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
30
Three Covered Bridges and Thurmont Trolley Trail - ROAD RIDE
Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E Moser Rd, Thurmont, 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 29%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 14 mph (per Accuweather) **
Note: This is a more challenging ride due to more elevation changes than usual (similar to the WB&O Trail). Only sign up if you know you can complete it.
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a cycling adventure in Frederick County where we'll get the feeling of stepping back in time while riding through historic covered bridges (originally built in the 1800's), riding on the historic Thurmont Trolley Trail (it is currently about 1.5 miles long). Option to pass through the historic Main Street.This route is moderately hilly and on country roads, so you need to have biked at least 15 miles as well as done some hills within the past 7 days to be able to comfortably complete the shortest distance option. And you need to feel comfortable biking single-file on country roads without a shoulder.
We did this ride last year and only encountered about six cars on the 23-miles option. Some roads have shoulders to ride in. Most of the roads have very little traffic and the drivers that we came across were very courteous – slowing down as they approached our group. The last two miles are flat and graced by a little creek running parallel to the Thurmont Trolley Trail.
You should be able bike an average speed of at least 10 mph on flat trails to keep up. Although we will stop to regroup and to take 2 minute breaks, we won't wait, and I don't expect anyone else to wait, more than two minutes for slower riders to catch up on this particular event. You will need to use your nav app to complete the ride if you fall too far behind.
PARKING & MEETUP SPOTS FOR ALL OPTIONS: Thurmont Library (it is open on weekends). Meet us in the parking lot near the Trolley Trail entrance.
ELEVATION: Ranges from 780 to 1098 ft.
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Option A: 15.6-mile out and back trip, +/- 780 ft, to the Utica Mills Covered Bridge.
-Bike from the library down to Utica Covered Bridge. Option to go on your own into the Utica District Park for bathrooms and rest before returning. It is one mile to get there, so you add two extra miles for this option.
-Bike back to the library.
Ride with GPS: Option A mapOption C: 23.4-mile loop, +/- 1098 ft (without Utica Park stop).
-Bike from the library down to Utica Mills Covered Bridge. (Option to go on your own one more mile down to the Utica Park for bathroom or water).
-Then bike up 11 miles to Loys Station Covered Bridge. Option to take a rest stop at the park.
-Then bike northwesterly up to the Roddy Road Covered Bridge. Option to take a rest stop at the adjacent park.
-Then bike south to the Thurmont Trolley Trail on the way back to the library.Ride with GPS: Option C map
SEGMENT DISTANCES
Distance from Thurmont Library to Utica Mills Bridge: 7.6 miles
Distance from Utica Bridge to Utica Park: 1 mile
Distance from Utica Mills Bridge to Loys Station Bridge: 8.8 miles
Distance from Loys Station Bridge to Roddy Road Bridge: 4.2 miles
Distance from Roddy Road Bridge to Thurmont Library: 2.8 milesWe will stop to regroup and rest at each bridge and along the way.
BATHROOMS
There are covered pit toilets at each of the three parks by the bridges. It is optional to stop. Participants can choose to skip taking a break with others at each rest area.REQUIREMENTS
-A helmet must be worn while seated on a bike.
-A fully charged cell phone with a nav app installed.
-Wear light color/neon color top or bottoms. Avoid grey and black so you stand out from the road.
-Post when you have returned to your car in the event you separate from the leads.BIKING ETTIQUETTE FOR THIS ROUTE
- Many sections of roads won’t have a shoulder. Please ride single file and notify others of oncoming cars by yelling “car up” or “car back”- If you’re going to pass another biker, yell “ passing on your left”
- Don't make sudden stops on the road. Instead, yell "slowing down" and pull over onto the side.RECOMMENDATIONS
Extra drinks/water, snacks and packed lunch (there are picnic tables at each of the three parks nearby each covered bridge).Backpack, sunglasses or visor, sunscreen, biking gloves, change of clothes, washcloth, spare tire, tire patch, tire pump
Clothing (this is just a guideline).
If weather forecast is below 60*F layer with long-sleeves under a jacket (consider windproof), long comfy pants (add tights if it's below 45*F), and thicker gloves, thicker socks and windproof shoes.If weather forecast is above 60*F, you may feel comfortable with a T-shirt and shorts, thinner gloves, thinner socks and shoes.
Electrolytes to avoid cramping. If you get leg cramps after long bike rides, consider having Mg and salt the day before as during the ride and the day after.
Use a flashing light on your helmet or on the rear of your bike.
OPTIONAL TRIP IDEAS
See/slide the biggest wooden slide in Maryland at Mount Tabor Park in Rocky Ridge, afterwards. See the article This Giant Slide Will Make You Feel Like a Kid AgainOPTIONAL SOCIAL EVENT AFTERWARDS
Food options nearby: Thurmont Country Kitchen, Simply Asia, Mountain Gateway Family Restaurant, Fratelli's NY Pizza, Taco Bell/KFT, McDonald's, Los Amigos**PARTICIPATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK**
6 attendees
Rock Creek Trail and Capital Crescent Trail Loop
Meadowbrook Local Park, 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD, USCheck back to see if the date or start time has changed. If chance of rain is > 29% or wind > 15 mph It may get cancelled/postponed
ROUTE DISTANCE
The distance for this loop is ~20.3 miles +/- 767 ft. Ten miles down to Georgetown and ten miles back up the CCT to the starting point. The only way to shorten the distance is to stop somewhere before Georgetown and return the same way.TRAIL DETAILS
In need of a relaxing escape from your usual habitat? These two trails are famous for their views of the Rock Creek and Potomac River. What can be more relaxing than the sound and sight of water cascading over rocks and watching sailboats? There are several sections that offer shade and cool breezes blowing across the trail. Although this loop is "flatish," there are more elevation changes compared to the Paint Branch and Rhode Island Trolley trails (the flatter trails we ride).
Note 1: We will need to bike 2.0 miles on neighborhood streets once we get off the Georgetown Branch Trail in Bethesda to get back to the starting point. There is no better option.
Note 2: There are a couple of street crossings. As long as you are not distracted and WAIT for the green light or for a clear break in traffic, you will be fine.SKILL LEVEL: As long as you've biked at least 20 miles in the past two weeks, you should be able to complete this ride comfortably. We average a casual 9-15 mph on this route, and we add stops for hydration and socializing. Faster riders are welcome to go at their own pace and stop at the regroup spots (to wait for slower riders to catch up). Slower riders can go at their own pace and if they missed the 5-10 minute regroup stop, they can continue and use a nav app, if needed.
PARKING & MEETUP SPOT
Park at the Meadowbrook Park parking lot. Meet us in an oval formation by 11:00 for check-in and the icebreaker question. I'll post the question at least one day before so you can prepare!Late arrivers should let the group know by posting a comment in the event. Otherwise, we assume you're a "no show."
Road, hybrid, and mountain tires will work. E-bike riders are welcome.
RESTROOMS
Located at the starting point, in Rock Creek Park going down to Georgetown, in Georgetown (the rest stop) on the C&O Canal path, and at retail shops in Bethesda.THE PLAN
After check-in and the icebreaker question, we'll depart.1. Ride southward on the Rock Creek Trail
We'll start at Meadowbrook Local Park (the bathrooms may not be open but there are three outdoor loos). Then bike down to Georgetown (the Washington Harbor waterfront area). We'll stop for a break (optional).
Regroup Spots:- Intersection of Beach Drive and Broad Branch
- Rock Creek Park Station at Beach Drive & Joyce Road. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
- National Zoo staff road intersection** with the trail. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
- Pierce Mill (bathroom/ rest stop)
The RCT is mostly shady due to trees on the side of the trails. It hugs the Rock Creek from one end of the park to the other, providing scenic views and it often has breezes to cool bikers off. It is mostly flat. Only one noticeable hill when you get to Cathedral Ave (near to the National Zoo). It will take 45-65 minutes to bike.
2. Take a 30 to 60-minute break in Georgetown (Washington Harbor). We plan on a 30-minute minimum stop for socializing/lunch/relaxing/cooling off). Some participants may want to return earlier, and some want to stay longer. We usually work out who’s staying vs going back earlier. Feel free to go on your own or join us for a group lunch (picnic or retail) if anyone offers.
3. Ride north on the CCT (~45 minutes)
Meet up at TBD. CCT is mostly flat and scenic, but it may have a lot of walkers to navigate around the last 3 miles.Regrouping spots:
1. Thompson boat house
2. Fletcher's Cove Boat House (5-10 min stop for socializing/drinking etc.
3. Capital Cresent Tunnel (Keryn will stop & wait if needed)
4. Capital Crescent Trail entry (opposite Ourisman Honda) 4760 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD.
5. Street intersections on the way back to starting point.BIKE RENTALS
NA
BIKE REPAIR
NA - participants may volunteer to help
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 and carry a charged mobile phone.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.
- Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers in case of a sudden stop
If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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/- Support the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail. Their Donate page
9 attendees
NCR Trail: Start at Southern Endpoint
NRC Trail, Paper Mill Rd, Paper Mill Rd, Ashland, MD 21030, Ashland, MD, USABOUT THE TRAIL
The NCR Trail (official name is Torrey C. Brown Trail) is nearly 20 miles long in Maryland. It continues into PA for another 20 miles. The trail is 10’ wide with a stone dust surface & it has mile markers along the whole length. It runs along the Gunpowder River, it is fairly flat and is shaded by trees on both sides. For some nice details, go this webiste: Northern Central Rail Trail (NCRT) – Birders Guide to Maryland and DC (birdersguidemddc.org)SKILL LEVEL
Beginners can enjoy this trail because it is wide and fairly flat compared to other bike trails that we use.DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can turn back at any time they wish. These are just suggestions.OPTION A: 14 miles total. Bike up to the Monkton Station. Enjoy a break before biking back.
OPTION B: 22 miles miles total. After stopping at Monkton Station, continue up to Gnome Hill for another break then bike back.
OPTION C: 40 miles total. Same as above but continue north until you get to the PA border (19.9 miles one way).
OPTION D: 43 miles total. Continue for 1.3 miles on the Heritage Rail Trail to the town of New Freedom for a rest stop in town before biking back. There are a couple of food options right off the trail.
OPTION E: Bike up to the endpoint in York, PA (27 miles from the PA border line).
(There is a 16-mile train ride that runs on a limited schedule from New Freedom up to Brillhart Station (just south of York). $30 one-way, 1.5 hours. See Northern Central Railway for more info.PARKING -
Option A: Mile 0
Ashland Road parking lot. There is no street address. Use the red pin in the map to open a navigation app on your mobile phone or type in "245 Ashland Rd Cockeysville, MD." If lot is full and street parking is full, go to option B. (This has never happened to us so far!)Option B: Mile 0.5
Paper Mill parking lot. Take York Road (Route 45) to Cockeysville (Exit 18 off I-83). Turn right (east) on Ashland Road. Bear left onto Paper Mill Road. Go less than ½ mile, crossing the trail to the parking lot on the left
Option C: Mile 2
Phoenix parking lot. Take York Road north of Shawan Road in Hunt Valley (Exit 20 off I-83). Turn right (east) on Phoenix Road. Travel 1.7 miles and look for the parking lot.THE PLAN
Bikers: Plan to arrive at 9:45 AM so you have time to find parking, get your bike, water bottles, your helmet on and check your tires. We'll do roll call and an icebreaker at 10:00 and then depart. If you're arriving late, leave a comment in the event comments and try to catch up with us at Monkton Station. If you parked at B or C, let us know so we stop to pick you up on the way.Social meetup on the trail
- Monkton Train Station: M 7.2 It has restrooms, water, telephones, benches & picnic tables. The restored 1898 station serves as a museum, gift shop, & ranger station.
- Monkton Hotel Cafe, across the parking lot, for cooling down, playing a table-top game, just relaxing, etc. Coffee, tea, bakery items and sandwiches.
- Gnome Hill: Near the 11-mile mark there is Gnome Hill, a 10-foot high hill with hundreds of garden gnome figurines to check out. There was also a water and snack station at Gnome Hill (with a cash collection jar).
Required bike tires: Due to stone dust surface, people recommend hybrid or thicker tires but we've biked it twice with road tires (although they aren't the thinnest) and had no issues. I don't know if E-bikes are allowed at this time.
BIKE RENTALS
A bike rental/repair shop is nearby.BATHROOMS
Restrooms/Portables are at Paper Mill, Phoenix, Glencoe, Monkton (best option), White Hall, Bentley Springs, & Freeland.
WATER
Water is at Sparks, Monkton, & White Hall.Sparks Nature Center at Sparks Rd is open Weekends 10 -3.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Cash - if you want to use Gnome Hill's outdoor drink/snack shop. 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 grey, 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
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/
You should not hold the organizers, leaders, and other participants accountable for any injury that occurs during a meetup event.3 attendees
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