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
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DAY 1: Hike Swallow Falls SP & Rock Maze Trail
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD, USDAY 1 of 2-day Trip. Note: We're still in planning phase
Note: We're driving out Friday afternoon to camp/hotel nearby. Contact Keryn for details.
ACTIVITY #1 Hike at Swallow Falls State Park
Park website: Swallow Falls State ParkIMPORTANT! $3 per person entrance ticket needs to be bought online first (no more than 7 days in advance). Get the 8-11 time slot. Day-Use Reservations
Your reservation guarantees entry during your chosen window. Once you’re inside, you can stay for normal park hours. There is no requirement to exit at the end of your entry window.
WHY IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE OUT
Swallow Falls offers natural features you simply don’t get anywhere else in Maryland:- Muddy Creek Falls (53 ft) — the tallest free‑falling waterfall in the state, thundering into the Youghiogheny River gorge.
- Four waterfalls on one trail — Muddy Creek Falls, Swallow Falls, Lower Swallow Falls, and additional cascades all accessible on a 1.25–1.6 mile loop.
- 300‑year‑old hemlock and white pine forest — one of Maryland’s last stands of virgin old‑growth trees, creating a cool, shaded, almost Pacific‑Northwest feel.
- A dramatic river gorge — carved by the Youghiogheny River, offering rugged scenery and photogenic viewpoints.
These features make the park feel far more “epic” than its size suggests.
PARKING
Swallow Falls State Park
Oakland, MDMEETING SPOT
Meet us in the trail parking lot at 9:55 a.m. The trail parking lot is near the park's visitor and supply store.PLAN: 10 AM to 12 AM
First, we'll leisurely hike the 1.25 mile loop in one direction. Taking time to admire each waterfall, take photos, and relax on the huge flat boulders in the river (highly encouraged!) Then there's the option to hike the loop again in the opposite direction (organizers plan to do this).We'll plan for 2 hours at this park.
ACTIVITY #2 Herrington Manor State Park
A park where you get a serene lake, beautiful trails, and a relaxed mountain setting that feels far from everyday life.State Park website: Herrington Manor State Park
PARKING
Herrington Manor State Park
Oakland, MDPLAN
No entry ticket required. Since this park is adjacent to Swallow Falls State Park, we're taking the opportunity to stop in for a short visit and possible picnic lunch.ACTIVITY #3 - Hike the Rock Maze Trail
Website with good photos: Few People Know About This Hidden Labyrinth Tucked Away In MarylandWHAT MAKES THIS TRAIL SPECIAL
The centerpiece of the trail is a cluster of massive sandstone boulders forming a maze‑like passage system. You can walk, squeeze, climb, and weave through narrow corridors, small chambers, and winding rock alleys. Despite the short distance, the rock formations deliver a “wow” moment that feels like discovering a hidden world.PARKING #3
3739 Snaggy Mountain Rd
Oakland, MD
THE PLAN
No entry ticket required. This trail is only .90 miles total (out and back) so it can be walked in 20 minutes.AFTERNOON PLANS
No ideas yet.We'll drive to our next hotel spot near Frederick, MD) in the afternoon.
DAY 2 (Sunday) PLANNING
The leads plan to stay overnight at hotel for biking on DAY 2. If you're interested in sharing an AirBnB or staying at the same hotel as us, let us know.5 attendees
DAY 2: Western MD Rail Trail w/Shuttle Return
Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD, USDAY 2 of 2-day Trip
OPTION TO MEETUP FOR BREAKFAST
8:00-9:30 Hotel breakfast (to be determined)RSVP CUTOFF
If you want a ride to the starting point, you need to RSVP by Friday 2:00 PM, ET.IMPORTANT NOTE: We have two vehicles lined up to take participants out to the LIttle Orleans trailhead.
- The shuttle van can take six bikers per trip. The first six people to sign up can take the shuttle ride.
- The bike shop has another vehicle (cab) that can hold up to four people and their bikes.
- The shuttle van can bring your rental e-bike, if you rent from their store in Hancock.
- Anyone who signs up after the tenth person will need to plan a workaround such as 1) Get an earlier shuttle ride out to Little Orleans (like 9:45) and then wait for the 10:45 shuttle group to arrive or 2) Drive out to Little Orleans parking lot and arrive there by about 11:15 to bike back with us and then bike back or get a drive back to Little Orleans.
The shuttle van costs $170 per trip, which means $28.00 per person. You can pay Keryn via cash, Zelle, or Cash App on the day of the bike ride.
PARKING
Fort Frederick State Park Main Parking Lot, near the circular road (not the lot closer to the trail).MEETING SPOT
Meet us at the Fort Frederick State Park parking lot at 10:30 am and be ready for the shuttle/cab ride by 10:45 am, latest. We will wait at the circular road in front of the visitor building for the shuttle van/cab to arrive and to give us a ride out to the western end of the trail.BIKE REPAIR AND RENTAL INFO
C&O Bicycle in Hancock, MD
301-678-6665E-Bike Rental Info:
Note: Their e-bikes are pedal-assist and do not have throttles. You have to pedal them at all times to move. $25/hour or $100/day. It switches to the daily rate after four hours because the daily rate would be cheaper. Call them to let Tracy know the rider's height and preference on frame style (step-over or step-through). Helmets are included with bike rentals. If a helmet is needed, let them know what size is best (XS, S, M, L, XL).DISTANCE OPTIONS
We are biking the full distance - 28 miles - one way only, from Little Orleans back to the parking lot.
We plan to stop for a 30-60 minute lunch break in Hancock but participants are welcome to skip this break and keep biking.
Distance info:
Little Orleans to Hancock: 17 miles
Hancock to Fort Frederick: 10 milesIf you want to bike both ways, then let us know and park at the Little Orleans parking lot.
Note: There may be segments where we need to take a detour on the C&O towpath or some other route.
Option to visit Fort Frederick upon return.
Western Maryland Rail Trail
Map extension: Extension Map | Western Marland Rail Trail SupportersSATURDAY NIGHT HOTEL INFO
There are very few options in Hancock.
The closest to Fort Frederick is Holiday Inn Express, Clear Spring, MD.
If you want to stay at the same hotel as four of us are staying at, contact Keryn.8 attendees
DC Bike Ride - no organizer
Constitution Avenue, 701 Constitution Avenue, Washington DC, DC, USNote: We only posted this event for awareness, at someone's request. We don't have an event lead for this event So if you're interested in doing this with others, RSVP and wait to see if someone else signs up.
DC Bike Ride Home webpage: Home - DC Bike Ride
Get info on riding Amtrak with your bike here. Or, pack light and take advantage of our convenient Rent & Ride Pass, and a bike will be waiting for you by the start line!
Reserve your ride day parking in advance with Spot Hero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.
Our Start Line is located at Constitution Ave NW & 12th St NW and the Finish Line is located at Pennsylvania Ave NW & 6th St NW. Each of these areas are just a half-mile apart, so you can choose to park closer to either, or between them.
To reserve a parking spot at your preferred location, visit our SpotHero Parking page.
Book Parking Here1 attendee
Bike Metropolitan Branch Trail: Fort Totten to Capital Monuments 20-30s
Fort Totten Metro Station, 550 Galloway Street, NE, Washington, DC, 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 29%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 14 mph (per Accuweather) **
TRAIN OR BUS STOPS
Fort Totten Station
BIKE REPAIR SHOP
NAPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at Fort Totten Station.Arrive by 10:20 so you have time to prepare your gear and test-ride your bike. Meet us in the parking lot by the fence facing the road by 10:30 latest to check in. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question and then start the ride. ---If you're running late, post your ETA in the comments so we can decide if we want to wait for you to catch up at our regroup stop.
BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
This is a very different type of bike route for us compared to the usual rail trail for several reasons: 1) There is still a train line in use running along the trail!, 2) This trail takes us into DC where we can easily connect to bike friendly paths and lanes for sightseeing, 3) This trail has a lot of fantastic mural art, and 4) This trail is more urban than the other trails in Maryland that we ride. It connects several neighborhoods. Riders will see a large variety of colorful and mentionable graffiti wall art, urban art, a dog park, outdoor movie area, garden areas, and restaurants along both sides of the path. See attached images for an idea of what it's like.We’ll start from the Fort Totten Metro Station and bike straight down along the Metrorail to Union Station - about 4.6 miles. We’ll stop to regroup at least once along the way. We will stop at Union Station for water/bathroom/ a visit inside. Participants can return from there or continue biking with us.
Next, we'll bike over to the Capitol, National Mall, and some surrounding points of interest. We'll take a break and then return the same way. We expect to do about eight miles each way.
If you’re interested in stopping for lunch somewhere, let us know in advance. One nearby option is Bryant Market and the very cool Metrobar (right off the trail). It's the 2024 winner of Best Bar in DC. You can opt to eat/drink in the refurbished metro car or outside in cozy seating areas. They sometimes have food trucks parked there as well.
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 tire 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.
PACE: It’s up to you. Most of us are casual riders. Some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. If you prefer a faster or slower pace, feel free to let the group know before we start. We often regroup at certain points so everyone can ride at their own comfort level.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return whenever they feel like it. These are just suggestions.
OPTION A: Bike 3 miles out and back.
OPTION B: Bike 4.6 miles to Union Station and back.
OPTION C: Option B plus continue on with the organizers to ride around the monument areas for a couple more miles before returning.
OPTION D: You can add on miles by connecting to additional bike trails.
TRAIL HISTORY
When completed, the Metropolitan Branch Trail will start further north, from the Silver Spring Metro station down to Union Station, for eight miles. It is very flat, maybe 40 feet of elevation change. To learn about the history of how this trail was conceived, see Metropolitan Branch Trail - Wikipedia
BATHROOMS
Union Station
Retail establishments that can be accessed from the trail.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.
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/2 attendees
Past events
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