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- Peak Blooming: Hains Point, National Arboretum, and Kenilworth Aquatic GardensHaines Point , Washington , DC
The picnic is in the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens after 12.5 miles. When you arrive at the gardens (after the short dirt access road), walk your e-bike into the park. Pass the toilets and the visitors center (on your left) and go straight to the picnic area.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind destination within Anacostia Park and it is a hidden gem in Washington, DC. The summer lotus and lily blossoms are a “must see” during their peak blooming period in July, not unlike viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring.
The picnic is 12.5 miles into the trail at the aquatic gardens for the short and longer version of the trail. We have two versions:
DC Trail 7A - E-biking from Hains Point to the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens and National Arboretum - 33.4 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46889229DC Trail 7B - Shorter - E-biking from Hains Point to the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens - 25.2 miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46907025Toilets are at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail
This new route design takes advantage of new cycling routes in DC. Please delete any old version.
FYI: Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club 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
You will have access to over 2,500 miles of curated e-bike routes. With free membership, we hope everyone will download trails before we e-bike.
This is the link to the EBL Ride With GPS page: https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/6746-e-bike-lovers
To avoid the crowds, we will park at the most south-eastern parking lot all the way at the end (not at the golf course) on Hains Point.
From Hains Point, we will be biking to the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens and the National Arboretum. The entire trip will be some 24 miles to the Aquatic Gardens. If you continue to the National Arboretum, you add a maximum of 8 miles to the trip (depending on how far you bike inside the Arboretum).
Please bring some snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Our bikes will be always 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.
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.
Further reading:
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens:
https://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/conditions.htmNational Arboretum:
https://www.usna.usda.gov/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: Brunswick, Gathland SP, Kennedy Farmhouse, and Harper's Ferry100 S Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37411992
29.8 miles. The picnic stop is Gathland State Park (17 miles into the trail). Toilets arein the beginning, middle, and end of the trail.Come join us for an adventurous romp around the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (ie Harper's Ferry)!
We'll start in the Marc train parking lot in Brunswick, MD. There are restrooms about 1/8 mile away on the C&O Canal.
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up, and we typically average 12 - 15 mph.
Bring a snack or lunch and water.
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/Mile 0 to 11.5: Brunswick to Gathland State Park. We'll bike through old town Brunswick and take a quick stop to see a WW2 M-5 Jeb Stuart tank. Next we'll meander through the valley toward historic Burkittsville, and make our way up the biggest climb to Gathland State Park, where we'll take our first break. Gathland has a large covered picnic pavilion, and indoor restrooms.
Mile 11.5 to 16.5: Gathland to South County park. We'll enjoy some fantastic views as we coast down South Mountain on our way to our lunch stop in South County park. The park has ample shade, indoor restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion, and you may even be able to charge your battery, if the outlets are 'on' in the pavilion. Please plan accordingly, in case the power outlets are off.
Mile 16.5 to 23.5: South County park to Harper's Ferry. We'll bike some scenic back roads on our way to the C&O Canal just north of Harper's Ferry. On our way, we'll stop at the Kennedy Farmhouse, which is where John Brown staged and planned his raid on Harper's Ferry. We may travel on the same roads that John Brown did on his fateful, but historically significant, raid.
Mile 23.5 to 30: Harper's Ferry to Brunswick. There is a fantastic train bridge (built in 1893 and still in use today) with a footpath that goes from the C&O Canal, across the Potomac, to historic Harper's Ferry, WV. There are bike racks on the towpath, and a host will stay with the bikes the whole time, so this is a great opportunity to take a quick tour of Harper's Ferry.
If you don't want to visit Harper's Ferry, you are welcome to stay on the towpath and relax in the shade, or you could keep going 6 more miles on the towpath back to Brunswick. You will not need navigational aids from Harper's Ferry back to Brunswick. This section of the towpath is extremely smooth, with a fine crushed gravel surface that would be suitable for any bike tire.
If there is any interest, we can go to Smoketown Brewery in Brunswick after the ride, which is marked as a POI on the route. They have delicious in-house brews, and a small selection of food. Sometimes there is a food truck as well. They have outdoor seating, and there is a bike rack directly across the street that is visible from the outdoor seating area. You could also leave your bike with your car, as the brewery is just a short walk from the parking area.
If you aren't interested in the brewery, consider grabbing a bite to eat at Beans in the Belfry, which is an old church that has been converted into a cozy cafe.
The terrain is all paved surface, except the last 6 miles on the C&O Canal. There is a good mix of shade and open valley riding.
Food and drink suggestions:
https://www.smoketownbrewing.com/
http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/Historical further reading:
https://americangimuseum.org/the-first-us-tank-in-combat-during-wii/
https://johnbrown.org/
https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/stories.htmFree 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, 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
- Rock Creek Nature Center Loop to Georgetown and Back with E-bike LoversRock Creek Park Nature Center, Washington, DC
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41342369
17.8 miles paved; lunch @ 9.5 miles @ Fletcher's Boathouse. Bathroom at start, Peirce Mill, Fletcher's boathouse; Bethesda outdoor pool (port-a-potty).
Note: Wednesday Rides always meet at 10:30, and we bike at 10:45!
For this Mid-Week Wednesday extravaganza we begin at the Nature Center in Rock Creek Park and e-bike down Beach Drive, which is closed to cars. After a short stop at the waterfall and Peirce Mill, we continue on the trail past the National Zoo, take the Zoo Loop, and follow the trail toward the Potomac. After an optional stop at the Georgetown Waterfront, we'll wind our way onto the Capital Crescent Trail going north. Then on to Fletcher's Boathouse for lunch in the park.
After lunch we head north toward Bethesda, then make our way east through Chevy Chase and back to the Nature Center.
The ride affords ample scenic vistas, multiple Kodak moments, and dare we say it, abundant E-Bike love.
Please bring some snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Our bikes will be always in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip.
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be around 18 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day.
Please charge your battery. While much of the ride is flat or a gentle grade, be aware there are some hills on this route. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.
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/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, NATHAN MERRIS, 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 rustic country roads near Damascus and Little Bennett Regional ParkMoyer Road, Damascus, MD
Summary
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36006139
27.3 miles. Picnic is at Rally Point, 19.2 miles into the route
Toilets in the beginning only!NOTE: WATER CROSSING ALERT!
E-bike Lovers is going to e-bike on rustic country roads from Damascus to Little Bennett Regional Park in Maryland. The route is on wide country roads and offers excellent views of the hills in the area.
It starts at Moyer Road Community Park with plenty of parking and a public toilet.
The Ford
For those who are up for it, there's a water crossing on Prices Distillery road where it crosses Bennett Creek, which is marked on the route. When we rode this route last year, Nate and Tate made the plunge and successfully crossed. The creek is slow moving, but the ground is gravely, and the water is likely to be a least a foot deep, so it's not for the faint of heart! If the water is high or fast moving, it's best not to try to cross. It's a pretty area near the creek, so do consider checking it out... you can always turn around if you decide it's a bit much. Another thing to consider: some e-bikes are more water resistant than others, and it is highly likely that your motor will sustain heavy splashing.One way to avoid the water crossing is to stay on Green Valley Rd instead of turning on Prices Distillery Rd, then go left on Lewisdale Rd, and you'll soon be back on the route on Clarksburg Rd.
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.
About Little Bennett Regional Park
The park is the largest natural gem of Montgomery County. It lies just a few miles from Interstate 270. Spread over 3,700 acres, the park offers beautiful scenery, a large campground, a small playground, more than a dozen historic sites and over 25 miles of scenic natural surface trails. Little Bennett Regional Park also features an 18-hole golf course, operated by MCG.Explore the park’s many natural wonders by foot, mountain bike, or horseback on over 25 miles of natural surface trails. Be sure to be on the lookout for the eastern bluebird and timberdoodle if your journey through our forests, meadows, and streams takes you through the wetland area on the Western Pihedmont Trail.
In addition to an abundance of native plants and animals, this park features 14 historical sites and points of interest – including the Hyattstown Mill and the one-room Kingsley School House – which preserve the memories of rural life in Montgomery County through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
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
