Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

You could spend a lifetime living in the District and never end up on Hawaii Avenue, Iowa Avenue or Puerto Rico Avenue (yes, it exists). Alternatively, you could simply jump on a bike and ride each of the avenues, streets and drives named after the 50 states that are scattered throughout the city.

Last week, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association announced its annual 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride, a two-wheeled tour de force scheduled for September 24 that takes cyclists to all corners of the District. The 50-state ride travels over 60 miles, reaching the furthest stretches of Northwest to the deepest pockets of Southeast. The 13 colonies alternative, at around 15 miles, is an easier introduction for those not used to the distance or not comfortable with riding four hours in city traffic. (WABA provides cue sheets and three aid stations along the 60-mile route, but otherwise, you’re on your own.)

I did the 50 States Ride a few years back — simply put, there’s no better way to see the whole city. Some of the state-named avenues are grandoise affairs, others are tucked into neighborhoods and could otherwise be missed. It’s certainly a taxing ride, both physically and mentally, but worth doing at least once.