What we’re about
NoVA CBG About Page
NoVA CBG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/NOVACBG)
Welcome to the Northern Virginia Casual Biking Group (NOVA-CBG). For your cycling pleasure, please join us for various casual bicycle rides around the area. **************************************
How Do We Define "Casual"? : *************************************** Well, we really don't pressure anyone to be a professional cyclist.* We don't ask you to own any special gear (except for a helmet).* We don't ask you to wear special outfits (unless you want to).* All we ask is that you come as you are comfortably with a bike that is in well-tuned shape and a helmet. We ride with a "no man left behind" philosophy so that everyone can enjoy themselves without fear of getting lost or left behind. So the ride may have a few extra "re-grouping" stops if that is required due to various riding skills. Because of this philosophy we really try to ask that the cyclist's riding skill matches the ride they are on.
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Ride Levels: ************************************** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
*Introductory Level:
If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
*Beginner Level:
You can easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 12+ mph.
*Medium Level:
You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph.
*Advanced Level: You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations.
**************************************
Riding Requirements: ************************************** Just like every other group we DO have some riding requirements: 1) Helmets are mandatory for every ride we do, no exceptions... period.
2) All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. Participating in a NoVA-CBG ride is voluntary and riders must be ready and able to participate in the ride as described in the meetup and under the conditions of the day. Riders have read and acknowledged by an RSVP 'YES' MEETUP.com's "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ and NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/.
3) Just in case there is an emergency situation you should always have on you Identification, Insurance, and any other important medical information.
4) All riders must be at least 18 years of age.
5) No music is allowed on any of the rides. Headphones or otherwise.
6) We have a "three strikes" NO SHOW policy, so please honor your RSVP or change it accordingly as soon as your situation changes.
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Membership Dues: ************************************** Your first two months in the group are free, after that we have an annual $10.00 membership fee. This fee helps defer the cost of the MEETUP fees and facilitates our Annual "Company" Picnic and Annual Holiday Party. In addition these dues allow us to perform our Tire Changing and Gear classes and our Bike In Movies series during the winter.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Medium Level (B Group): Thirsty Thursday - Garmin/RidewithGPSJones Point Park, Alexandria, VA
NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/
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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
+++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: Thirsty Thursday ("B" group)
- START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
- START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2
- START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac
- ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
- SPEECH: 6:35pm
- ROLLING: 6:45pm
- LEVEL: Medium ("B" group)
- PACE: NMT 16mph
- DISTANCE: 14.5 miles
- TERRAIN: Trail / Street
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486
NOTES:
- Try out a Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment (No Drop).
- Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required as the season progresses.
- All road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed
- Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food).
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The Ride : Detail
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For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Thirsty Thursday.Thirsty Thursday is about trying a solid Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment. We welcome strong Beginner Level riders that are willing to push themselves to become better cyclists.
This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to really try to keep pace. The lead will go no more than 16mph and other organizers/helpers will attempt to "fill the gaps" as we ride.
This is a mostly flat ride from Jones Point to Fort Hunt. Of course the "price of admission" for this ride is a hill that presents itself as soon as we enter the neighborhood across the GW Parkway... we have named it "The PUNISHER". If you successfully climb that hill, you are officially a CBG "B" group rider.
Once we get to Fort Hunt we will do laps (or you can rest) for a bit before heading back the way we came.
If you normally ride faster than 15mph you are welcome to practice your "keeping pace" skills. If you've done this ride at least once before and have the route loaded on a Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or the RidewithGPS app there is also an "A" group version that you can sign up for (aka Very Thirsty Thursday) that rides independently and faster.
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The Meeting Spot:
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Jones Point Park
Jones Point Dr.
Alexandria , VA 22314
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.
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The Ride After The Ride:
(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)
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Southside 815
815 South Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.6222
http://www.southside815.com/+++++++++++++++++++++
Ride Level Chart
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NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.- Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
- Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
- Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
- Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
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The Fine Print:
+++++++++++++++++++++
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:- "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
- NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
- NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
- Advanced Level (A Group): Very Thirsty Thursday - Garmin/RidewithGPSJones Point Park, Alexandria, VA
NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
+++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: Very Thirsty Thursday ("A" group)
- START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
- START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2
- START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac
- ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
- SPEECH: 6:35pm
- ROLLING: 6:45pm
- LEVEL: Advanced (A group)
- PACE: Above 16mph
- DISTANCE: 14.5 miles
- TERRAIN: Trail / Street
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486
NOTES:
- To do this "A" version participation in a PREVIOUS Medium Level Thirsty Thursday ride is required.
- Same RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE (the addition of the Evil Twin is Approved).
- Knowing the route is on you as there is no leader so having the route loaded on your bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required.
- Only regroup is Fort Hunt (wait for Medium riders to fully arrive).
- Ultimately the Medium Sweeper will be along if there are any issues.
- All route, road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. This is a ONE STRIKE statement.
- Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food).
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The Ride : Detail
+++++++++++++++++++++
For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Very Thirsty Thursday.This is the Advanced Version ("A" group) of our traditional Thirsty Thursday ride. Same route, just faster, and without a lead or sweep. To qualify for this "A" group you must have participated in the Medium Level Thirsty Thursday.
"A" group riders are expected to do the same route as the "B" group riders. You are welcome to do the Evil Twin hill as an added bonus. The only "stop" you need to make is at Fort Hunt. When at Fort Hunt you will wait for the "B" group to fully arrive.
As part of the "A" group you will be expected to know the route or have it loaded on your bicycle navigation computer or RidewithGPS phone app. At some point, the "B" group riders will be coming up behind you so if there is a problem someone from CBG can/will assist.
Most importantly: All route details, road riding safety rules, as well as CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. Any evidence to the contrary will have repercussions. This is a ONE STRIKE statement.
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The Meeting Spot:
+++++++++++++++++++++
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Dr.
Alexandria , VA 22314
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2
Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.+++++++++++++++++++++
The Ride After The Ride:
(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)
+++++++++++++++++++++
Southside 815
815 South Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.6222
http://www.southside815.com/+++++++++++++++++++++
Ride Level Chart
+++++++++++++++++++++
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.- Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
- Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
- Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
- Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Fine Print:
+++++++++++++++++++++
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:- "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
- NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
- NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
- Medium Level: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Off the Beaten Track (OBT) - Cameron's FFXEakin Park, Annandale, VA
* Different than usual starting point.
** Gravel sections on trail. See "Ride Detail" below please.
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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride - Off the Beaten Track (OBT) - Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates
- START LOC: Eakin Park, 8601 Tobin Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
- START GPS: The shelter at https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA
- START PARKING: Eakin Park parking lot (no restrooms but the porta potty is back or restrooms at Wakefield Rec Ctr mile 4)
- ARRIVAL: 10:00am
- SPEECH: 10:10am
**you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!** - ROLLING: 10:15am
- LEVEL: Medium
- PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace)
- DISTANCE: 16.9 miles
- TERRAIN: Paved & Compacted Gravel Bike Trail / Street
- Ride With GPS Route:
- CBG_KOFFEEK_OBT_CAMERON_2025
- https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50544429
Notes:
- This ride is organized "lean" and may not have a sweep.
- Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please.
- It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch".
- Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable.
- NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/
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The Ride: Detail
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Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, but in our continuing effort to explore new routes and venues this ride is on the western side of the I-495. We will do a 16.9 mile medium level ride at a social pace (11-13 mph). You are not required to drink or even like coffee.We will start from Eakin Park (Tobin Rd) on the Fairfax Cross County Trail (CCT) and ride clockwise through the Fairfax area until we get to Cameron's just after mile 14. We then connect again with the CCT at Blenheim Blvd which will take us back to the start.
GRAVEL NOTE: About 2.8 miles of the route is unpaved, so skinny tires are NOT recommended. There are two main unpaved sections: a mile of compacted gravel/dirt through Van Dyke Park, and a mile of gravel along Long Branch Trail (RidewithGPS shows the latter section as longer, but it’s out of date). We’ve ridden these sections on 32mm tires without difficulty.
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The Meeting Spot:
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We will meet at the shelter close to the parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vYeXf7W7z4YsgrrGA+++++++++++++++++++++
The Ride After The Ride:
+++++++++++++++++++++This week's Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates near mile 14 is the Ride WITHIN The Ride!
9639 Fairfax Blvd,
Fairfax, VA 22031+++++++++++++++++++++
Ride Level Chart
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NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.- Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
- Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
- Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
- Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Fine Print:
+++++++++++++++++++++An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
- "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
- NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
- NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
. - Intro/Begin/All: Mother's Day Georgetown Cupcake (Bethesda) Ride (10 or 14 mile)Boating In DC at Fletcher's Cove, Washington, DC
Mom's get the morning to themselves, so you can then come out for this "post brunch" afternoon ride.
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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
+++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: Mother's Day Georgetown Cupcake (Bethesda) Ride
- START LOC: Boat House At Fletcher's Cove (lower lot)
- START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/M6XRG1vFFTpXjeby5
- START PARKING PIC: https://bit.ly/fletchers_cove_parking
- ARRIVAL: 2:30pm
- SPEECH: 2:45pm
- ROLLING: 3:00pm
- LEVEL: Introductory / Beginner / All
- DISTANCE: 10 miles (optional 14 mile version)
- PACE: Any Pace
- TERRAIN: Paved, incline out, decline back
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_BETHESDA_SHORT_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33708572
CBG_BETHESDA_LONG_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33708604
NOTES:
- Intro Riders: All you have to do is get to Bethesda (5 miles) then coast home.
- Speedy Riders: You can make this ride 14 miles by hitting Georgetown on the way back.
- Bring a Bike Lock
TIMINGS (approximates):
- Rolling @ 3:00pm
- 5 miles later: Cupcakes @ 3:30pm (ish)
- Leave Cupcakes @ 4:30pm (ish)
- 5 miles later: : Back at Fletchers @ 5:00pm (ish)
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The Ride : Detail
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For your "Mother's Day" riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents...the Mother's Day Georgetown Cupcake (Bethesda) Ride.The ride begins at the boathouse @ Fletcher's Cove and we’ll take the Capital Crescent Trail to Bethesda (5 miles, 10 total). This ride is smooth, flat, tree-lined, and very picturesque.
Going northbound on the Capital Crescent Trail has a slight incline but we aren't in any hurry so you can take your time... but the coming home part is downhill so we have that "WHEEEEEE" to look forward to.
This ride is for everyone but if you are an introductory rider this is the perfect ride for you (even if you don't want any sweets).
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The Meeting Spot:
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Boat House At Fletcher's Cove
4940 Canal Road · Washington, DC
http://www.fletcherscove.com/- GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/M6XRG1vFFTpXjeby5
- PARKING PIC: https://bit.ly/fletchers_cove_parking
We are in the lower parking lot, if you don't drive through a tunnel, you are in the UPPER lot, which is fine as long as there is space.
If you're driving to this meetup location I'm warning you right now .. give yourself enough time to find this location.
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The Ride After The Ride:
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N/A+++++++++++++++++++++
Ride Level Chart
+++++++++++++++++++++
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.- Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
- Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
- Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
- Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Fine Print:
+++++++++++++++++++++
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:- "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
- NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
- NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
