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, WVA, 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, Bike DC, and CRTTs 4th of July to Ft. McHenry
- volunteer for bike events
- support bike advocate groups such as Bike Maryland and WABA.
We welcome people of all ages, racial identities, gender identities, biking skills, 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 mostly flat. They go through some beautiful areas and quaint towns, often where food and drink are plentiful.
Paved hiker/biker trails usually have a speed limit of 15 mph. If we're aware that there's a road segment where you can ride faster, we'll try to note that in the event description.
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, 25, 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 $8 annual membership to offset the $320 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. Excess funds will be donated to World Bike Fund, Bike MD and WABA.
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, gravel, mountain bikes, and road bikes (as long as they don't have the ultra-thin tires); some 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
28
Bike C&O Canal Towpath: Point of Rocks 20-30s
Point of Rocks Boat Ramp, 3703 Canal Rd, Point of Rocks, MD, US**Note to organizers: Check C&O Canal news for possible trail segment or bridge construction/debris closures**
**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
unknownPARKING ADDRESS
Point of Rocks C&O Canal Towpath Access boat ramp lot/public bathroom address
3703 Canal Rd
Point of Rocks, MDPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at Point of Rocks boat ramp lot. Meet us at the parking lot. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
We'll be biking westward and making stops to enjoy the views, points of interest (such as the canal locks), to regroup, and socialize.This Canal Trust website has good info and images: Point of Rocks – C&O Canal Trust
See this short Ride & Shine video "Unusual Things to see in Harpers Ferry": C&O Canal-Unusual Things to see in HARPERS FERRY, West Virginia
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.OPTION A: Bike 5.7 miles from MP 48.2 Point of Rocks to MP 55 Brunswick.
Option to stop for a drink/food break before returning.
Top picks near the towpath:
Beans in the Belfry – Cozy café in a converted church
Potomac Street Grill – Reliable, varied menu
Smoketown Brewing Station – Craft beer + food trucks
King’s Pizza & Italian – Fast, casual, group‑friendly
Bridgeway Bikes – 5 W Potomac St. #1, Brunswick, MD
Brief stops at Lock 28 – mile 48.9, at Lock 29 – mile 50.9, and at Lock 30 – mile 55.OPTION B: Bike ~8.0 miles from Point of Rocks → MP 55 Brunswick (rest stop) → Continue 2.3 miles toward Knoxville, then return.
Total: ~8.0 milesOPTION C: Bike 12.2 Miles one way from Point of Rocks → Brunswick (rest stop) → continue toward MP 60.6 Harpers Ferry, WV
Stop at Lock 31 – mile 58- Option to join the leads for ~ 1 hour break. Otherwise, feel free to return.
- We plan to lock our bikes up at the base of the Byron Bridge (due to construction, we’re told we can’t take our bikes up the temporary staircase). Then we’ll walk across the bridge and walk around the Historic Harpers Ferry area and possibly get something to eat.- Food options in Harpers Ferry (ice cream, cafés, pubs)
- Great for photos and exploring the footbridge areaOPTION D: Keep biking westward. The event leads will ask if anyone wants to bike further so participants can coordinate.
TYPE OF BIKE: Since the C&O Canal towpath is a mix of dirt and crushed gravel, we recommend thicker tires than road bike tires, such as hybrid, cruisers, etc. However, we’ve biked it with our road bikes and didn’t get a flat tire – just felt the bumps more than preferred. Mountain bikes, with less gear options but better suspension, should be fine too. 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, mostly straight, and mostly flat. Note: You should be able to walk up and down the flight of stairs at the Byron Bridge to cross the Potomac River and get to Historic Harpers Ferry, WV.
PACE: It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. We make stops at tricky points and POI 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.
BATHROOMS
Point of Rocks parking area
Brunswick Visitor Center (mile marker 55) at MARC Station
Restrooms at the Harpers Ferry Train Station
Restrooms at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center (across the footbridge)
Restrooms inside cafés and restaurants in Lower TownBIKE RENTALS
Bridgeway Bikes, 5 W Potomac St #1, Brunswick, MDFOOD & DRINK INFO for STARTING POINT
Aroma House
Big Belly’s
Deli on the Rocks
Rock Point Creamery
OPTION TO SOCIALIZE
Participants are welcome to make suggestionsRECOMMENDATIONS
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/5 attendeesBike C&O Canal Towpath: Point of Rocks 40+
Point of Rocks Boat Ramp, 3703 Canal Rd, Point of Rocks, MD, US**Note to organizers: Check C&O Canal news for possible trail segment or bridge construction/debris closures**
**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
unknownPARKING ADDRESS
Point of Rocks C&O Canal Towpath Access boat ramp lot/public bathroom address
3703 Canal Rd
Point of Rocks, MDPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at Point of Rocks boat ramp lot. Meet us at the parking lot. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
We'll be biking westward and making stops to enjoy the views, points of interest (such as the canal locks), to regroup, and socialize.This Canal Trust website has good info and images: Point of Rocks – C&O Canal Trust
See this short Ride & Shine video, "Unusual Things to see in Harpers Ferry": C&O Canal-Unusual Things to see in HARPERS FERRY, West Virginia
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.OPTION A: Bike 5.7 miles from MP 48.2 Point of Rocks to MP 55 Brunswick.
Option to stop for a drink/food break before returning.
Top picks near the towpath:
Beans in the Belfry – Cozy café in a converted church
Potomac Street Grill – Reliable, varied menu
Smoketown Brewing Station – Craft beer + food trucks
King’s Pizza & Italian – Fast, casual, group‑friendly
Bridgeway Bikes – 5 W Potomac St. #1, Brunswick, MD
Brief stops at Lock 28 – mile 48.9, at Lock 29 – mile 50.9, and at Lock 30 – mile 55.OPTION B: Bike ~8.0 miles from Point of Rocks → MP 55 Brunswick (rest stop) → Continue 2.3 miles toward Knoxville, then return.
Total: ~8.0 milesOPTION C: Bike 12.2 Miles one way from Point of Rocks → Brunswick (rest stop) → continue toward MP 60.6 Harpers Ferry, WV
- Stop at Lock 31 – mile 58
- Option to join the leads for ~ 1 hour "touristy" type of break. Otherwise, feel free to return.
- We plan to lock our bikes up at the base of the Byron Bridge (due to construction, we’re told we can’t take our bikes up the temporary staircase). We’ll walk across the Potomac River via Byron Bridge and then walk around the Historic Harpers Ferry area and possibly get something to eat.
- Food options in Harpers Ferry (ice cream, cafés, pubs)
- Great destination for photos and exploring
OPTION D: Keep biking westward. The event leads will ask if anyone wants to bike further or not so participants can coordinate.
TYPE OF BIKE: Since the C&O Canal towpath is a mix of dirt and crushed gravel, we recommend thicker tires than road bike tires, such as hybrid, cruisers, etc. However, we’ve biked it with our road bikes and didn’t get a flat tire – just felt the bumps more than preferred. Mountain bikes, with less gear options but better suspension, should be fine too. 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, mostly straight, and mostly flat. Note: You should be able to walk up and down the flight of stairs at the Byron Bridge to cross the Potomac River and get to Historic Harpers Ferry, WV.
PACE: It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. We make stops at tricky points and POI 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.
BATHROOMS
Point of Rocks parking area
Brunswick Visitor Center (mile marker 55) at MARC Station
Restrooms at the Harpers Ferry Train Station
Restrooms at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center (across the footbridge)
Restrooms inside cafés and restaurants in Lower TownBIKE RENTALS
Bridgeway Bikes, 5 W Potomac St #1, Brunswick, MDFOOD & DRINK INFO for STARTING POINT
Aroma House
Big Belly’s
Deli on the Rocks
Rock Point Creamery
OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS
Participants are welcome to make suggestionsRECOMMENDATIONS
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
Bike B&A Trail: Glen Burnie down to Annapolis 20-30s
Sawmill Creek Park, 7405 Charley Eckman Lane, Glen Burnie, 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 Accuweather) **
Train or Bus Options - ?
PARKING
Park in Sawmill Creek Park. Plan to arrive by 9:15 so you have time to ready your bike and gear by 9:30. If the parking lot is full, you may need to park on the street or at the adjacent activity center.MEETUP SPOT
Meet us near (or in) the corner of the parking lot, at 9:15-9:30. After check-in, we’ll do an ice-breaker question. We’ll ride straight to the back of the park and turn left onto the connector trail for about a mile. After crossing Central Ave (no light) we'll turn right onto the B&A trail (there usually are two large triangle shaped plant beds marking the trail entrance). If you’re running late, post your ETA in the event comment section and try to catch up at one of our regroup spots.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
This route starts in Glen Burnie (mile 13.3) and goes south towards mile 0 in Annapolis. The organizers will stop every 2-4 miles to regroup for a couple of minutes. Faster riders are welcome to go ahead, and we can meet up at the Earleigh Ranger Station for a decent social break around the picnic tables and then again at Big Bean Café (pictured at the top) and mile 0.SKILL LEVEL: All skill levels can enjoy this trail. It is mostly flat and well paved.
PACE: : It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. 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.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions:OPTION A: Bike ~5.1 miles south through the Planet Walk sculptures (covers a 4.7 mile segment) and then return. This segment of the trail features two sculptures and 10 information stations representing the sun and the planets of the solar system, with each planet’s station spaced at its proportional distance from the sun. Here's the approximate miles to bike to each one from the northern end:
- 0.4 miles: Sun
- .4 - 1.0 miles: The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth & Mars).
- 1.5 miles: Jupiter
- 1.75 miles: Saturn
- 2.75 miles: Uranus and Neptune.
- **5.1 miles: Pluto *OPTION A turnaround point*
MILE POST 7 (~6.3 miles south): *OPTION B turnaround point. And optional regroup and social break here at the picnic tables
- ***Earleigh Heights Ranger Station (mustard yellow color)
- Built in 1889 as a general store, the building style is an example of Second Empire-style commercial architecture and was popular throughout the country between 1850 and 1885. While formerly it served as a train station, store and post office, it now serves as the ranger station and railroad museum. Bathrooms & fountains are outside. Museum and ranger station are inside.
MILE POST 5 (8.5 miles south) OPTION C The Big Bean Cafe. *Optional regroup here on way down and on the way up*
MILE POST 3 (10.3 miles south) *OPTION D turnaround point*
MILE POST 0 (13.3 miles south): *OPTION E turnaround point with optional social break* [The organizers plan to do this option. They will stop to regroup at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station and at the Big Bean Cafe on the way back up.]
OPTION F: Add on the BWI Loop trail after returning to the northern end. This adds another 10.5 miles for a total of 26.6+10.5= 37 miles
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are located at local retail establishments near the trail and at the Earleigh Ranger Station at mile marker 7.0, where we'll be stopping to regroup and socialize.BIKE RENTALS
BWI Bike Rental
Pedal Pushers Bike Shop
BIKE REPAIR
Trail Werks CycleryFOOD & DRINKS
There’s a lot of food spots along the trail- just 1-2 blocks away. Big Bean cafe at mile marker 10 has an extensive drink menu, snacks, and good reviews from bikers. I plan on stopping there for a break.
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/1 attendeeBike B&A Trail: Glen Burnie down to Annapolis 40+
Sawmill Creek Park, 7405 Charley Eckman Lane, Glen Burnie, 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 Accuweather) **
Train or Bus Options - ?
PARKING
Park in Sawmill Creek Park. Plan to arrive by 9:15 so you have time to ready your bike and gear by 9:30. If the parking lot is full, you may need to park on the street or at the adjacent activity center.MEETUP SPOT
Meet us near (or in) the corner of the parking lot, at 9:15-9:30. After check-in, we’ll do an ice-breaker question. We’ll ride straight to the back of the park and turn left onto the connector trail for about a mile. After crossing Central Ave (no light) we'll turn right onto the B&A trail (there usually are two large triangle shaped plant beds marking the trail entrance). If you’re running late, post your ETA in the event comment section and try to catch up at one of our regroup spots.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
This route starts in Glen Burnie (mile 13.3) and goes south towards mile 0 in Annapolis. The organizers will stop every 2-4 miles to regroup for a couple of minutes. Faster riders are welcome to go ahead, and we can meet up at the Earleigh Ranger Station for a decent social break around the picnic tables and then again at Big Bean Café (pictured at the top) and mile 0.SKILL LEVEL: All skill levels can enjoy this trail. It is mostly flat and well paved.
PACE: : It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. 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.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions:OPTION A: Bike ~5.1 miles south through the Planet Walk sculptures (covers a 4.7 mile segment) and then return. This segment of the trail features two sculptures and 10 information stations representing the sun and the planets of the solar system, with each planet’s station spaced at its proportional distance from the sun. Here's the approximate miles to bike to each one from the northern end:
- 0.4 miles: Sun
- .4 - 1.0 miles: The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth & Mars).
- 1.5 miles: Jupiter
- 1.75 miles: Saturn
- 2.75 miles: Uranus and Neptune.
- **5.1 miles: Pluto *OPTION A turnaround point*
MILE POST 7 (~6.3 miles south): *OPTION B turnaround point. And optional regroup and social break here at the picnic tables
- ***Earleigh Heights Ranger Station (mustard yellow color)
- Built in 1889 as a general store, the building style is an example of Second Empire-style commercial architecture and was popular throughout the country between 1850 and 1885. While formerly it served as a train station, store and post office, it now serves as the ranger station and railroad museum. Bathrooms & fountains are outside. Museum and ranger station are inside.
MILE POST 5 (8.5 miles south) OPTION C The Big Bean Cafe. *Optional regroup here on way down and on the way up*
MILE POST 3 (10.3 miles south) *OPTION D turnaround point*
MILE POST 0 (13.3 miles south): *OPTION E turnaround point with optional social break* [The organizers plan to do this option. They will stop to regroup at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station and at the Big Bean Cafe on the way back up.]
OPTION F: Add on the BWI Loop trail after returning to the northern end. This adds another 10.5 miles for a total of 26.6+10.5= 37 miles
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are located at local retail establishments near the trail and at the Earleigh Ranger Station at mile marker 7.0, where we'll be stopping to regroup and socialize.BIKE RENTALS
BWI Bike Rental
Pedal Pushers Bike Shop
BIKE REPAIR
Trail Werks CycleryFOOD & DRINKS
There’s a lot of food spots along the trail- just 1-2 blocks away. Big Bean cafe at mile marker 10 has an extensive drink menu, snacks, and good reviews from bikers. I plan on stopping there for a break.
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/9 attendees
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