Bill Ross from Aurora, Ohio on 6/4/2017 11:27:54 AM:
I rode the GAP and C&O trail in mid-July 2016. My itinerary originally included staying at the HI DC on 11th street. There's a lot of car traffic getting to the hostel from the end of the C&O on the Georgetown University campus. There also was road construction that made the ride even more hectic. When I arrived at the hostel I found it overrun by young Asian people. I have nothing against young Asians, but it was just too crowded and noisy that particular day. I really didn't feel that the hostel is in a safe area of town and a good place for a bike traveler to stay. Plus, after a 340 mile ride, I decided it would not be a good place to rest up before the long journey back home. A worker at the hostel told me there was a storage shelter on the premises in which one could store a bike. He said it was secure, but I had doubts. I recommend jumping on the Metro rail and staying at Budget Host motel in Alexandria, VA. The metro station is less than a mile away, easily accessible by bike. The motel is around $90 plus tax, which is cheap for a decent motel in the DC area. You can roll your bike right into your room so there are no worries. I don't know if the DC HI is that busy all of the time. I'm just relating my one experience. Hope this helps you with your plans!