Chocolate Lovers

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

**WINTER NOON TIME START, temperature forecast mid 50s!** Arlington Triangloop Counter-clockwise but at a "social" pace (makes for a nice recovery ride). We will hang at coffee shop for a good 30 minutes to eat, drink, and relax. **I'LL BUY THE BEIGNETS!** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride - Mardi Gras at [Bayou Bakery](https://www.bayoubakeryva.com/) * START LOC: Bluemont Tennis Courts Parking, N Manchester & Wilson, Arlington, VA * START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsMkdU7STFebbrFg6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsMkdU7STFebbrFg6) * START PARKING: Bluemont Tennis Parking lot (restroom available) * ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * DISTANCE: 16 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_BAYOU_2024 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45541165](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45541165) * **NOTE: Final Route will depend on trail conditions** * Alternate Route: CBG_KOFFEK_BAYOU4MG_2026 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53996996](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53996996) **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** The ride is a 16 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride the Arlington Loop counter-clockwise starting from the Bluemont Tennis Parking Lot, and stop for our "Koffee Klatch" at Bayou Bakery, Arlington (come try out the Beignets for Mardi Gras). We will exit the Triangle/Loop by Mom's (about mile 12.2) and take the Veitch bike lane to Bayou. After coffee we will ride the Wilson/Fairfax bike lanes and connect with the Bluemont Junction Trail at about mile 14.5 near the Holiday Inn Express You are not required to drink or even like coffee. Laissez le bon temps rouler! **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's coffee shop is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! ***I'll buy the beignets*** [Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery](https://www.bayoubakeryva.com/) 1515 N Courthouse Rd Arlington, VA 22201 **NOTES;** * These rides are organized "lean". * Check your brakes and pump your tires on the morning of the ride and please have a spare tube that fits your tire. * 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/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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. ......................................................................................................................

🎶 Live Music Night at Divino – Every Tuesday 🎷 Experience Live Music in the cozy ambiance of Divino! Join us at 6:00 PM for an unforgettable evening filled with great tunes, exquisite Northern Italian cuisine, and your favorite wine and cocktails. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or celebrating a special night out, our Live Music will hit all the right notes. Reserve your table now and let the music move you! 📍 Located in the heart of Glover Park inside the Glover Park Hotel 2505 Wisconsi Ave NW ✨ FREE PARKING (ask our host for code to access parking garage)

Join the DC Portuguese Conversation Group at Dacha Beer Garden in SHAW for an evening filled by practicing Portuguese on Tuesday the 13th. (IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME). Come practice Portuguese, build new connections and broaden your cultural/lusophonic horizons with us! Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations, make new connections. Ate ja, tchau!

Join us for trivia at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean, Virginia located at 1690 Anderson Rd every Tuesday evening. Trivia begins at 7pm, but please consider joining earlier, around 6:45, since seating’s first-come-first-served. The nearest metro is McLean. **Donation:** Neurodivergent District strives to compensate Neurodivergent District members that volunteer to host our events. Please consider a donation to @katewoodwardcm for hosting. Please specify "donation to trivia host" in the description of your payment. Questions? Text 202-925-0001.

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 10 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

Join us Saturday, February 21st for our 3rd Saturday Social Ballroom Dance and step into an evening filled with friendship, and still beautifully decorated for the month of LOVE!! Let the evening lift your heart - and your feet - as we dance together on this historic dance floor. **7:30 - 8:30 PM: Waltz Dance lesson by** **Guest Instructor TeRay Bingham of Crown Dance Studio.** Teray's teaching skills are excellent, clear, and concise. And better yet, the ladies can sign up to dance with Teray, just as we do with Michael Sims, who will return next month. **8:30 - 10:30 PM: Ballroom Dance music by DJ TeRay Bingham of Crown Dance Studio** A delicious Chocolate Cake will be served to celebrate birthdays of the month. $15 (cash or check) includes the lesson plus the dance, cold water and scrumptious snacks Dress is "ballroom casual." Please no cutoffs, T-shirts or jeans. Dress to Impress! No experience, reservations or partner needed. All Singles Welcome!! 1,850 sq. ft. beautiful oak dance floor. Singles are always welcome! We have friendly dancers waiting to dance with you!! Plenty of free, safe parking at Colvin Run

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Folklore of Love Spells,”** on the use of magic to influence romantic destinies, with Cory Thomas Hutcheson, folklorist, lecturer at Middle Tennessee State University, and author of *New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/folklore-of-love-spells](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/folklore-of-love-spells) .] Looking for a distinct follow-up to Valentine’s Day? Come to the Washington D.C.’s Hill Center for a rich, ribald, and riotous exploration of the use of romantic enchantments in history and folklore. You’ll feel spellbound as you listen to folklorist Cory Thomas Hutcheson, who has earned a big following of loyal fans in giving Profs and Pints talks in Nashville. On his visit to the nation’s capital he’ll discuss a delicious assortment of methods—alluring and occasionally appalling—that people historically have used to find, catch, or hold others to them. Dr. Hutcheson will present talismans, potions, charms, and more from the pages of history, exploring the principles at work in each. You'll hear about how counting stars can lead to dreams of future lovers, why some women in the Ozarks once nailed turkey wishbones above their doors, and how a meal of fish, cheese, or chocolate might lead to seduction—or the hospital. His talk will cover everything from fortune-telling charms designed to predict the future of a relationship to secretive formulae intended to drive a couple apart. Look Cupid in the eye and ask him "Why?" as we explore this raucous mixture of magic, belief, folklore, and story. If nothing else, you’ll end up loving this learning experience. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image from Gratis Graphics (Pixexid / Creative Commons).

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35107324](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35107324) 17 miles. The lunch stop is at Lake Needwood, approximately 10 miles into the tour. We will be e-biking from Veirs Mill to Lake Needwood via Lake Bernard Frank and Meadowside Nature Center. The trail is around 17 miles. Toilets are available in the middle. It includes an optional half-mile excursion on foot to the Pioneer Homestead at Meadowside Nature Center. Please bring some snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. You can leave the bike at the nature center or stay with your e-bike. We will have bike guards if someone volunteers. This is an excellent opportunity to address e-bike separation anxiety, if you have any. https://ebikelovers.com/2021/01/30/md-trail-2-e-biking-from-veirs-mill-to-lake-needwood-via-meadowside-nature-center/ We will have a sign and "healthy" cookies/snacks. Bring your own lunch pack. The meeting place is in the parking lot in Veirs Mill Park near the playground. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 17 miles or less whenever you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. Pioneer Homestead Located about a half-mile from the Meadowside Nature Center, this site includes two log cabins, a smokehouse, a corn crib, gardens, and an orchard. Explore elements of farm life in Montgomery County long ago. FYI: Membership in the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free, as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Have a sweetheart? Celebrate post-Valentine's Day at the Silver Diner! Single? Celebrate post-Valentine's Day at Silver Diner! Located at 1250 Half Street SE in Washington, DC just blocks away from Navy Yard Metro on the Green Line, Silver Diner has something for all tastes, from vegan to omnivore and gluten-free to carnivore! Silver Diner can accommodate a large party without reservations. Checks are separate. NOTE: The Nationals ballpark entrance at M and Half Streets SE is closed. Please exit at the New Jersey Avenue SE entrance. NOTE: Driving is NOT recommended, as parking is expensive and impossible to find. DC is also infamous for getting people lost. I will post Metro service changes next week. HEALTH AND SAFETY DC in February is notorious for having snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain, sometimes all at once. If any of this happens, I'm rescheduling the event for the following weekend. I am also taking a COVID test on the day of the event. If I test negative and am feeling well, I will be there. If I am sick or test positive, I will stay home. The event will still happen either way. See you soon, Jenny

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.