Adventure Riders

**[Hosted by J](https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/314137699/attendees/)**[osh S. and Vicky](https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/314137699/attendees/) Sign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info): https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/314137699/?eventOrigin=home_page_event_from_group_you_are_in (Bus hike) Don’t miss this hike in the beautiful but seldom-visited southern section of the Shenandoah National Park. All hikers walk for a short distance on the Madison Run Road before beginning the ascent of Austin Mountain and Rockytop Trails. Moderate hikers then descend on the Madison Run Spur Trail and Road back to the bus. Long hikers continue on the Big Run Loop Trail to the Appalachian Trail, which is followed through Browns Gap to the summit of Blackrock with its panoramic views. The Blackrock and Trayfoot Mountain Trails lead to our descent on the Furnace Mountain Trail to the bus. Est.: 12 miles, 2800' elevation and 9 miles, 2000' elevation. PATC Map 11. Fare: $33. VA Hikes * [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * [Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus), last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us. Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on MeetUp before NOON on the Frida**y before the hike**. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. **FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS** Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**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 \~20.3 miles +/- 767 ft. Ten miles down to Georgetown and ten miles back up the CCT to the starting point. The only way to shorten the distance is to stop somewhere before Georgetown and return the same way. **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 and watching 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). **Note 1:** We will need to bike 2.0 miles on neighborhood streets once we get off the Georgetown Branch Trail in Bethesda to get back to the starting point. There is no better option. **Note 2:** There are a couple of street crossings. As long as you are not distracted and WAIT for the green light or for a clear break in traffic, you will be fine. **SKILL LEVEL:** As long as you've biked at least 20 miles in the past two weeks, you should be able to complete this ride comfortably. We average a casual 9-15 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/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) * Support the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail. Their [Donate](https://cctrail.nationbuilder.com/donate) page

Join us for a refreshing late-spring hike through one of the most beautiful parks in the DMV! We’ll explore the scenic Crystal Rock and Black Hill Trails, with peaceful lake views, shaded paths, and a mix of terrains including charming boardwalk sections. 🌄 What to Expect ~5.2 miles moderate hike (2–3 hours at a comfortable pace) Beautiful views of Little Seneca Lake Opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy nature together A supportive and social group atmosphere 🧺 Lunch After the hike we will share a picnic with other AMC hikers and paddlers 🚗 Transportation Please comment: If you need a ride If you can offer a ride (much appreciated!) We’ll coordinate carpools in the comments. 🚣‍♂️ Optional: Kayaking For those interested, you can stay after the hike to enjoy kayaking on the lake. Please coordinate with your drivers in advance if you plan to stay longer. 📝 What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes Water (at least 1–1.5L recommended) Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) Light layers Looking forward to a beautiful day outdoors with you all 🌿

Join us for a lovely hike through the Billy Goat Trail. We will hike the easiest path of the trail which is the straight, easy walk leading up to the great falls waterfall. Walk is not intense at all, its just a bit long at about 7 miles roundtrip. You will get your 10K steps during this. Rated as pretty easy Use this address - (10790 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854) which is the parking lot for the trail (Attaching pics here to give a better visual). there is another parking lot up the street a little bit. If you cannot find parking in the lot you can drive up the road and find a spot along the couple streets there like (Stable lane) and park. We will meet infront of the bathrooms. Please be there by 10AM, account for traffic, parking and any delays that day so you arrive on time. Bring good walking shoes, water and a snack. Please join us for this wonderful day and get to meet your fellow meetup'ers! 🥰🌷 We will grab a bite to eat at fish taco - Cabin John after the hike. Restaurant address: 7945 Macarthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 2081 ⚠️ Indemnity Clause By attending any event, you agree that you are participating at your own risk. The organizer, hosts nor any member are not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur before, during, or after the event. Each participant is solely responsible for their own safety, belongings, and well-being Hope to see you all there☀️💐?

Sign up to help with customer service at our Del Ray shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Del Ray shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831 Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads are required. Skate at your own risk. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session.

Brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) hike--6.4 mile loop starting from Fleet Feet (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We will be walking to Glover Archbold Park via Normanstone Parkway. We will hike through Whitehaven and Dumbarton Parks on our way back to ADMO. Along the way, we will take in community gardens, streams, and waterfalls. There are several hills on this hike. Walking surface will be dirt and asphalt trails and sidewalks. The planned bathroom break will not be until after 4.5 miles. Please plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Dress in layers, and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option. Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, D27 and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. But please arrive early so you have enough time to find the parking. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)

☀️ **Sunday Morning Roll: Bethesda, The Tunnel & The Capital Crescent Trail!** ☀️ Ready for one of the absolute best routes in the DMV? This Sunday, we are hitting a community favorite: the Capital Crescent Trail! Whether you want to challenge yourself with a solid distance or you're just looking for a casual, scenic cruise, this route has you covered. According to the forecast for Washington, DC, it's looking like a beautiful day for a skate—partly sunny with a high of 77°F, 0% chance of daytime rain, and a light northwest wind at 4 mph. Here is the game plan: ### ⏰ The Schedule * **Meetup:** 10:00 AM @ Pershing Park * **Rollout:** 10:10 AM sharp! ### 🗺️ The Route & Mileage * **Full Distance:** \~20.32 miles (for the crew heading all the way to Bethesda and back). * **Route Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo) * **Choose Your Own Adventure:** Want a shorter skate? No problem! You can turn around at any point on the trail, hang out at the tunnel, or head back early to the waterfront. ### 🔄 How It Works * **The Warmup:** We’ll launch from Pershing Park, cruise around the White House, cut through the George Washington University campus, and pass the Kennedy Center. * **The Gateway:** We'll drop down to the Georgetown Waterfront. * **The Trail:** From Georgetown, we hit the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail. Go as far as you like! * **The Dalecarlia Tunnel Split (7 Miles In):** At the 7-mile mark, we will reach the famous, historic Dalecarlia Tunnel. We have two options here for the front runners and mid-pack: * **Option A (The Tunnel Chill):** If you want to check out the tunnel and take a breather, this is your spot! There is a great rest point here with plenty of benches in the shade to cool off, grab some water, and socialize. The full-distance crew will meet you back here in about **35 to 40 minutes** after they loop through Bethesda, and we'll all roll back down the trail together. * **Option B (The Bethesda Extension):** The front runners will keep rolling past the tunnel for another 3 miles up to the turnaround point in Bethesda, then skate 3 miles back to regroup at the tunnel. * **The Catch-Up:** If you want an even shorter skate or prefer to skip the tunnel wait, simply turn around early and head back to the fountains at the Georgetown Waterfront to chill. Your skate leader, Ian, will point out exactly where this is on the way out. * **The Finish:** Once the full-distance and tunnel crews loop back down, we’ll regroup with the early turnaround folks at the fountains and all roll back to Pershing Park together. ### 🎒 What to Bring * **Protective Gear:** Helmets are highly recommended, plus wrist guards and pads. * **Hydration & Snacks:** It's a 20-mile trek if you do the whole thing—bring plenty of water! * **Good Vibes:** Let's make it a great Sunday morning roll. Drop a comment below if you’re in, and we’ll see you at Pershing Park at 10:00 AM! 🛼💨 #WeAreSkateDC For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Sign up to help with customer service at our Arlington shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Arlington shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider! Book description: Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true. Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart. Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.