Cross Country Cycling

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! Join us to welcome cyclists, hand out the official Bike to Work Day t-shirt, and maybe fix a flat or two. It's a great time and other local businesses will be there. Bike to Work Day is a great day to start volunteering too! More info on Bike to Work Day can be found here: https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! **[Support BTWD by signing up here.](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/pit-stop-locations/pit-stops/alexandria-del-ray/)** Then come to the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Aves. between **6:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15** to get your free 2026 tee shirt and other free stuff from our partners: * *Transportation Federal Credit Union* * *Bagel Uprising* * *South Block* * *MOM's Organic Market* * *Virginia American Water* * *Alexandria Families for Safe Streets* * *Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.* **Sign up to show your support!**

**Hosted by Rajiv Aggarwal and JS Brewery** **Calling all cycling enthusiasts, travel lovers, and friends of JS Brewery!** Join us for a unique afternoon blending two incredible passions: exploring the stunning, well-planned cycling infrastructure of South Korea and the vibrant world of traditional Korean rice wine, makgeolli. Our host, Rajiv, is not just a software engineer and brewer; he's also a certified "Grand Slam" rider, having completed all major cycling routes in South Korea. He will be our guide, sharing his personal journey, tips, and inspiring stories about conquering the country's most iconic trails. Whether you’re a long-distance tourer, a local bike commuter, or just dreaming of your next great adventure, you’ll find plenty to be excited about. Following the presentation and Q&A, we’ll move into a fun, informal social hour. Rajiv is also the co-founder of JS Brewery and has deep expertise in traditional Korean brewing processes. He will be on hand to answer questions about the brewery, share a few of his favorite Ajae humor puns, and we'll enjoy some fantastic JS Brewery makgeolli together. (Must be 21+ to consume alcohol). **What to expect:** * An informative, inspiring talk on cycling in South Korea. * Stories and insights from a certified "Grand Slam" rider. * Tips on planning your own cycling trip to Korea. * A relaxed, social environment at JS Brewery. * Great conversation with fellow community members. * A unique blend of adventure, culture, and local craft. **Who should attend?** * Everyone who loves cycling! * People interested in travel and exploring South Korea. * Fans of unique, traditional beverages and the JS Brewery community. * Anyone looking to meet new people in our area. This event is a special celebration of adventure and craft. Come ready with your questions about both the open road and the perfect brew! **Please RSVP to confirm your attendance.** We look forward to seeing you there!

This is NOT an official meetup but an announcement! **Registration is now open for Bike to Work Day 2026!** Join thousands of commuters in the DC Metro area who choose to celebrate spring by biking to work on Friday, May 15. Even if you are working remotely, bike to the closest pitstop before you start your day. Register for one of the Rockville pitstops for Bike to Work Day 2026! One pitstop is at Town Center on Maryland Ave ([www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square)) and one in Fallsgrove at the Thomas Farm Community Center ([https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-fallsgrove](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-fallsgrove)) Each pit stop will provide registered attendees with free t-shirts, refreshments, and chances to win great prizes. Please be sure to register with your pit stop location to be eligible for the free t-shirts and prize raffles. To find out more information and to register, go to [www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register) Feel free to coordinate riding together to a pitstop if your routes are similar. We would love to see your photos!

The Rockville Bike Hub will be at the Rockville Town Square Bike to Work Day pitstop to provide help with mechanical issues you might be having on your way to work. Come by and say hi or stay to volunteer for an hour! Register to be counted and receive a free t-shirt and other fun prizes! [https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square)

# [Rails to River XC Mountain Bike Race](https://www.bikereg.com/rails-to-river-mountain-bike-race) ## Sun May 17, 2026Reston, VA Bike reg: https://www.bikereg.com/rails-to-river-mountain-bike-race

Calling all Beginner Ridazz!! Thinking about getting into cycling but not sure where to start? DMVCR has you covered. This beginner-friendly ride is designed to help you feel comfortable, confident, and supported every step of the way—no experience needed. This ride is on 2.5-mile trail in Watkins Park. Coach Marcus will guide you through the basics in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. You’ll learn how to clip in safely, stop with confidence, ride smoothly with others, and use your gears without the guesswork. You won’t be alone—our experienced riders will be there to help, encourage, and make sure everyone has a great ride. Where: 501 Watkins Park Drive, Largo, MD 20774 When: Saturday, May 2nd Meetup: 9:00 AM (we’ll help you get set up) Roll out: 9:30 AM Loop Route: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54802214](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54802214) Just bring: 1\. Your bike \(we’ll help you check it\) 2\. Water & a snack\, & 3\. A willingness to try something new Everyone starts somewhere—this is your sign to start here Group Ride Guidelines: 1\. Safety first is the primary tenet of DMVCR\! 2\. Bicyclists who participate on DMVCR club rides are required to wear a properly fastened helmet\. 3\. Bicyclists may not ride more than two \(2\) abreast and may not impede traffic\. 4\. Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at all stop signs and traffic lights displaying a red signal\. 5\. Bicyclists are expected to have their bikes in proper working order\. 6\. Bicyclists are expected to ride with repair equipment in the event for flat tire\, etc\. 7\. Bicyclists should bring adequate nutrition to include enough hydration and snacks\. 8\. At night\, bicycles must be equipped with a front white light and a rear red reflector or red light visible\, both visible from 600 feet away\. Disclaimer: \*\*\*Please note DMVCR is not responsible for any accidents, injuries and/or damages or any combination thereof, which may occur to you and/or your bike. If you decide to participate on the ride, it means that you have read, understood and agreed that you are riding at your own risk and you waive all claims against all other riders who participate or organize the group ride.\*\*\*

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54635719 20.6 miles; mostly paved trail; some designated bike lanes and relatively calm neighborhood streets. Toilet facilities at beginning and middle of the ride. Lunch at Fletcher's Cove, 13 miles into the ride. On this ride we explore two local gems: Rock Creek Trail/Beach Drive and the Capital Crescent Trail. Rock Creek Park is a national treasure and affords magnificent nature views. We'll ride on the trail and on sections of Beach Drive that have been closed to motor vehicle traffic. Feel free to stop for photos at Peirce Mill and the adjacent waterfall. We continue south past the National Zoo on the Zoo Loop and down into Georgetown. At the Georgetown waterfront, we'll make an optional stop at mile 0 of the C&O Canal. You may also choose to stop and explore the Georgetown Waterfront Park and its terrific views of the Potomac. From Georgetown we go west on the Capital Crescent Trail. After our lunch stop at Fletcher's Cove, we head further north to Bethesda then east through well-sculpted Chevy Chase neighborhoods before finishing the ride. **Please charge your battery, pump your tires, and check your brakes. Consider packing a spare tire tube. The ride is on paved trail and asphalt roads, but there are a few hilly segments. As usual, analog bike riders are most welcome.** **We highly recommend that you download the Ride With GPS route map.** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54635719 **About Peirce Mill** Peirce Mill was built on Rock Creek in 1829 at the behest of Isaac Peirce. Using the moving water as a power source, the mill ground corn, wheat, and rye. Succeeding generations further developed the mill, sawmill, orchard, and tree nursery. In 1890, an act of Congress incorporated the mill and 350 acres of the property into Rock Creek Park. **About Fletcher's Cove** Fletcher's Cove, called by many customers "Fletcher's Boathouse," has been in this location since the 1850s and is renowned as a fishing and recreational area. The nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of business, the fourth generation of the Fletcher family retired in 2004, and a National Park Service concessionaire assumed responsibility for the operation of the boat rental and fishing tackle/bait operation. The area surrounding the boathouse was then officially named Fletcher's Cove, though most people still call it Fletcher's Boat House. **About the C&O Canal** The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains. The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built. The full canal towpath is 184 miles long. See our September calendar for 4-day adventure on the towpath. **About the Capital Crescent Trail** The Capital Crescent Trail follows an abandoned Georgetown Branch railroad right of way and extends 11 miles from Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, to Bethesda, MD. It will eventually link to Silver Spring. The trail, one of 500 rail-to-trail projects in the nation, traverses’ park land and neighborhoods and includes stretches along the Potomac River. We'll cross a railroad trestle at Arizona Avenue and ride through the Dalecarlia Tunnel near the DC/MD border. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://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](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/](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/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate? [https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews) 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! **When you register for this ride, you are agreeing to the terms of the disclaimer below.** **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](https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697 22 miles. Lunch/snack stop TBD. Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC. The total tour distance is some 22 miles but you can cut it short if needed. The ride is on paved bike paths, some city streets, and flat terrain. Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark, the Titanic Memorial, and the Frederick Douglas bridge). Lunch: Brown bag TBD. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be some 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. **Please remember to charge your bike, check your tires and brakes, and consider packing an extra tube.** **We recommend downloading the Ride with GPS route map to enhance your independence.** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697 **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://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](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/](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/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.** **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 the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**

Weekly Saturday group ride, starting at Handy Bikes Retail Showroom. Come ride with locals in the area! This group ride is for average folks who want to go for an average ride. It's not quite a coffee ride, but it's definitely not a race! Routes will vary around the area, with an average speed around 14 mph (minimum of \~10 MPH) for around 15-30 miles. We'll be on pavement so bikes with smooth tires are encouraged, **helmets are mandatory**. Open to any riders who are willing and able to ride with a group including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. No speed demons please! Good group ride etiquette is a requirement. Shop opens at 10:00 am Show up and sign in by 10:15 am Roll out 10:30 am Please RSVP in advance, so that the ride leaders can prepare for the group's size. [Handy Bikes on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/737920/leaderboard) [Handy Bikes on RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/14675-handy-bikes)

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The fourth Monday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.

We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.