Beginner Level: Cherry Blossom Ride (Tidal Basin) 2026
Details
NOTE: There is construction going on at the Tidal Basin (Tidal Basin Seawall Project) so while there still will be Cherry Blossoms, they will be more at the FDR/MLK area of the Tidal Basin (I think). I will recon this soon to get a better idea.
Put yourself on the waiting list if interested!! I will clear the waiting list as Organizers (Helpers) sign up for the ride.
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The Ride Summary:
(Must Read)
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- RIDE NAME: Cherry Blossom Ride 2026
- START LOC: Shirlington Library
- START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA
- START PARKING: Any Parking Garage (Free on Weekends)
- ARRIVAL: 11:00 a.m.
- SPEECH: 11:15 a.m.
- ROLLING: 11:30 a.m.
- LEVEL: Beginner
- DISTANCE: 12 miles
- PACE: 12+ mph
- TERRAIN: Bike Trails (minor Streets)
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_CBLOSSOM_2026
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54426818
NOTES:
- 1 Hour (APPROX) wandering time at the Cherry Blossoms.
- Bring a bike lock.
- Bring a camera.
- Bring a snack.
National Park Service (NPS) Peak Bloom Estimate:
March 29th- April 1st
Capital Weather Gang (Washington Post):
April 3rd - April 7th
NBC StormTeam4:
March 30 - April 5
WUSA9:
April 2
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The Ride: Detail
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It's Back!!! Come join us for a leisurely ride to enjoy the 2026 Cherry Blossom season. The ride will begin at the Shirlington Library where we will take the 4 Mile Run Trail to connect to the Mt. Vernon Trail. We will then head north and make our first traditional "brief" regrouping stop at Gravelly Point (to see the planes take off or land). We will then continue north again and cross the 14th St. bridge (George Mason Bridge).
Depending on how the Tidal Basin Construction is going, we will either ride to the Jefferson Memorial and lock up our bikes, or we will head over to the FDR Memorial. This is To Be Determined (TBD).
Regardless, we will hang out for an hour (APPROX) which will give everyone time to walk around the cherry blossoms area and take pictures.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Bring a bike lock.
- Bring a camera.
- Bring a snack.
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The Bloom
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• http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/
• https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm
• https://cherryblossomwatch.com/
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The Meeting Spot:
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Shirlington Library
4200 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA
We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. There is plenty of parking available in the parking garages (all free on the weekends).
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The Ride after the Ride:
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Damn Good Burger Co.
4251 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
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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.