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. **8 miles with 450 feet elevation gain.** ***Let's hike Billy Goat C and the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!*** Let's recognize the Juneteenth holiday with beautiful hike along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as a bit of the Gold Mine trail and Burma Road. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath. **Description:** We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to Anglers Inn area for a break before we connect with Burma Road and a portion of the Gold Mine trail. After that, we're back on the towpath where we will connect to the Billy Goat B trail. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking. ***Note:*** Billy Goat B and C each have a stream crossing which are fairly easily crossed by stone stepping. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C. Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at Anglers Inn parking. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. Recommend sunscreen and insect repellent. **Trailhead:** We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area. Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** Dog Policy [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **There are no fees.** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:** From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot. ***The parking lot is also labeled with signage as Parking Lot 1.*** **GPS 38.97122, -77.19874** Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

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

The South Fork of the Shenandoah is a flowing mountain river, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, legendary for its canoeing excellence. Join us for two nights of camping at Golden Rock Campground at Compton Rapid (the prettiest spot on the river) and two days of paddling. We will drive to the campsite and spend Friday night there. The campground is primitive, which means no showers, no dedicated campsites, and lots of natural beauty. We will look out for eagles flying overhead or in their nests, and otters playing in the creek on the upper end of the campground. Next morning the Outfitter will shuttle us up the river to start our kayaking trip. After a fun day of paddling we will be back at the camp site to spend another night outdoors. We will wrap up our trip the next day with another 4 hours of paddling before we head back to our cars. Kayaks will be provided, but you would need to bring your own camping gear and meals including a tent, sleeping pad and a sleeping mat. **After you complete your registration on our website, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and event location.** There is limited space, so please register early. **Register and pay for this event on our website at this link**: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/event-6658739 **Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link**: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/Membership

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. **Overview:** This is an 8.5-mile hike with about 800 feet of elevation gain. The pace will be about 2.0 - 2.5 miles per hour. This hike is in the “northern / southeastern” portion of the Fountainhead Regional Park. There are porta-potties / restroom facilities by the main parking lot where we meet. **Important Note**: The trail could be muddy in places and there are sections in which there is no discernible trail which may require us to navigate by going from blaze to blaze in heavily wooded areas which always makes this hike interesting. There are no significant stream crossings. **Meetup:** We will meet at the main parking lot at GPS 38.724916, -77.329928 no later than 8:30 AM. **Fees:** There is no park entrance fee. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). Leader: Jim Hollis (703-927-7189… please use text)

**Important Note: Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. I will reach out to participants, in the order of sign up, with further information on how to pay the trip deposit. Once the deposit is received, your status will be updated to Going.** Join us for a weekend adventure as we explore America’s newest National Park and raft the iconic New River Gorge! We’ll depart mid-morning on Friday, June 19 and make our way to the outfitter’s campus near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Along the way, we’ll stop at Virginia's newest tourist attraction - Buc-ee’s - and enjoy the scenery as we cross from the Virginia highlands into West Virginia. On Saturday, we’ll spend the day rafting the Lower New River, a classic Class III–V rafting stretch known for its big waves, warm water, and stunning scenery through the New River Gorge. This guided trip typically lasts 5–6 hours and includes periods of intense paddling, calm pools for swimming and a riverside lunch break. *Participants should be comfortable in moving water, able to paddle vigorously as part of a team and capable of sitting on the raft’s outer tubes for extended periods. Good mobility, balance and the ability to climb back into the raft if needed are important. This trip is recommended for individuals in good physical condition who can handle moderate to strenuous activity throughout the day.* The evening will be free to explore the amenities, relax or enjoy the on-site dining options. On Sunday, we’ll check out and head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and partake in a short scenic walk into the Gorge—an excellent opportunity for photos of the famous arch bridge and panoramic views—before returning home. Note that the walk to the lower observation deck involves descending 178 steps. We expect to arrive back in the metro area early Sunday evening. **Transportation** Carpooling details will be worked out among participants and a meeting/departure location will be set; drivers will receive a reimbursement. In the event we don't have enough drivers, we will utilize rental vehicles. **Lodging & Sleeping Arrangements** Once we arrive at the outfitter's base camp on Friday, we’ll check into their historic Truman Lodge, which features a full kitchen, porch and hot tub and is conveniently located within walking distance of their water park, restaurants, bar and rafting check-in. Sleeping arrangements will be coordinated among participants; options include queen-sized beds, a futon, roll-aways, and foam mattresses in the sleeping loft. **Meals** Lunch on Saturday is included with the rafting trip but all other meals will be on your own; group coordination will be encouraged. We’ll make a lunch stop on both the trip down and the return trip. The outfitter has two restaurants on site and the cabin has a kitchen; we’ll bring a cooler and make a brief stop for groceries on the way down. **Trip Costs** The total estimated trip cost is $325-375. This includes transportation, lodging, rafting (includes lunch) and the Adventuring trip fee. **Important Registration Information** Participation is limited to individuals who have participated in least three prior Adventuring events. Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Participants will be contacted in the order they signed up in order to submit a **$200 deposit** which is needed to secure your rafting spot. You will have **one week to respond** before your spot is offered to the next person on the list. The balance payment will be due by no later than June 1. If you must cancel, your deposit and any other fees paid will be refunded in full only if your spot is filled. **Maximum group size: 10 participants.** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

I'm putting this out there as a last minute to see if anyone is interested. The plan is to do the LHHT with 13/33/24 splits. Starting at the northern terminus, hiking to the 271 shelter area, then grindle ridge, then back to Ohiopyle and shuttle back to the car. Elevation is around 10k for the trail, water at all of the shelters along the way. I've made a reservation for the 2 shelters. Costs: *Camping: $10/per person for twp nights. - Carpooling: Standard DCUL rate (I will not be carpooling unless there are people coming from Ohio) DC ULers have maps! I will try to get us hard copies, but you can get a map of the route here: [https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Hiking/LaurelHighlandsHikingTrail/Pages/default.aspx](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Hiking/LaurelHighlandsHikingTrail/Pages/default.aspx) Caltopo: [https://caltopo.com/m/7F31R](https://caltopo.com/m/7F31R) The Fine Print I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational. You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup, we engage by email, text, or the app, and you meet me at the trailhead. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)) If you are a member, don't forget to pay your annual $10 dues. You can check to see if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip with the group. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)

Come support Velocity's Monthly Warehouse Sale! We'll need help moving bicycles outside the warehouse before 9 a.m. and back inside at 1 p.m. In between, we'll greet customers, help them find bicycles and parts, and ring up their purchases on Square. Feel free to sign up even if you can't volunteer for the whole time. And remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please note that volunteers under 18 are required to have a parent or guardian attend the beginning of their first volunteering session in order to sign a waiver for them, and volunteers under 16 are required to have a parent or guardian present with them during all the time they spend volunteering at Velocity.

Nice leisurely morning ride from Shirlington down to Alexandria Waterfront, then we'll stop for a yummy brunch at District Biscuit Company. Bring a bike lock. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - District Biscuit * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672) * START PARKING: Any Garage in Shirlington * ARRIVAL: 9:00 am * SPEECH: 9:15 am * ROLLING: 9:30 am * LEVEL: Beginner * PACE: 10-12 mph * DISTANCE: \~12 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cycle Tracks * RIDEWITHGPS: CBG_BRUNCH_BISCUIT_2026 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47517809](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47517809) **NOTES:** * We will meet in front of The Bearded Goat. * Ride is fairly flat. * Bring a bike lock. * It will be HOT- bring lots of ice water * Don't forget your $$, so you can have a yummy brunch. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** We will ride from Shirlington, to Four Mile Run Trail, to Mt Vernon Trail where we will head into Alexandria to hang out for a little bit at Waterfront Park. Once we are done checking out the waterfront we will head up Cameron to Commonwealth into Arlandria to District Biscuit Company. Their biscuits & breakfast sandwiches are delicious! They do offer a couple of gluten free items - eggs, meats, and a parfait; you should call ahead to check availability for the parfait because they don't always have it! Relax, eat, have fun, then back on bikes toward Four Mile Run to Shirlington. Total distance \~ approx. 12 miles. District Biscuit Company: [https://districtbiscuitco.com/](https://districtbiscuitco.com/) 3401 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, Virginia 22305 **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672) We will meet in front of The Bearded Goat. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** None. We just had brunch! **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

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.

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)

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