Bicycle Camping

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8.00 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** Our Hike will begin at **Pennyfield Lock 22** along the **C&O Canal** in the **[Pennyfield Lock Parking Lot](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** , and heads over to the **[C&O Canal Towpath.](https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/)** While walking along the water’s edge, keep an eye out for sunbathing **[turtles](https://www.canaltrust.org/2020/10/top-5-photographed-turtle-species-on-the-co-canal/)**, elegant **[Blue Herons](https://potomac.org/blog/2022/7/11/5-large-birds-you-can-easily-spot-along-the-potomac-river)** and yes, **[snakes](https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/nature/reptiles-amphibians.htm)** too, all the while soaking in sweeping views of the **Potomac River.** From there the hike heads up into the **[BlockHouse Point](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[ ](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)** offering spectacular views of the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/).** **Facilities:** Portable bathrooms at the trailhead **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.0 – 2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots, stream crossing. Hiking poles if you normally use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. Please be sure your dog is able to hike the distance, **Where to Meet:** **GPS Coordinates**: **39°03'14.7"N 77°17'20.4"W** **[LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1eeDTXwpeV94x4cC8)** **Address:** Pennyfield Lock Road Parking Lot, **12400 Pennyfield Lock Rd · Potomac, MD** Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 miles northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road, take it to the very end, then turn left, and continue a few hundred feet to the Porta-Johns where we will park. **CONTACT INFO:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K. Hike Leader **MAPS:** **[BlockHouse Point Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** **[AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/blockhouse-point-loop-trail)**

We will be checking and pumping tires on bikes that have been in storage. Dust will need to be cleaned off. Bikes will be sorted by size. We will provide gloves and rags. Please come by and help us prepare for the [TERRIFIC Kids giveaway day](https://www.rockvillebikehub.org/event-details/terrific-kids-bike-giveaway-5). No experience necessary! Just bring a positive attitude! Here is information about the City of Rockville TERRIFIC Kids program: [www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award](https://www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award)

For those that are free a little earlier on Friday, we'll meet at the pavilion West of the Wheaton Metro Station parking lot near the intersection of Georgia Ave and Reedie Drive. We'll walk Southwest toward Saint Paul's Park and then back east on Plyer's Mill Road back to the Metro. Total walk time should be about 1 hour 30 minutes and total distance is about 3.5 miles.

**NOTE: \*New start Point at Major Lansdale Blvd in the Parking Lot of Jerry's Seafood and Smokey Bones\*** Meetup is at 5:30p and on the pedals at 6:00p. This "**IS"** a SAG supported ride. Please bring $5 exact change or CashApp: ***$ZOAROO***. SAG number will given at the pre-ride briefing. With the exception of flats, NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND. Rather than the typical free-for-all, this ride is governed by Ride Marshalls who controls the pace at certain points in the route. Speeds vary from 15-19mph on rollers to 20+mph on the flats. Not to worry, at no time will you be required to ride at the front to pull the group. For those that have the need for speed, there is a sprint section throughout the route where you can test your fitness. Riders are allowed to go as fast or as easy as they like through these sections. There will be one official very brief regroup after crossing 202, near Walgreens off of Apollo Dr. After the regroup Everyone will ride at their own pace. cue sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54164089 PACE: A = 19+mph B = 17-19mph C = 15-17 D = 12-15 AMS (Average Moving Speed) may vary depending on terrain, traffic, and the ability of riders. **Please Read**: To maintain safety on the road and to be respectful of motorists the following simple set of guidelines are asked to be followed: Do not pass the guide in the non Free Ride sections. Yellow Line rule on two lane roads must be obeyed. (NEVER EVER to be crossed) White Line rule when we have ample shoulder or an adequate bike must be obeyed. Broken Line rule, we do not take up more than one lane except when safely transitioning for a left turn. Slower riders in the Free Ride sections should move to the far right to allow faster riders to go by on the left. 2x2 Paceline at all other times. No wheel overlapping of the rider in front. The ride will NOT stop for flats. If you are with a friend that flats, we suggest that you stop and ride in with them. Be sure to know the route and how to short cut or get back and how to change a flat. NO "in ear" or "over the ear" Headphones of any kind allowed. Experienced cyclists are asked to help first timers with route info When you RSVP to participating in this or any VELO VELO Cycling Club ride or event you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must. No helmet-No participation. Please be sure to have all proper equipment and supplies to help ensure a safe and pleasant ride. Two spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges, patch kit and pump. Front and rear lights Eye Protection Gloves Proper hydration Water bottles that fit your bottle cage ID and money Obey all traffic laws including stopping at red lights.

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.

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - Lazy Mikes * START LOC: near front of Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 11:00am * SPEECH: 11:15am * ROLLING: 11:30am * LEVEL: Beginner Level * PACE: \~12+mph * DISTANCE: 16 miles * TERRAIN: trail, local streets * Route: * Ride with GPS: CBG_BRUNCH_LAZY_MIKES_2024 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46624777](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46624777) **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: Lazy Mikes * https://lazymikesdeli.com/ **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** It's a classic ride from Shirlington west on the W&OD as we head to Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen 8 miles out on Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Here we will enjoy a nice brunch. There are tables outside with QR codes for ordering. The good news (after riding uphill all the way to Lazy Mike’s) is that the hardest part of the ride is over. It is mostly downhill all the way back to Shirlington. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) **We will meet in at the Bearded Goat**, next to the Shirlington Library. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Brunch** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Lazy Mikes** 17409 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church VA 22046 (703) 532-LAZY [https://lazymikesdeli.com/](https://lazymikesdeli.com/) menu: [https://lazymikesdeli.com/menu/](https://lazymikesdeli.com/menu/) location [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiZfvtEMNceazUpDA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiZfvtEMNceazUpDA) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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. ...........

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.

Weekly Saturday group ride, starting at Handy Bikes Retail Showroom. Come ride with locals in the area! This group ride is for average folks who want to go for an average ride. It's not quite a coffee ride, but it's definitely not a race! Routes will vary around the area, with an average speed around 14 mph (minimum of \~10 MPH) for around 15-30 miles. We'll be on pavement so bikes with smooth tires are encouraged, **helmets are mandatory**. Open to any riders who are willing and able to ride with a group including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. No speed demons please! Good group ride etiquette is a requirement. Shop opens at 10:00 am Show up and sign in by 10:15 am Roll out 10:30 am Please RSVP in advance, so that the ride leaders can prepare for the group's size. [Handy Bikes on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/737920/leaderboard) [Handy Bikes on RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/14675-handy-bikes)

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.

Arrive at 9:45 am Pedal at 10:00 am Join us for a ride around the perimeter of Washington DC. We will meet at Cora Kelly Elementary School next to 4 Mile Run, in Alexandria VA. We will start on the 4-mile trail and then head to the capital crescent trail, then to Rock Creek trail and onto Sligo creek parkway, the Anacostia trail and then back to the 4-mile trail. There is a rest stop at Kaldi Coffee in Silver Spring around mile 21 or 22. There is another rest stop at mile 29 at Vigilante Coffee in Hyattsville. This is a new route for us and a departure from our typical rides in the country. After the ride, we can go to lunch somewhere in Old Town or a nearby area. Ride Details Distance: 47.8 miles Elevation: 1,403 ft Max Grade: 7.0% Surface: Paved surfaces Pace: 15 to 16 mph Map for Ride [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45487234](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45487234) What to Bring • Helmet - Mandatory! • Liquids - And plenty of them! • Photo ID • Cell Phone • Money - Cash or credit card for food or emergency • Bicycle Emergency Kit - (cash, mini tool, inner tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, etc.) Other Things to Keep in Mind If you RSVP "yes" and you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, please call or text the event host. No go if conditions are bad. This includes precipitation (rain, =snow, ice) or very high (60% - 100%) probability of precipitation, wet roads, tornadoes, hurricanes, or very high winds. **Note:** All persons participating in the activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity. Questions & Contact Info As always, if you have any questions, you may email the organizer(s) for the event or post your question as a comment.

Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation. Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station. The stations are: * Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am * Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am * Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm * Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm * Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm * Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm * Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm * At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route. If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know. **2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike. **3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike. For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/). ***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!

if you’re **tired of doing the same boring thing** every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.** This is **not just a comedy show.** It’s a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a **BYOB** potluck cookout, **live racing,** a late-night **bonfire**, open mic **comedy under the stars**, and **free camping** if you want to stay the night. We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton ### The experience **Start early with the cookout** Come out around **4:00 PM** for a potluck-style cookout. Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling. **Then head into the races** Racing starts around **7:00–8:00 PM** at Shadybowl. **Bring a chair** and sit with us in **Turn 4** — best seats in the house. **in front of concrete spots** 58,59 **ask for Chance** Think **racing isn’t your thing?** That’s fine. **Bring something to drink** and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and **the wrecks.** **Then the real vibe kicks in** Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for **Late Night Bonfire Comedy** starting around **11:30 PM**. This is open mic style, so you might catch comics traveling through, a local favorite, somebody trying stand-up for the first time. Either way, **you’re getting laughs around a bonfire** with drinks, good people, and nowhere else to be. **Stay the night if you want** No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it. **Free camping on-site** — bring a tent, **sleep in your car,** or just **hang out late by the fire.** ### What to know **Saturday, May 9, 2026** * **Cookout starts around 4:00 PM** * **Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM** * **Bonfire comedy starts at 11:30 PM** * **BYOB, No glass inside the race.** * **Free camping, Bring a chair** * **Shadybowl admission is $15 cash only.** * **Free parking** **RSVP on Meetup is free.** A **small contribution helps** keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. **Great events take time and money to organize**. If you **find value in these events** or maybe even **made a new friend,** consider **contributing what feels fair to you.** **Contribution link** listed below in the comments Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm. Come for the cookout. Stay for the races. Laugh around the fire. Camp if you want.

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