CurtM from Farmington AR on 6/25/2024 5:58:20 PM:
Kind of an ancient thread until the last post, but would agree 100% that riding from Dutzow to Washington on Highway 92, then 47 to Washington is far preferable to the Augusta Bottom Road. I rode this last June '23 when the shoulders had just been surfaced on 92 and 47; hadn't been striped then but must be by now. Shoulders are about 3 or 4 ft wide, and there is steady traffic on both highways, but once you're at the bridge it's a totally separate bike lane. So, if you don't like riding in traffic, this is not going to be to your liking. A beautiful crossing once you get to the bridge. You will also be riding in traffic in Washington pretty much everywhere. Can't comment on riding west to old town; went east to the Best Western, a really nice place and bike-friendly. Just be aware that if you're riding on 5th to the BW, the last hill (about 1/2 mile from the hotel) is a real beast. It sneaks up on you since 5th from the highway intersection in town until that point is a nice gentle downhill. It would be nice to have a short connector from the bridge lane to the river bike trail; you'll see it as you cross to Washington; maybe some day. Nice restaurants and B&Bs on the west side, but the streets are somewhat narrow. I've seen some comments where riders travel toward traffic when riding paved roads (facing oncoming traffic). That works for walkers, but is a terrible idea when riding a bike. You're operating a vehicle, and the best thing is to have a rear blinking light, as bright as you can get. Happy trails.