Bicycle Camping

**NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE RIDERS; RIDE MAY BE CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF LOW INTEREST/SIGN-UP.** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232) 26.1 miles. Lunch is at the Great Falls overlook 18.2 miles into the ride. There are toilets at Great Falls and Fletchers' Boathouse. We will e-bike from Glen Echo Park in Maryland to the majestic Great Falls. We will be biking on the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal pathway, and McArthur Blvd with separate biking lanes. This tour captures the essence of adventure and natural beauty. We will be meandering alongside the serene Potomac River and the C&O Canal, offering E-bike Lovers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes that define this region. Glen Echo Park, with its rich tapestry of cultural and artistic heritage, serves as the perfect prologue to a journey that gradually unfolds into the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Falls. The route is just over 26 miles on gravel and asphalt. The gravel is compact. If you don't like the gravel on the C&O Canal pathway, this is not your route. Entrance to the Great Falls National Park is for free as we enter from the C&O Canal. We park at the large parking lot off Oxford Street, NOT at the smaller lot at McArthur Blvd. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers Club membership is now for free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates 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. **REMEMBER:** This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience. Please RSVP only if you are coming so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! 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, RICHARD CAMER 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

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.

Similar to our "Beginner Ride", a casual, on-road-avoiding, cycle-path-winding, beginner friendly, group ride. The ride will be led by Maya and Angie, who have a combined 50 years of cycling experience. This is a no drop ride with an average speed of 7- 12 mph. Please bring a helmet, lights, a snack, hydration and wear appropriate clothing for cooler weather (cotton is not your friend in cooler temps and we will be riding in the dark). The ride can be tailored to the skills that attendees want to master, i.e- drinking from water bottle while riding, making tight turns, riding in a small group and cycling etiquette. We will be riding mainly on trails, streets as minimally as possible, and sidewalks only when necessary. This ride is perfect for someone who hasn't ridden in a while and wants to get some easy miles on the saddle; not just for newbies. If you have not ridden your bike in several weeks, months or years, please have a safety check done before the day of the ride. We are just here to have fun.

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.

**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. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Cherry Blossom Ride 2026 * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](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](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 **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** 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: 1. Bring a bike lock. 2. Bring a camera. 3. Bring a snack. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Bloom** **++++++++++++++++++++++** • [http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/](http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/) • [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) • [https://cherryblossomwatch.com/](https://cherryblossomwatch.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](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). **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++++** Damn Good Burger Co. 4251 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

**Check back to see if the event is delayed or cancelled.** **NOTE:** **We will lock our bikes up and walk around, so you must bring a lock.** **PARKING & MEETUP SPOT** Park in the Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse parking lot. (You will drive through a tunnel to get to the other side of the canal.) There is ample parking there. We'll meet at the far end of the parking lot at 2:00 and depart at 2:10 **RESTROOMS** Restrooms are located here as well as at the Tidal Basin. **DISTANCE & PACE - see changes below** Participants can choose to return at any point, these are just suggestions. The event leads plan to bike to the Tidal Basic. We may be able to bike around or walk around it. If it's too crowded, will keep going to Haines Point (North Potomac penninsula park nearby) which also has a lot of cherry blossom trees. We'll bike around the park and stop for a break. The distance will be about 8 miles one way. We will stop to regroup a few times on the way down and back up. The pace will be casual, around 10 miles an hour. **RIDE INFO** We'll ride on both paved and unpaved surfaces. We'll start our adventure from Fletcher's Boathouse and bike on the C&O Canal towpath/Capital Crescent Trail towards the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. Historic sites will be explained as we ride around Georgetown, DC and the canal boat may be seen, too. After seeing the cherry blossoms, we'll reverse direction. On the way back, we'll determine if we should stop somewhere for food or restrooms. One option is Baked and Wired in Georgetown. Here's their website for more info: [https://bakedandwired.com/](https://bakedandwired.com) On the ride, expect to see early-season wildlife such as turtles emerging from their winter dormancy, along with blue heron, and deer that roam the surrounding woods. **Biking involves inherent risks and requires that participants be in proper physical condition. When you RSVP "yes" to this event, that RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here:** [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mD_vRF62MaCBUyVsx_qzi72hCpaZsqr_/view**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mD_vRF62MaCBUyVsx_qzi72hCpaZsqr_/view**) **• All bikers must have a profile photo or you will not be allowed on the ride.**
 **• You MUST bring water, cell phone, ID card, and cash or credit card for emergencies.** ***\- If you want to make a difference you have to be different*** ***-
Live when you’re alive!***

Please read for the safety of those participating on this ride and on the trails, we will not be doing this ride if it is raining or if the trails and bridges are slippery due to previous rain. **Meetup time is 9:30am and the Pre-ride briefing is at 9:45am, and the roll out time will be 10:00am. Be sure to check in when you arrive.** Join **"Vintage Steel Cyclists"** for an (Easy Like Sunday Morning Cherry Blossom Ride) for a partial Trail and Street ride from Bladensburg Waterfront Park to Hains Point and around through the Tidal Basin and out to the Crescent Trail to the Kenwood area of Bethesda, then to downtown Bethesda and back. This is a no drop ride, at a social party pace average between 12 to 15 mph on flats, and it will be slower on hills, and we'll wait and regroup at the top of all hills. We'll make sure no one is left behind. You must have a steel bike to participate in this ride. This ride will be approximately 30 to 35 miles round trip, and we'll grab a bite to eat at one of the stores in Bethesda at the end of the Crescent Trail. **Please Read:** **When you RSVP to participate in this or any "Vintage Steel Cyclist" ride or event, you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must and required to participate in any of our events event, and you ride at your own risk. Please be sure to have all proper equipment needed in case of flats or mechanical issues. Multi-tool, two spare inner tubes or CO2 cartridges, patch kit, and pump. Front and rear lights, eye protection, gloves, water bottles that fit your bottle cage or camelback, ID and money. Also please make sure that your bike is in good working condition before the ride. After all, these are Vintage Bikes.**

Please read and agree to the following waiver: [MVD Mountain Bikers Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6YtRf6ZWXqLqcQN3g44BsKtwbHqsRMG/view?usp=sharing) Here is a non-competitive but a little up-pace ride. If you mountain bike regularly then this ride is for you. This is a No-Drop ride. Wheels rolling at 3pm unless someone sends a message and say they're running a little late. Feel free to text or call if you need to 240-603-6948. Also please call me if you get separated from the group. Depending on the endurance and skill level of riders, this ride will be around 10-12 miles. The pace I aim to keep is no more than 7-8mph with rest stops as needed. We will wait for every rider at the trail crossings. About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. Video of our ride at Fairland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08 What to bring: ID and emergency contact info in an easy to find spot! Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review Here (http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all) Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to the waiver posted at the top of this description

**NEW DATE!** Hike leaders, this event is for you! In appreciation of our hard-working volunteers, we're hosting a special outing to thank them for contributing their time to make the Capital Hiking Club a success. If you led a trip in the last calendar year, the CHC board members would like to invite you to join us at Swingers Crazy Golf in Dupont Circle. What you'll enjoy: * Tasty food and drinks. * A round of mini-golf * And a chance to test your skills with some carnival games! \*\***This event is invite-only for CHC hike leaders**--please add yourself to the waitlist, and we'll move you into the event. Interested in learning how you can be a hike leader? Reach out to us--we'll be happy to get you started!

2026 CSC SOFTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS CSC Softball league is 16 teams - over 200 people. The countdown is over—the 2026 CSC Softball season kicks off with team announcements FRIDAY APRIL 10! Come find out who you’re playing with, who’s coaching, and start the season with great people and great energy. All Columbus Ski Club members & non members welcome! Meet your coach Meet your teammates Get pumped for the season ahead Whether you’re playing this season or just want to be part of the fun, join us to celebrate the start of another amazing CSC Softball year. Let’s play ball!

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!

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