Hi Dan,

Welcome to the area.

> I just moved to the area and am looking for some advice on the best places to
> train (bike and run, I found a pool). I live off Van Dorn right about where
> it intersects with 95.

For bike routes, there are lots of good rides there are a few options:

Depends on how averse to traffic you are. And how far from home you want to
start.

Van Dorn north to Eisenhower east will lead you into Old Town Alexandria (after
a few turns). You can pick up the Mount Vernon Trail there and go north or
south.

Go south on Van Dorn past Franconia and past Kingstown to Telegraph Rd. There
are bike lanes on that part of Telegraph. Turn right and you can go for a few
miles to Rt 1. Then the riding gets dicey. Turn left on Telegraph and you can
go past Kings Highway and South Run Rec Center (has a pool if this isn't the
place you already found). You can then work your way through the neighborhoods
towards the east (between Telegraph Rd and the George Washington Parkway), then
head south (either on the Mount Vernon Trail or Fort Hunt Rd) towards Mount
Vernon.

There used to be some good rides north on Van Dorn (though Van Dorn from the
beltway up to Landmark is not for the faint of heart) just north of Duke
Street. Lots of good side streets. I haven't been that way for a few years,
so things may have changed. Use your favorite mapping website along with the
bike trail maps mentioned below. Look for streets like Beauregard, Lincolnia,
Rickenbacher (passes under I-395 going east-west). If you can get up to
Seminary Rd and then west/north to George Mason Drive there are some good hills
up that way. And that leads you to the W&OD and Custis trails. They can be
somewhat crowded with runners, walkers, other cyclists, etc. but offer some
good rides.

Fairfax County publishes a bike trail map (which includes streets):
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/bike/bikemap.htm

GO EXPLORE!!

> I'm especially interested in finding a good place to do cycling speed
training
> and a public track.

There is Thomas Edison High School right at the SE corner of Van Dorn and
Franconia Rd. I've used their track a few times, though they do lock the gates
at times (haven't been there enough to notice a pattern).
http://www.fcps.edu/EdisonHS . You can always call the school office and ask
about availability of the track.

Also, Lee High School on Franconia Rd. across from Springfield Mall.
http://www.fcps.edu/LeeHS I've not used their track so I don't know if they
restrict access.

Sincerely,
Bob