Bicycle Camping

**IMPORTANT -** If you are not 100% committed please do ***not RSVP.*** No shows will be de-propritized for future events. We got rained out on Memorial day - so let's try this again on July 4th weekend! The Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands loop hike is an iconic section of the Appalachian Trail, located in the southwestern hills of Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest. This region is best known for its vast mountain views and alpine peaks with **wild ponies** roaming about. This area is also home to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sitting at 5,729'. This is a premier east-coast backpacking destination, so don't miss this one. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 21.4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 3,898 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** None * **Dogs**: Allowed * **Meetup/Carpool:** Vienna Metro South * **Trailhead Parking:** 36.6893579, -81.5320954 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mount-rogers-and-appalachian-trail-loop-958adb5?u=i&sh=rak641 **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Friday morning at 8am and drive to the Mt Rogers Trailhead (off Rt 603). This parking lot is **NOT** the paid lot near Masie Gap, and so can fill up. I'd like to try to get there as early as possible. The drive is about 5 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat. **Day 1** After we park, we will hike about 7 miles to our campsite, diverting once to summit Mt Rogers. There arent any views here, but it's worth the .3 miles to say you've been to the highest point in VA! We will camp on the first night at the scenic tent sites near the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT. There is water at this site and we may see wild ponies if we're lucky. **Day 2** The second day is about 10.7 miles, which includes spectacular views, unique rock formations and wide open grassy meadows. We will camp near the Old Orchard Shelter. There is a spring with water at this site as well. **Day 3** The third day will be a short 3.5 mile hike from camp back to the cars. Getting to the cars early will mean that we should get back to DC around 4-5pm. On the drive home, I plan to stop at Martin's in downtown Roanoke (413 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011). **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave-No-Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

We'll check out Caboose Commons: 2918 Eskridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031 This location is 15 min. walk to Dunn Loring metro station. And there are public parkings at Mosaic. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup. Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!

**NOTE: \*New start Point at Safeway Parking Lot in Bowie, MD\*** ***Due to construction taking place at our previous start point we have moved the start point to the Safeway parking lot at Bowie Town Center.*** 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 are 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. cue sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55287845 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. More experienced cyclists are asked to help first timers with route info We ask that everyone with intentions of participating in any VVCC ride or event please RSVP. This helps our organizers plan properly for your attendance. 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.

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.

[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

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 For informational purposes only. Want to ride July 4? Catonsville Rail to Trails is hosting a ride from downtown Catonsville to Ft. McHenry. You will need to register for a nominal fee on EventBrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 This is not an E-Bike Lovers ride. Members who would like to meet up and ride together can use the Discussion section to make arrangements. Looks like 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.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!