About us
The purpose of this group is to give our fellow Maryland bike riders opportunities to:
- explore familiar and new bike trails mostly in MD, and occasionally in DC, VA, DE, PA, NJ and NY.
- socialize and make new friends.
- have fun while exercising.
- travel with a familiar group to participate in day trips and weekend getaways for bikers
- travel with a familiar group to participate in larger bike events such as "Bike Philly"
- volunteer for bike events
- support bike advocate groups such as Bike Maryland and WABA.
Although most participants have been in the over 40+ age range, we welcome bikers of all ages, as well as all skill levels, gender identifications, ethnicities, races, etc.
Most of the events are for casual bicycle riding on scenic trails. We target rail and greenway trails, which are bicycle-friendly trails that tend to parallel old train tracks, canals, and rivers. Since trains did not do well on anything over a 3% grade, these trails are amazingly flat. They go through some beautiful areas and quaint towns, often where food and drink are plentiful.
We avoid streets as much as possible, although some of the trails may include a bike lane or shoulder for a small portion of the ride. Only a small number of routes use roads more than 25% of the time. Any route that is mostly on roads will be titled with "ROAD RIDE " so they can be easily identified.
Although we are mainly interested in "day trips," We also like to schedule at least one overnight each year.
Most rides will have distance options such as 10, 15, 20, etc., that you can choose from. And we'll range between 8 - 15 mph (some of us are slower, some are faster). This will make for a pretty laid-back ride and riders of just about any skill level should be fine. This is not about performance!
Group Fees
At this time there is no event fee or annual group fee. But please consider making a small donation to offset the $300 annual Meetup fee, the $80 annual Ride with GPS fee, and the huge number of hours the organizer's use to research destinations, check for trail construction, parking, writing, answering member questions, etc. in lieu of doing their personal errands.
Volunteer organizers are needed
If you’re in the mood to ride a particular trail and would like to let others join you, let me know and I’ll gladly add your event and put you as the organizer - even if there’s already a bike trip listed the same day. The more the merrier!
What do I need to bring?
Bike details: A proper-fitting bike that has had a maintenance check. Hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes (as long as they don't have the ultra-thin tires); the trails tend to be a mixture of asphalt, crushed limestone, and gravel.
Helmet: Required to be worn when seated/riding a bike.
Some other gear that is almost mandatory:
- Water (water bottles or a backpack style hydration system)
- Spare tube: Even if you don't know how to change a flat, someone in the group will be able to do it for you and it's MUCH easier to change a tube than to patch one
- Bike tools (a tire repair and patch kit and spare tube is always a good idea)
- Bike lock (we do stop for food and drink and the bike is not always in view)
- A payment method
- Good attitude (we're fun people!)
Other things to consider:
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small first aid kit
- Bike bag to hold everything
- Biking shorts (padded shorts may look strange to the uninitiated, but they sure do the trick)
- In cooler seasons, wear an upper layer that can be removed when you get warmed up.
- Please read our group rules
Please Note
We place limits on the number of riders that can join any single ride. Be aware of this when you join a ride. If you find you won't be able to make the ride, please move yourself from ‘Going’ to ‘Not Going’ ASAP and no later than 24 hours before the event start time to give others the chance to join. If you wait till the day of the event then you’re not giving others the time to take your place. Please don’t RSVP to an event just to add it to your calendar; only RSVP if you truly feel you will make it.
Make sure you get to the Meetup location before start time. Give yourself enough time to get your bike off/out of the car and ready by the start time (at least 15 minutes). Especially in summer, it’s too hot to stand around waiting for late arrivals to get ready. If you’re running late, please message the group on Meetup so we know whether to leave or wait a bit.
Upcoming events
33
Bike Season Kick Off: Neon Ride at Historic Ellicott City
Historic Ellicott City Lot A, 1233 Oella Avenue, Ellicott City, MD, US**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride could be postponed if the temperature is too cold, the chance of rain is above 40%, or wind speed is above 15 mph or wind gusts are above 20 mph (per Weatherbug) **
Thanks goes to HJ Park for suggesting this ride and helping me develop this route.
NEON RIDE - Wear something neon/bright (if you have it). For example, tops, pants, socks, shoes, gloves, or helmet.
PARKING Online Map Link:
***Parking lot A on Oella Dr.
If you can’t find parking in lot A, find street parking, or go to one of their other free parking lots nearby (B, C, D, E, F, and G - go across the bridge up Main Street and look for the blue and white “P” signs for the lots. The courthouse lot is one block above Main St.) I recommend you arrive early so you can make sure you find parking and have time to get to the meeting spot on time.
**Lot B: From Lot A, turn left then right onto Main St (Frederick Rd). Go over the bridge and make an immediate right into Lot B.**Lot C: From Lot B, turn right onto Main St (Frederick Rd), go under the train bridge, turn left onto Maryland Ave /3701 Mulligans Hill Ln.
Lot D: 8318 Forrest St.
Lot E: Go up the hill on Main St. There should be a sign on the right side near Pheonix Upper Main for the lot entrance.
Lot F: 8390-8398 Frederick Rd (Main St.)
Lot G: Coming out of F, turn right on Fels Lane, then left into lot F. Parking along Ellicott Mills Drive is also freeMEETING SPOT & CHECK-IN
Meet in Lot A on Oella Dr. at 1:45, by the stairway. If the lot is crowded, look for the organizers on the grassy area across the street from parking lot A. (Two black bikes, one black and one white helmet.) After check-ins, we will form an oval and do an icebreaker.Note: Please take time to double-check before walking across Frederick Rd, and the other crossings. I'll have loaner safety vests, if needed.
PACE: It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers haven't been riding since last November, so we'll probably be riding at a slower pace than usual!
· If you prefer a faster pace than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up.
· If you’re not sure what your avg. speed is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
This route starts in Historic Ellicott City, right off Main Street. To learn more, see Historic Sites.There are three distance options to choose from, but participants can modify their distance at any point. These routes offer a wide variety of views - the Patapsco river, stone arch bridges, metal bridges, quiet country roads, pine tree forests, fields, and airplanes in action.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
OPTION A: 10.7 miles lollipop loop, +/- 494 ft.
A mix of low-traffic country roads and a well-maintained hiker/biker trail in Patapsco State Park (we don’t need to pay to enter). We take Frederick Rd for .6 miles (wide shoulders) then take River Rd (about 1 mile) to the park. Then take Grist Mill trail to the end, make a hairpin turn and then take River Rd to the swinging bridge. Bathrooms are here (across from the swinging bridge). Cross the bridge and return back the same way. This loop provides close-up river views and captures the beauty of Patapsco Park. You will cross two of its bridges and enjoy the river views most of the way.OPTION B: 22 miles total +/- 786 ft. Steepest section is a 4% incline over .7 miles
(Keryn plans to do this option)From the OPTION A turnaround point, this route takes you out to the BWI Loop entry point before returning. (Participants may decide to return earlier). If food is needed, you will pass a gas station on the way.
OPTION C: 32.7 miles total, 1643 ft 3:00 hours.
-----You need to have a nav app to for this option-----There is no lead for this option at this time-----In addition to biking the first half of Option A, and adding Option B, you will then get on the BWI Loop trail (total 10.7 miles), a well-maintained paved loop. It’s a moderately challenging route, mostly paved, with some slight grades along the way. Although, there were two short segments with some tree root bumps. This has two good stop areas to enjoy views and watch airplanes: Andover Park (picnic table and bike stand) and Friendship Park. Friendship Park has port-o-johns and bike repair stand. There is a Burger King opposite the trail loop.
BATHROOMS
-In Historic Ellicott City: The Visitor Center (lower level -back entry near Lot D on Main St) and at retail establishments-In Patapsco Park we will pass a couple of park bathrooms
-At the BWI airport, there is a Burger King on the southeast side and port-o-potties are at Friendship Park.
BIKE RENTALS
NABIKE REPAIR
The Cycle Mill
169 Frederick Rd
Ellicott City, MDOPTION TO SOCIALIZE BEFORE AND AFTER THE RIDE
- Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in Lot D.
- There is usually live outdoor music being played in Lot D in the afternoons.
There is ample seating outside the Little Market Cafe. I plan to park my car in Lot D and sit around the fire pit area for a lunch break after completing Option B. There's many other food options and places to picnic in this town.Things to do:
- Explore Main Street.
- Visit the Railroad Museum (right across the bridge). It has an awesome miniature train display set up in a separate building.
- Visit the visitor center (go up Main St towards Lot D)
- Firehouse Museum (up the hill at 3829 Church Rd)
- Museum of Howard County (up the hill at 8328 Court Ave, open 1-5, free),
-Ellicott City Courthouse area (has a nice scenic overlook of the town)
- Patapsco Female Institude (there are usually volunteer tour guides there giving free tours), walk up Trolley Line # 9.RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.
Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all dark, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something light to help others notice you.REQUIREMENTS
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:- Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
- Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
- Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
- Slow down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
- Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. - Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.
- MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.
An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
9 attendees
Historic Savage Mill up to Columbia Lakes on the Patuxent River Trail
Savage Historic Mill - near Terrapin Adventures, Fair St. and Washington St., Savage, MD, US**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per WeatherBug) **
SKILL LEVEL: Not recommended for beginners. You need to know how to use brakes properly on steep hills and have fit legs due to some sections with rolling hills and long inclines.
NEARBY TRAIN OR BUS STOPS
unknownPARKING ADDRESS
Savage Historic Mill - near Terrapin Adventures
Fair St. and Washington St. · Savage, MDPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
***IMPORTANT! The meeting area/parking lot is at the rear end of the building, not the small front lot.*** Drive in and make the first left turn. We’ll be standing somewhere near the end of the first row.If you don’t see the Terrapin Adventure sign and stations at the fence line, you’re in the wrong parking lot.
Plan to arrive by 10:45 ish so you have time to get yourself ready and check in by 10:55 am. We’ll do an icebreaker question then depart at 11:00. If you’re late, put in "Lake Elkhorn" in a phone nav app and you should be able to catch up.
TYPE OF BIKE: Hybrid and mountain bike tires are ideal; there’s a long dirt and gravel section of the Patuxent River Trail which was a little bumpy on our last ride. We manage with our thicker road tires but would prefer hybrid. Ensure bike is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare tire on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions.
PACE: It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-18 mph). And some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast.
· If you prefer a faster pace than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up.
· If you’re not sure what your avg. speed is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops.
BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
We have three distance options mapped out, ranging from 10 to 22 miles (out and back).I would say this bike route has more hills than most others that we do. We start off road biking about ¼ mile to the rear of Savage Park. We’ll get to the paved trail and encounter a couple of short hills. Then we’ll ride relatively flat sections (except one long steep downhill at Vollmerhausen Rd, and a couple of other shorter hills. On the return, we’ll have to conquer the notorious Vollmerhausen incline.
You will see two historic truss bridges (one when you drive around from Gorman Rd and the other when you ride through it and stop for a water break), the river and 1-3 lakes, pass through marshy areas on boardwalks and bike through woody fields.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.OPTION A (~5.8 miles each way, +/- 517 ft, 7.8% incline)
Bike to Lake Elkhorn, go around, stop for a break and return on your own, with anyone else who wants to return, or wait for option B bikers to get back and return with them. Use a phone nav app to assist with your return if you’re not familiar with this area.OPTION B (~9 miles each way, +/-870 ft, 7.8% incline)
After Option A, bike up to Lake Kittamaqundi, go around (distance is 1 .4 miles). We'll stop for a 10-15 minute break at the water feature/grassy area/go to Whole Foods. You can return the same way. This option entails using a sidewalk, and a portion of road and road crossings. Speed around the lake will be slower due to pedestrian traffic.OPTION C (~11 miles each way, +/-870 ft, 7/8% incline)
After Option B, we'll bike a short NW connector trail, cross over Little Patuxent Pkwy at the light, and go left into Wilde Lake Park. Bike around the lake from the left side and return the same way to Lake Kittamaqundi. Speed will be slower due to elevation changes, the curvy trail, and pedestrians. Stop for a break, then return to Savage Park. (This entails a road crossing and sidewalk.)BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are at Historic Savage Mill (from our parking lot, go to the rear entry doors, go straight down the stairway, and look for bathrooms near the stairway.
In Savage Park, which we pass through, bathrooms are only open during certain months,
Further up will be port-a-potty at the truss bridge stop and bathrooms at Whole Foods.BIKE RENTALS
UnknownBIKE REPAIR
UnknownFOOD & DRINK INFO
Historic Savage Mill and at Lake KittamaqundiOPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS
Option to go into Historic Savage Mill afterwards to cool down/walk around/have a drink or meal. We’ll probably go to Roggenart Bakery and sit on the patio where we can watch our bikes nearby.RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:· Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
· Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
· Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
· Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
· Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc.
· Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.
MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
6 attendees
W&OD Trail Shirlington to Vienna
W&OD Rail-Trail trailhead in Shirlington, S. Four Mile Run Dr. & Shirlington Rd., Arlington, VA, US**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) **
TRAIN OR BUS STOPS unknown
PARKING ADDRESS
W&OD Rail-Trail trailhead in ShirlingtonSouth Four Mile Run Dr. & Shirlington Rd, Arlington, VA. Jennie Dean playground is opposite the trailhead. It has public bathrooms.
Take Interstate 395 to the Shirlington Exit; bear right to head north and drive to the second stoplight. Turn left here on South Four Mile Run Drive. The W&OD Trail will be on the right, paralleling the road. You can park along the side of the road. Parking is only on adjacent streets. You will see the trail head and info boards at the end.
The W&OD Trail runs parallel to Four Mile Run. You can park along the Jennie Dean playground area (has bathrooms) or on the side of the roads that parallel the trail.
If you’re running late, let us know. Put in this end point address and try to catch up: Whole Foods, 143 E Maple Ave, Vienna, VA 22180. That is adjacent to where we get off the trail for a lunch break.
MEETUP SPOT
We’ll be at the trailhead.BATHROOMS
Jennie Dean playground, Whole Foods, Vienna, VA and food establishments.TYPE OF BIKE: Any kind of bike frame and tires. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels can enjoy this trail. It is well marked and mostly flat, and there are several road crossings that give opportunities to stop and regroup. Although, there are two noticeable inclines.
PACE:
It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-16 mph). And some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast.· If you prefer a faster pace than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up.
· If you’re not sure what your avg. speed is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops.
(My main incentive for riding this trail is so I can get my annual dose of British pasties from The Pure Pasty Co. www.purepasty.com They are similar to pot pies, samosas, calzones or empanadas. It’s very near the trail end point where we get off for a lunch break. There are other food options right off of the trail, so feel free to go wherever you like or join me (unfortunately, there's only one bench seat outside the pasty shop so we sometimes go to Panera Bread to accommodate a larger group.)
ROUTE SUMMARY
Riding the W&OD Trail from Shirlington to Vienna gives you a smooth, paved, gently rolling ride that transitions from urban energy to leafy suburban calm. It’s one of the most popular stretches of the trail—busy at times, but full of scenery, parks, and small‑town charm. It’s one of those rides where the scenery changes just enough to keep you engaged the whole way.Why This Ride Stands Out
· Smooth, predictable pavement the entire way
· Frequent amenities—water, restrooms, benches, parks
· A satisfying mix of nature, neighborhoods, and lively town centers
· Clear signage and mile markers that make navigation effortlessDISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.OPTION A: Bike out a shorter distance and return.
OPTION B: ~ 12 miles on way. Bike out to Vienna, Va with the event organizers. Stop for lunch (optional) and return with the group.
OPTION C: Bike out further on the W&OD trail towards the western end.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.
Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:· Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
· Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
· Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
· Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
· Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc.
· Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.
MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.
An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
4 attendees
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