Rock Creek Trail and Capital Crescent Trail Loop

Check 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 ~23 miles +/- 887 ft. The only way to shorten the distance is to stop somewhere and return the same way you biked.

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, 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).

SKILL LEVEL: As long as you've ridden at least 20 miles in the past two weeks, you should be able to complete this ride comfortably. We average a casual 10-16 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:

1. Intersection of Beach Drive and Broad Branch
2. Rock Creek Park Station at Beach Drive & Joyce Road. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
3. National Zoo staff road intersection** with the trail. (Keryn will stop & wait if needed.)
4. 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