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- E-biking: The Annapolis Waterfront Tour With E-Bike LoversTruxtun Park, Annapolis, MD
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41688953
25-mile route - The mid-point picnic will be after 14 miles at Thomas Point. Don't forget to say hello to Pammy, the dinosaur at Thomas Point.We bike this trail twice a year (winter and summer)
Note: Park in Truxtun Park near the baseball field. Please do not park in front of the Salvation Army next to the park.
Optional lunch after the ride: Waterfront Beacon
2020 Chesapeake Harbour Dr E, Annapolis, MD 21403
https://maps.app.goo.gl/phiqjFkgo4ZytFAq9This fun, relaxing, mostly flat, outstanding self-guided ride designed by Nathan takes you to four scenic Chesapeake Bay waterfront points.
We'll mostly be on lesser-known roads and paved multi-use trails, and there is some gravel riding on the access road to and from Thomas Point Park.
The gravel road is flat and easy to navigate, and the view near the end is worth the trip. There are indoor climate-controlled restrooms at the parking area and various other facilities throughout the ride.
We'll start at Truxtun Park and meander towards our first viewpoint at Lake Ogelton. From here, we'll go to Trolly Point, where we'll enjoy a lengthy section of breezy riding on roads that hug the water. Next, we'll cut through PAL Park as we make our way to Thomas Point Park (probably the best view of the ride).
Our last stop takes us through Quiet Waters Park where we will ride mere feet from the water as we enjoy the sounds and smells of the Bay.
FYI: 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/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbNThe group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.
For the E-bike Lovers group to succeed, we must carefully grow our membership. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun.
Please RSVP only 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.
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
- Rock Creek -- Bethesda Trolley -- Capital Crescent -- with E-Bike LoversRock Creek Park, Washington, DC
The trail: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44902810
22 miles; Bathrooms beginning, middle and end. Lunch stop @ Fletcher's Cove/Boathouse @ 14.5 miles.The trail, just under 22 miles long, begins at Picnic Grove 6 in Rock Creek Park, continues on Rock Creek Trail, then turns west to the Bethesda Trolley Trail, and then south on the Capital Crescent down to Fletcher's Cove. There, we will weave our way north back through DC to the starting point.
Please charge your batteries, as we will be biking in some hilly terrain. "Analog" unassisted bikes always welcome.
Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. Check the weather and dress appropriately.
Our lunch break will be at 14.5 miles at Fletcher's Cove. No locks are required as bikes will remain in our sight.
As always, this event is self-directed. Consider downloading the Ride with GPS route and app to maintain your independence. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day.
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.
Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers
Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club 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/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbNMore 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, RICHARD CAMER, 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 on the beaches of Kent IslandChesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Grasonville, MD
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660175
28 miles. Flat. Plenty of toilet stops. Picnic at Terrapin Nature Park, 10.6 miles into the trail.This is the very first E-bike Lovers island ride! Specifically, we'll be biking the entirety of the Cross Island trail, which is a paved multi-use trail on Kent Island. The highlight of the ride is Terrapin Nature Park, where we'll take some packed earth trails straight down to the sand beach, which is open to the public, and has an incredible view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Wear shoes that are appropriate for walking in the sand!
Please find the routes listed below...
long version, 28 mi, 400 ft elevation gain, 0.1% sand, ~8% packed earth, ~5% gravel
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660175short version, 21 mi, 300 ft elevation gain, 0.1% sand, ~10% packed earth, ~6% gravel:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38660135The routes are identical up until the very end, where the longer routes takes an additional loop out through the marshy flatlands in a more remote part of the island. The routes are extremely flat and will be appropriate for any type of bike and will not be taxing on your battery, assuming you walk your bike through the sand. The road to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (our parking location) is a short, well-maintained gravel lane.
Terrapin Nature Park's trails are very easy to ride on, and even a road bike would be fine; however, there is a very short section of the trail that is actually on beach sand! Most bikes will not be able to ride through the sand, but it's easy enough to walk your bike.. the sandy portion of the trail is only about 50 yards. You could technically just turn around before the sandy part, but you would miss the best view of the Bay Bridge, and also... what fun would that be :)
Pack a lunch, as we'll stop somewhere in Terrapin Nature Park for a relaxing break with the sounds of waves gently crashing in the background. Believe it or not, there are multiple port a pots (year round) on Terrapin Beach. Typically, this is not a very busy area.. it truly is a hidden gem.
The Cross Island trail itself is an extremely smooth paved trail with tons of rest rooms along the way. There are a lot of board walks on the trail, and you'll ride over water, past marshes, and through loamy wooded areas.
The parking area is at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, which has a restroom year round. Do consider visiting the environmental center before or after the ride, which is a really fun place all on its own.
You will cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on your way to Kent Island, which has a toll, but the tolling is entirely automated now, even if you don't have EZ-Pass.
Terrapin Nature Park:
https://www.qac.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Terrapin-Nature-Area-97
This award-winning 276-acre nature park features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail, which meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy shoreline. The trail provides a unique vantage point for viewing an incredible variety of waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. A gazebo is located along the sandy shoreline afford a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Park benches located along the trail provides a brief respite for the weary. The trail, which wanders over several bridges, across marshlands and through woodlands, features two observation blinds overlooking the tidal ponds. The trail connects to the County’s Cross Island Trail system. Nearby parking for the Cross Island Trail system is available at Old Love Point Park.Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center:
https://bayrestoration.org/Cross Island Trail:
https://www.qac.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Cross-Island-Trail-134Chesapeake Bay Bridge:
https://mdta.maryland.gov/Bay-BridgeThe 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
- E-biking around Gathland Park, Middletown MD, and the Poffenberger Stream valleyOthello Regional Park, Knoxville, MD
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795796
29.5 miles. Picnic at Middletown Park, 15.6 miles into the route.NOTE: HILLY AND GRAVEL. BRING EXTRA BATTERY.
Toilets in the beginning, middle and end of the trail.
This E-Bike lovers classic is a HILLY 28 mile ride through a beautiful area between Frederick, MD and South Mountain. Some highlights of the route include: ample parking with nice amenities at Othello Regional Park, historic Burkittesville, MD, Gathland State Park War Correspondents Memorial (with restrooms), lunch with covered picnic shelters, restrooms, and power outlets to charge batts in Middletown, MD, and there are a number of lovely scenic gravel roads that meander through some stream valleys. You'll cross two historic steel bridges (built circa 1880 and still in operation) on the gravel roads.
The gravel roads are hard packed and easy to navigate compared to many of the other gravel roads we bike on. All bikes should be able to handle these roads with no problem.
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. All that being said, this is a great route for a beginner gravel rider, and only about 12% of the route is gravel.The route with lunch at Middletown Park can be found here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795796Interesting history
https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=maryland/bennieshill/
https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=maryland/poffenberger/
https://www.nps.gov/anti/learn/historyculture/mnt-arch.htmp
https://2020.burkittsville-md.gov/history/
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/The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up.
Our bikes will always be in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip.
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
