Bicycle Camping

*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.* 6.8 miles with 127 feet elevation gain. **Let's celebrate Memorial Day weekend by hiking to see some of the wonderful monuments and memorials on and around the National Mall.** The National Mall in DC is full of many beautiful monuments and memorials. One could spend many days exploring them all. On this trek, we will focus on the National Mall and Tidal Basin area The pace will be about 2.0-2.5 mph to allow time to enjoy the sights, take photos, and reflect on our national history as we honor the fallen. We are meeting at the Smithsonian Castle Haupt Garden. I'll be in the back (south side) of the Castle at the Haupt Garden sitting on a bench enjoying the view, so find me thereabouts. This area faces Independence Ave. Our trek will take us to a number of locations including NMAI Native American Veterans Memorial, Eisenhower Memorial, Ulysses Grant Memorial, Peace Memorial, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Constitution Gardens, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial. **Best way to get to the Smithsonian Castle:** ***Metro: Best option -The Smithsonian Castle is very close to the Smithsonian Metro Station*** (see [https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2](https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2)), ***be sure to exit to the National Mall side.*** Alternatively you can go to the L'Enfant Metro. Another option is the National Archives metro which is a fairly short walk to the Castle. If you would really rather drive, there is metered street parking available both on Jefferson Dr. (on the front side of the castle) or the Haupt Garden side at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. Please note that parking can be difficult to find on a nice weekend holiday. There are several public restrooms along our route. Bring some hydration and snacks as you desire. The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) NOTE: There may be some restrictions regarding dog access such as inside the Lincoln & Jefferson Memorials, so please check in advance of bringing your dog. They are certainly welcome outside. Meet at the Castle 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 10:00am. We will plan on an optional rehydration after the hike for those interested. Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.

What3words: https://w3w.co/stick.juices.rings [https://what3words.com/stick.juices.rings](https://what3words.com/stick.juices.rings) Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. [http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/](http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/) From the parking lot near the visitor center off Lockheed Blvd, there is Cedar Trail which is about a 15-minute hike to the Heron Trail boardwalk. The Cedar Trail goes through a great forest that has some wildlife like deer and many birds, The Boardwalk is where the majority of the wildlife is located. The Group has seen deer, foxes, beaver, snakes, frogs, green tree frogs, huge snapping turtles, and many types of birds including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Marlins, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, King Fishers in the marshy wetlands. The boardwalk can become crowded before sunrise. The crowd, notwithstanding, the early arrivals have been rewarded with sightings of foxes and Bald Eagles. There is a point on the boardwalk that splits. The left side features sightings of shorebirds snapping turtles and beavers. The right side leads to one of the smaller overlooks and has several benches along the way. In the wintertime, the Group gets to photograph many migrating ducks, such as Green-winged teals, Northern Shovelers, and Northern Pintails! In the springtime, the park provides bird boxes for the Wood Ducks and Mergansers to lay and protect their eggs until their offspring fledge and leave the nest. The Group then continues around the boardwalk to the right towards the forest where Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds are photographed. Next, the Group approaches a two-story overlook complete with benches for the Group to rest and survey the park. Following a brief respite, the Group continues to Marker 8, the end of the boardwalk. At this point, the forest reappears. And on that edge of the wetlands, there are Red-Headed Woodpeckers. This is one of the few places in the Washington, DC area where they live. After a couple of hours on the wetlands, the Group retraces the route by continuing on the boardwalk to the right towards Cedar Trail, past the visitor center onto the parking lot. There is a small pond behind and to the south of the visitors center that frequently has small frogs. While they are a true find to photograph, mosquitoes have been known to swarm at the pond! The north side of the visitor center features bird feeders that attract hummingbirds and other small birds. At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at IHOP, 7694 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA. 22306. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

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. **Hike Details:** This hike is 7 miles with 575 feet of elevation gain. We hike at a pace of about 2.5 mph while moving. We will start at the Hemlock Overlook parking lot and hike down to the Bull Run/Occoquan trail. Turning west, we will go to the Johnny Moore Stream Valley, do a loop and then return to the lot, using the horse trail. **Note:** The Bull Run/Occoquan trail is VERY rocky in parts and may be slick after the rain. **Parking**: Trailhead parking is at Hemlock Overlock Park, 13249 Yates Ford Road, Clifton, VA 20124 GPS: 38.76647761701829, -77.4067076400865 **Please arrive 15 min early to sign in.** **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Leader**: Dane Luck 703.850.3266. Note: If you send a message, please include your name. Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-9d2024f](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-9d2024f)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114) 28 miles. Picnic break at Wolf Trap around 13.2 miles into the ride. We have toilets halfway along the trail and near the beginning of the trail. NEW: E-biking to Wolf Trap (+/- 27.4 miles). Download the trail here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114 PLEASE NOTE: We start from Lindway Terrace Park. It sounds so far away, but it is within e-biking range. Join us as we embark on a fantastic 28-mile e-bike ride to Wolf Trap National Park in Virginia and return via the W&OD trail. Be ready to e-bike through spectacular landscapes on rustic roads in McLean and Great Falls' upscale neighborhoods. We do not e-bike on gravel roads, but be aware of the hills. Charge your batteries. Wolf Trap National Park is a unique and beautiful destination in Northern Virginia's heart. It is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts, offering visitors various cultural and entertainment experiences. The park covers over 100 acres of lush woods and rolling hills, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to the park can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park also features several trails that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, Wolf Trap National Park is the perfect destination. The park's highlight is the Filene Center, a beautiful outdoor theater that offers a unique and intimate performance experience. From classical music to rock concerts, the Filene Center has something to offer for everyone. Visitors can also take a backstage tour and learn about the history and workings of the theater. Wolf Trap National Park is a must-visit e-biking destination for anyone looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the arts. With its picturesque surroundings, diverse activities, and world-class performances, it's easy to see why Wolf Trap is a beloved destination for visitors of all ages. Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate? [https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews) FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership 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 for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

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

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Free flat-fix classes!! On the last Tuesday of each month, we host fix-a-flat classes! Bring your bike with you if you'd like to learn by using your own bike. We will cover basic flat fixes with an inner tube. We may be able to answer a few questions about tubeless, but the focus will be flat fixes for inner tubes.

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new volunteers and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver. Volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

🎶 Ready for a night of music, laughs, and great company? Join us at Thunderwing Brewing for Music Bingo — a fun twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and the good vibes keep flowing! 🎵 Sing along, test your music knowledge, and enjoy a relaxed evening with the group. 📍 Please RSVP to reserve your spot: Text Renee at 614-257-9389 (We need a headcount so the brewery can plan staffing and seating.) 🪑 Arrive early to grab a seat — feel free to bring a camping chair for extra seating. 🍔 Food trucks are often on site, or you’re welcome to bring your own food. 🐶 Bonus: Dogs are welcome, so bring your pup along too! 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.

Join us for CSC Night at the Dublin Coffman Ampitheater! Come see the musical production of 1776 at the Dublin Coffman Ampitheater, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, Ohio, on Friday, June 5 at 7:00 PM. Venue is outdoors - please bring a camping chair, snacks and non alcoholic beverages. Follow the debates, struggles, and determination of the Second Continental Congress as they work to draft and sign the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776.  **General admission tickets are just $17.76!** Purchase tickets by phone or via link below:  Call Dublin Recreation at 614-410-4550, option #1 https://dublinohiousa.gov/abbey-theater/upcoming-shows/ Show information: If you purchase tickets, please text us so we know to look for you and can try to sit together. Please arrive by 6:30 PM. Questions? Text Barb at 740-548-7677 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.