 Colonies Ride instead, which clocks in at 15 miles. And if patriotic athleticism isn't enough to inspire you, perhaps the draft specials and food discounts at the 4-7 p.m afterparty at Bourbon (2348 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-625-7770) will. Ride on.

Photo courtesy of WABA