Electric Bicycle - E-Bike Lovers DC - MD - VA - Cycling

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40828257

NOTE: This trail is 36.4 miles in, for some, challenging terrain. This is not a trail for inexperienced e-bikers. Bring an extra battery.

The lunch stop is at the arboretum, 20 miles into the route. Toilets are available at the beginning, middle, and end of the tour.

REMEMBER: This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience.

Come join us for a scenic ride through the hills and valleys around the Shenandoah River. The shorter version of this ride (36.4 miles) actually has a fairly small elevation gain for the mileage, and while it's definitely not 'flat', on average it's a rather 'flattish' ride, which makes sense since it basically does a big loop around the Shenandoah river plane.

The longer ride has all the hills in the beginning, and there are some very steep hills, some of which are about 19% grade. The longer ride has more gravel roads, since it goes up in the mountains for a bit, but overall there aren't too many gravel roads, and E-bike Lovers have done more gravel-intense roads in the past.

Both rides start and end in the same parking area, which has a port a pot. There are a few country stores with restrooms on both routes, and the VA State Arboretum has restrooms as well.

NOTE on crossing US-50: The short route crosses over US-50 one time. This is an easy crossing, but it is a major road with a high speed limit, so please be careful. There's a median area where you can pause as you cross, which makes is a bit easier. You also will be riding on the shoulder, for about 1/8 mile, which is no problem because the shoulder is quite wide.

Short Ride Summary
You'll follow the east bank of the Shenandoah River through scenic country back roads, on your way toward US-50, where you'll cross over to the west bank. You'll pass two general store style convenience stores at miles 6 and 8, so if you need to grab a drink or snack, this will be your only chance. Shortly after crossing the river, you will find yourself biking in the Virginia State Arboretum, which is a lovely place with many good areas to break for lunch. The ride back from the arboretum is packed with rolling hills, pastures, meadows, horses, and other livestock.

Long Ride Summary
The long ride quickly veers off from the short ride on its way up the mountain. The first 10 miles are INTENSE, as you will be climbing about 2200 ft in 10 miles, some of which will be on gravel roads. After reaching the apex, you'll enjoy a long coast back down to the Shenandoah, where you'll trace the east bank until you cross US-50 at the same place as the short ride. From here, you'll take a turn and meander through beautiful back roads toward Berryville, VA, which is the suggested lunch stop. Berryville has a few stores where you can grab snacks or a bit to eat (Circle-K and Subway for example). We'll break in a local park to rest and dine, then we'll follow a different but equally beautiful set of rural roads, as we head to the arboretum. The ride back from the arboretum is packed with rolling hills, pastures, meadows, horses, and other livestock.

The Routes
VA Trail 13B, 36 mi, 1900 ft elevation gain, mostly paved:
(RWGPS does not accurately label the terrain type for these routes.)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40828257

VA Trail 13A, 72 mi, 5100 ft elevation gain, about 85-90% paved:
(RWGPS does not accurately label the terrain type for these routes.)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39850731

As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome, but be aware of the hills on the longer route.

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Here is the link to activate your free membership:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN
More information about using GPS files:
https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/
More information about e-bike ranges:
https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/

DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.

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https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43436538

Come join us for a relaxed ride from Arlington to Herndon and back again.

Our first break is near The Herndon Caboose which is located in the
historic Town of Herndon, a small town that embraces its railroad past. Check out the Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee shop, or grab something at the bakery in town.

After Herndon, we come back the way we came. Our plan is to take a second break which is a little detour to Southblock for a treat. If you prefer not to stop here just stay on the trail to get back to we started. Here is the menu if you aren’t familiar with it

https://south-block-juice-co.speedetab.com/venues/2398

33.8 miles or shorter anytime you call it a day.

Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers
The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN
More information about using GPS files:
https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/
More information about e-bike ranges:
https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/

MEETING NOTES:
We meet at 10:00 and leave at 10:15 from one of the Bluemont Parking lots, The address listed above (which is the address of the house nearby) will get you to us. It’s just a minute after you cross route 50.

NOTE : Please be careful on the road crossings since there are several small ones and a few busier ones. Gallows Road, for example, can be busy but it does have a traffic light to help you cross.

This ride is about 34 miles but it’s mostly straight so you can turn around at any time and find your way back. If you would like to extend the ride, you can keep going past the return spot in Arlington to ride to Crystal City or pick up one of the other bike paths that connect nearby.

WHAT TO BRING:
Bring plenty of water! Bring snacks or grab something on the ride (in Herndon halfway, or southblock closer to the end) . Someone will stay with bikes .

THINGS TO KNOW:
The group stops a few times (certainly before tricky turns) for slower riders to catch up.

This is a regularly repeated ride because it’s easy. Parking is good, there are rest rooms, the path is not usually crowded, and it’s mostly flat and mostly paved. It’s long and requires very little navigation.

As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.

We maintain polite bike path etiquette and are respectful of others using the path.

For the E-Bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-Bike lovers spread the word, and let’s have fun!

DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.

See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47101095
E-bike 42.1 miles (or shorter) on an amazingly smooth, compact gravel path. Picnic is in the small town of New Freedom, PA, 21 miles into the route.

You can make the route as short as you want. Toilets are at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail.

If the parking lot is full, consider parking at milepost 0 at the following address: 7 Stone Row Ct, Cockeysville, MD 21030

The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, also known as the NCR Trail (Northern Central Railroad Trail), is a scenic and popular recreational trail in northern Maryland. It spans approximately 21 miles (one way), running from Ashland Road in Cockeysville to the Pennsylvania state line.

Named after Dr. Torrey C. Brown, a former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources who was instrumental in its development, the trail is cherished for its natural beauty, historical significance, and accessibility for a variety of outdoor activities.

The trail follows the path of the former Northern Central Railway, which played a significant role in the transportation history of the region.
This historic railway corridor has been transformed into a multi-use trail that accommodates hikers, cyclists, joggers, and equestrians. The relatively flat and well-maintained crushed limestone surface makes it suitable for all levels of fitness and age groups.

As you traverse the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, you'll pass through picturesque landscapes that include dense woodlands, open fields, and charming rural areas. The trail meanders alongside the scenic Gunpowder Falls, offering tranquil views of the river and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation. The lush greenery and shaded canopy provided by mature trees make it a refreshing retreat, especially during the warmer months.

Along the trail, you'll find several amenities to enhance your experience. There are numerous trailheads with parking facilities, restrooms, and picnic areas, providing convenient access points and places to rest. Interpretive signs and historical markers are scattered throughout, offering insights into the trail's railway heritage and the natural environment.

The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is also part of a larger network, connecting to the York County Heritage Rail Trail in Pennsylvania. This extension allows for an extended adventure, with the combined trails offering over 40 miles of continuous travel through beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, an invigorating bike ride, or a scenic horseback journey, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail provides a delightful escape into nature. Its rich history, stunning scenery, and user-friendly amenities make it a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Maryland and beyond.

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FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.
For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun.
As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.
DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.
See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer