Everyone knows the largest group of cherry blossom trees is found around the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. However, there are several lesser known groves located around the city. The Lost Blossom Bicycle Tour affords you an opportunity to view some of these hidden blossoms and (hopefully) avoid the busloads of tourists. The route starts on the Virginia Shore across from the Tidal Basin and follows popular Rock Creek Park Trails and Capital Crescent Trail out to the Cherry Blossom grove located in the Kenwood neighborhood. From here, we'll take the back streets of Bethesda and Northwest Washington's exclusive neighborhoods over to Embassy Row. We'll ride past the Embassy of Japan, which has a small collection of trees, and then follow the Rock Creek Trail down to the main blossom grove located around the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park. We'll then cross back over the Potomac River for a final grand view of the blossoms from the Virginia Shore. About the Ride Ride Type: Casual Distance: 34.1 miles Surface: Paved trails and city streets Terrain: Flat to hilly Avg Pace: 12 - 14 mph Riding Time: 3.5 - 4.0 hours Things to see: Cherry blossoms! Embassies Hazards: Tourists Best Type of Bicycle: Road, Cyclocross, Hybrid, or Commuter Arrive & Prep: 9:30 AM Ride Briefing: 9:45 AM Start Pedaling: Staggered start @ 5 minute intervals beginning at 10:00 AM (see details below) Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4238223 Important Details Due to the large turnout that is anticipated for this ride a number of steps will be implemented to help ensure a more manageable, safe, and enjoyable ride. 1) We will divide into multiple smaller groups, each with an assigned ride leader and sweeper. 3) Each group will start at a different time, beginning at 10:00 am, with 5 minute intervals between each group. 4) Unlike most of our rides, each group is asked to ride at the same average pace (12 - 14 mph) so that members within a group may stay together and to allow appropriate separation between the groups. After the Ride Enjoy refreshing drinks, nourishment, and comaradarie at Rustico Restaurant in Alexandria. Rustico is located 1.1 miles south of Washington Sailing Marina on Slaters Lane in Alexandria. Plan on meeting in the bar/patio area between 2:00 - 4:00 pm. What to Bring • Your bike! • Helmet (Mandatory) • Cycling kit (clothing, gloves, shoes, glasses, etc.) • Emergency kit (Cell phone, ID, money or credit card, spare tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges & gun, multi-tool, etc.) • Hydration • Camera A Few Other Things • Please review the group's No Show Policy • If you RSVP "yes" and you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, please call or text the event host. • If you are running late, please call or text the event hosts w/ your ETA! • No go if conditions are bad. This includes rain, wet roads, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, locusts, or cats & dogs falling out of the sky.