The beloved holiday train display at the U.S. Botanic Garden is again running in its gated outdoor gardens as part of the “Season’s Greenings” celebrations. This year, the model locomotives and boxcars chug over trestles and past models of pollinators such as giant bees, butterflies and flowers, and scenes that include a lemur pollinating a flower. Inside, the conservatory is full of models of the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress and other Washington landmarks made from plant material, as well as almost 2,000 colorful poinsettias. Visit the pop-up store to find gifts for the plant lover in your life.

We'll use the Mount Vernon Trail to the 14th Street Bridge to cross into the District and then a combination of sidewalks and city streets to reach the Botanic Garden.  Depending on the consensus of the group, a lunch stop at the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Café (menu) is a possibility.  Otherwise, return will basically follow the same routing, except using Madison Dr for travel on the Mall.  22 miles 414' elevation change. 

Ride leader will move at a pace to insure no rider left behind.  Minimalist cue sheet so NO cue sheets available at ride start.  Best to print your own.  If you download route to your favorite device, please be advised we will use sidewalks in the vicinity of Jefferson Monument/Raoul Wallenberg Place.

RWGPS:   https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45063616

Cue sheet:  https://bit.ly/BH22BotGard 

Weather forecast:   https://bit.ly/3uPIrut

Ride leader:  Ron Altemus 703-618-2159 surlykm29er@yahoo.com

Directions to Ride Start:  Belle Haven Park parking lot

Advance registration is required.

All riders must agree to the Release and Waiver of Liability.