[TENTATIVE] Here Comes the Sun-Flower Ride

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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
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• NAME: Here Comes the Sun-Flower Ride
• START: Rileys Lock parking lot
• START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/rDi9fyAMyN72
• PARKING INFO: The End Parking Lot, closest to the towpath
• ARRIVAL: 9:00am
• THE SPEECH: 9:15am
• ROLLING: 9:30am
• DISTANCE: 27.4 miles
• LEVEL: Medium(-)
• PACE: 12+
• TERRAIN: Packed dirt/rock
• ROUTE: Out and Back
• RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CGB_SUNFLOWERS_2025
• https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/3166-nova-cbg/routes?name=sunflower

NOTES:

• Weather dependent
• NO SKINNY TIRES!! You need 28s or wider.
• Bring two full bottles of ice water.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen are strongly encouraged.
• Bring a hat, if desired, for sunflowers and for ride after the ride!

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The Ride: Detail
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Come join us for a fun summer ride on the C&O Canal to visit one of Montgomery County's natural gems, the Sunflower Fields at McKee-Beshars Wildlife Management Area! We will meet at Riley's Lock, and head out west on the C&O Canal towpath to White's Ferry - drinks, snacks and restrooms are available there (whitesferrygrill.com).

On our return we will exit the towpath onto Sycamore Landing Rd, ride up the road a short distance, and walk out to visit the sunflowers in fields 1&2 (** see photo for reference). After the ride, we'll head over to Rocklands Farm Winery - they have drinks and food and picnic tables. You can bring your own food if desired, but outside alcohol is not permitted.

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The Meeting Spot:
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Rileys Lock
C&O Canal Lock 24
Darnestown, MD 20874
https://goo.gl/maps/rDi9fyAMyN72
(The End Parking Lot, closest to the towpath)

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The Ride After The Ride:
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Rocklands Farm Winery
14531 Montevideo Rd
Poolesville, MD 20837
https://www.rocklandsfarmmd.com/
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/5cM1wzoEfksQ3FmS6

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Ride Level Chart
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NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.

• Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
• Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
• Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
• Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.

Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.

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The Fine Print:
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An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:

• "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
• NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
• NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY

Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.