Med+ : Cold Weather Commandos - Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks

CBG's Cold Weather Commando Rides are a series of outdoor cold weather rides. Participants of these rides need to have a higher level of self-sufficiency since we have fewer ride organizers (read: usually no sweep). You must be comfortable adjusting your clothing layers for cooler weather, darker days/nights, and to winter trail conditions.

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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
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• RIDE NAME: Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks
• START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
• START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2
• START PARKING: Parking lot. If full, park on side streets around park entrance.
• ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
• SPEECH: 6:40pm
• ROLLING: 6:45pm
• LEVEL: Advanced difficulty, Medium+ pace.
• PACE: ~15-16mph
• DISTANCE: ~19 miles
• TERRAIN: Trail / Street
• RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
  WM Illumination & Fireworks

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The Ride: Detail
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Watch as the Washington Monument transforms into the world’s tallest birthday candle in honor of our Nation’s 250th birthday. This event is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events.

From JPP, we’ll ride to The Mall, make a lap up and around Capitol Hill, then down just in time to see fireworks expode behind Washington Monument at 7:55p. An ~15 minute video and audio presentation on the monument is expected at 8p. Plan to be stopped for about 30 minutes total.
A warm drink, snack, and hand/toe warmers would be prudent.

This is Advanced difficulty due to nighttime riding and time standing in the cold, but we will be riding at a Medium+ pace.

Always Do's:

• Always have a spare tube with you, seriously it is needed.
• Always know your air pressure PSI and have your tires fully inflated.
• Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather (think layers).
• Always eat before & have water/snack with you
• Use a Garmin type bike computer OR our NoVA CBG RideWithGPS app and HAVE THE ROUTE LOADED AND READY TO USE FOR THE RIDE. Click this link to get the Club Account.
  https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/

Night Rides:

• Always have a fully charged head light of at least 150 lumens.
  https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/
• Always have a fully charged front and tail light.
• Always dress in layers.

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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/kZ3zjBHHcQF2
Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.

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The Ride After The Ride
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None, but highly encourage a warm beverage and snack while watching the fireworks and illumination show.

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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:
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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.

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