What we’re about
Become a member of the FREE RideWithGPS E-bike Lovers Club. https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/, support E-bike Lovers, and enjoy the largest and most exclusive repository of curated trails designed for e-bikers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
WHY? Because we don't have biking leads. You follow the ride in the GPS app to avoid getting lost and being dependent on someone else.
Ebike Lovers on BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57279844
Want to be an e-bike star? Check out the upcoming documentary: https://ebikedocumentary.com
IMPORTANT: We don't have bike leads or trip coordinators. We strictly organize self-guided e-biking events. We don't have biking leaders, as E-bike Lovers is based on the philosophy that we are all leaders, responsible for our happiness and well-being.
About
Get on your electric bicycle - E-bike and join others in exploring the DC metropolitan area. We use our electric bicycles between 15-25 miles (sometimes longer) in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. We normally start from Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, Fletcher's Cove, Haines Point, or another park in the District. We also e-bike outside the District on longer trails within an hour's drive from DC.
Facebook
Join us on Facebook for the latest E-bike news in the region: https://m.facebook.com/EBikeLoversDC
Easy going
This is an easy-going group and we are not training for the Olympics. We use our electric bicycles to bike around 12 mph and enjoy navigating the hillsides with our modern marvels of transport technology. The group is a great way to share your experience with an electric bicycle - E-bike.
Everyone is welcome, including riders on non-assisted bikes.
Plan 2-3 hours for each trip. You can stop at any time and return home. There is no requirement to finish the trip. We participate in the trips to have fun, to be outdoors, to get exercise, and to meet other wonderful people.
Normally, participants will wait at some points of interest to allow slower riders to catch up, although this cannot be guaranteed. On nice weather days, riders normally plan for lunch halfway through the trip. This is another great opportunity for riders to catch up with the group.
A great opportunity to learn more about E-bikes
Learn more about electric bicycles - E-bikes from those who actually use them daily or weekly. What is their experience? What to avoid when you are in the market for an(other) electric bicycle - E-bike? How to manage batteries? How to integrate your electric bicycle - E-bike with navigation systems? How to secure your electric bicycle - E-bike with locks and register it online? These are just some of the questions you may ask other members while we peddle with electric bicycles - E-bikes.
I have no Electric Bicycle - E-bike. Am I welcome to join this group?
Absolutely. Everyone is welcome, even if you do not ride an electric Bicycle - E-bike.
Weather and cancellation
There is never a bad biking day, there are only bad biking clothes. We plan to bike year-round, also in the winter (but within reason). With the right clothing and protective gear, this can be a great experience.
What you need to know
We always follow traffic rules and stop for stop signs. Safety and fun first.
We will use biking lanes (class I permissible) as much as possible, but will frequently ride on roads with other traffic. You need to feel comfortable doing this.
You join this Meetup group at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for your own safety.
You cannot sell merchandise or engage in any commercial activity during events and through our online platforms, including MeetUp and Facebook unless E-bike Lovers authorizes this. You cannot contact other members to solicit merchandise of any kind using any of our systems. If you do so, as some have done, your membership will be revoked.
SUPER IMPORTANT: See https://ebikelovers.com/code-of-conduct-ebike-lovers/
Photos
If you post photos on our Meetup page, you give us permission to use them in any E-bike Lovers' related publications and the rest.
Website
www.ebikelovers.com
Costs
Participation is free. If we organize extracurricular activities, we will inform you of any costs involved.
Become a member of the RideWithGPS E-bike Lovers Club. More information about club benefits and using our curated GPS files is available here: https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/
DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER NATHAN MERRIS, GREGORY MAASSEN, 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
E-bike Lovers is an activity of Wandel Guides LLC.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wednesday on the W&OD and BBQ Lunch with E-Bike LoversSterling W&OD Trail Parking, Sterling, VA
PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday rides meet at 10:30 am. We roll at 10:45.
20 miles round trip from Sterling to Leesburg along the W&OD trail, stopping in Raflo Park. Simple navigation, out and back, with minimal change in elevation.
For reference, here is E-Bike Lovers route map of the entire W&OD trail:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35168228For this Wednesday version of the popular weekend ride, we'll cruise on the W&OD (Washington & Old Dominion), a paved multi-use rail-trail, from Sterling to Leesburg and back.
We'll meet at the W&OD parking lot off of Pacific Blvd in Sterling, VA, at 10:30am and start out riding west on the trail at 10:45am.
See map for meet up location - it does not have a street address.
Plus Code (use with Google Maps) is:
2H76+VVJ Ashburn, VirginiaGPS coordinates: 39°00'53.0"N 77°26'16.3"W
The ride will be out and back on the same trail so you can make it as long or short as you want. We will stop at Raflo Park in Leesburg at 10 miles. Stop for lunch in the park, ride on, or turn around and head back to the start for BBQ-- It is your choice!
Ready for some BBQ? Carolina Brothers BBQ is right along the trail at about 3.5 miles from the starting point in Sterling. They have outdoor seating and bike racks.
We'll have to go inside to order at the counter. If you'd like to sit inside, a lock is recommended. Otherwise, those sitting outside can take turns watching each other's bikes while you order inside. Then it's only 3.5 miles to get back to the parking lot, so we don't have to ride far on a full stomach.
(Note: there's also a brew pub along the trail - Old Ox Brewery - about a mile from the parking lot.)
Please charge your battery and check your tire pressure. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, as well as snacks and lunch if you don't want BBQ.
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.
Please only RSVP if you are coming, so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help!
As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.
Please respect the right of way of horses and pedestrians while on the trail, and give plenty of warning and space when passing. Our route is a little less congested than some areas on the W&OD, with few street crossings, and a good amount of shade, so it's a very nice ride.
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/
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 - E-biking to Historic Harper's Ferry Via the Secret Back Entrance E-bike LoversMorgan's Grove Park, Shepherdstown, WV
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38267369
This is a new route that traverses the pastoral farmlands in West Virginia near Harper's Ferry. You will enter historic Harper's Ferry via a gravel section of Potomac Street that most folks don't even know about.
The trail routes and GPS files are available here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38267369 (31 mi, 1800 ft elevation gain)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38284067 (27 mi, 1700 ft elevation gain).Free RideWithGPS with E-Bike Lovers
Membership of the RideWithGPS E-bike Lovers club is now for 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
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.REMEMBER: This is a self-guided event. Remember that 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.
The 'secret' section of old Potomac Street has been closed off to vehicular traffic for a long time, but hiking and biking are permitted. This is a course gravel road that will be challenging for super skinny road bike tires, but would be possible if you take your time. There are various rock formations along the way, as well as the remnants of an old canal. You can even explore the crumbling remains of the old Potomac hydroelectric power plant.
There are various places to grab a hot bite or drink in Harper's Ferry, and climate controlled public restrooms are also available. The view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (aka The Point) is spectacular!
The trail is on asphalt roads except for the roughly one mile of old Potomac Street as mentioned above. Generally, this ride is very 'flowy', in that you will go up and down lots of small hills... perfect terrain for an E-bike!
The two listed routes are the same, except that the shorter route bypasses a jaunt down to the Potomac River, and as such it avoids the steepest downhill and uphill sections of the ride. There is no fee to enter Harper's Ferry National Historic Park, since we will be arriving on bike.
We'll cross the Appalachian Trail in Harper's Ferry, which is interesting because the AT is only in West Virginia for a few miles. The AT follows a hand hewn staircase carved into the rock on the side of a hill, and there's a great view at the top. Someone in the group will be happy to watch your E-bike, should you be inclined to hike up the staircase and take in the expansive view.
More on the abandoned hydroelectric plant:
The Potomac Power Plant was an innovative small hydroelectric facility that operated from 1899 to 1991, originally as part of a wood pulp mill (built 1888), and solely as a power house after a fire in 1925. Significant extant equipment/machinery in the plant includes a c.1905 Dayton Globe water turbine, and a 1925 Woodward water turbine governor. The building is also symbolic of industry in Harpers Ferry, as it occupies the site (and possibly the partial foundations) of Harpers Ferry Armory buildings dating to 1834 and 1853, and contains reused structural materials from various Armory buildings as well as from the 1848 Harpers Ferry cotton mill (later a flour mill).Additional Reading:
- NPS Harper's Ferry: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
- Potomac Hydroelectric Plant: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/top-10-ruins.htm
- Interesting Revolutionary and Civil War history of Morgan's Grove Park: https://shepherdstowncc.org/our-rental-spaces/morgans-grove-park/
A NOTE ABOUT RIDING ON GRAVEL ROADS:
If you are riding a new bike, are new to biking generally, or have little experience on gravel roads, you should plan on taking your time. Please understand that gravel roads must be respected and navigated with an extra level of care, or you can seriously injure yourself. The key is to just take your time. We are never in a hurry, and you should go at a pace you are comfortable with.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
- E-biking the C&O Canal Towpath - Multi Day AdventureShuttle Bus location, Washington DC, DC
We are repeating our flagship C&O Canal Towpath Tour Adventure, as the previous expeditions were tremendously successful. You can sign up for the tour, even if you don't know for sure if you can participate.
Please be aware that seats on the shuttle bus are allocated based on the order of payments received. Reservations for the shuttle open in June 2025.
You will need to confirm and pay for transportation costs if you use the shuttle from Washington DC two weeks before the tour.
For now, please sign up if you want to explore 184.5 miles of towpath and 200+ miles of e-biking smiles on the C&O Canal with E-bike Lovers. The tour is for free. You don't need to use the shuttle to participate.
SEE THE DETAILED TOUR PAGE HERE:
https://ebikelovers.com/e-biking-the-co-canal-towpath-with-e-bike-lovers/
We're thrilled to announce a specially arranged shuttle service from Washington DC NW to Cumberland that is set to embark on an exhilarating journey at 1 PM, September 12, 2025. Further specifics will be communicated in due course.
For those eager to secure a spot on this shuttle adventure for themselves and their cherished e-bikes, we kindly request a Venmo transfer of $50. This is the total cost of one e-biker + one e-bike.
Please be aware that seats on the shuttle bus are allocated based on the order of payments received. It's important to note that our policy does not accommodate cancellations. Such is life with E-bike Lovers.
In the event that you're unable to join us for the shuttle after transferring $50 via Venmo, you have the option to pass your reservation onto another e-bike aficionado who is a Meetup E-bike Lovers member, or take solace in the fact that your contribution will be directed towards the enrichment of E-bike Lovers' future endeavors.
WE HAVE ONLY 14 SEATS ON THE BUS AND VERY LIMITED SPACE FOR FAT EBIKES.
NO SHOWS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. YOU MUST LET US KNOW 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE WHETHER YOU ARE NOT GOING. REMEMBER: NO REFUNDS.
PLEASE ONLY TRANSFER $50 IF YOU WANT TO USE THE SHUTTLE FROM WASHINGTON TO CUMBERLAND. YOU DON'T PAY FOR THE TOUR ITSELF.
If you have already mailed the organizers to reserve a seat, please be informed that you will need to pay $50 to reserve your seat.
IMPORTANT Detour: Pawpaw Trail is open again!
Towpath Conditions
See www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Water on the C&O
Well water in hiker-biker campsites will be signed non-potable. Water from wells at paid campgrounds will remain potable. See more information on www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Starting Time
You can start anytime from the Cumberland Visitors Center at the starting point of the C&O Canal.
all riders should bring any gear, tools, etc. they may need if their bike has any problems (tubes, chain repair, basic tools, tire pump or canisters, etc.)
SEE THE DETAILED PLANNING MAP HERE:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1q4PtTjoQk9fG_tB7UnCkFrxMnLt8U_k&usp=sharing
This is not a guided full-service package event. You will need to book accommodations yourself and are responsible for arranging all your travel plans (with the help of group-booked shuttles, as discussed on the detailed tour page). We are not a commercial touring company. We are not an travel organization. We are a social group. You are responsible for your own happiness and safety and everything else.
AAA Roadside Assistance
See our article about AAA E-bike Roadside assistance here: https://ebikelovers.com/2023/08/26/did-you-know-aaa-roadside-assistance-service-tows-e-bikes/SEE THE DETAILED TOUR PAGE HERE:
https://ebikelovers.com/e-biking-the-co-canal-towpath-with-e-bike-lovers/
DISCLAIMER
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, 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
