Bicycle Camping

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.

**++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: anOTHER Cherry Blossom Koffee Klatch Ride 2025 * START LOC: [Fletcher's Cove](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) * START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) * START PARKING: Parking lot across the Canal, ample parking. * ARRIVAL: 10:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 10:25 a.m. * ROLLING: 10:30 a.m. * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 20.8 miles * PACE: 11 to 13mph * TERRAIN: Mostly Trail, Some Street, Hills. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_KENWOOD_2026 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843) **NOTES:** * Bring a camera. **+++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents anOTHER Cherry Blossom Ride as a Koffee Klatch. While the famous cherry blossoms are around the Tidal Basin and Hains Point, the crowds there are truly stunning, it just isn't practical to RIDE there. (Our Tidal Basin cherry blossom rides are ride to the site, park, and walk around). Lucky for us that there are other collections of blossoms around the area. One of the best is up in the Kenwood area of Bethesda. Kenwood hosts around 1200 trees that were planted in the 1930s and 40s. The route is a loop starting at Fletcher's Cove uphill along the CCT to the cherry blossoms in Kenwood (mile 4) and coffee at Simona Cafe in Bethesda (mile 5.6. After coffee we ride through Chevy Chase and down to Beach Dr in Rock Creek Park and on to the Rock Creek Trail. We exit at P St over to 31st St and downhill to Water St and the CCT **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** [Fletcher's Boathouse/Abner Cloud House](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) We will be in the parking lot across the canal 4863 Canal Rd NW Washington, DC 20016 START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Is the Coffee Shop within the Ride [TBD]: **[SIMONA CAFE](https://simonacafe.com/#locationss)** 4520 East West Hwy Bethesda, MD **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types 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 easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or 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. NO exceptions. 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. Again, no exceptions.

**SHORT NOTICE: It's going to be 80, so let's get some Custard and then go hang out at Beckett's for a beverage afterwards.** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Custard Cruise * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 6:00pm * SPEECH: 6:15pm * ROLLING: 6:30pm * LEVEL: Beginner Level (But All Welcome) * DISTANCE: 10 miles. * PACE: 12 mph * TERRAIN: No Hills, Trail and Street Riding. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_CUSTARD_CRUISE_2025 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991) **NOTES:** * No Hills, 10 miles, No Surprises, Custard! * Bring enough fluids for the entire ride. * [https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/](https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Arrive @ 6:00pm * Speech @ 6:15pm * Rolling @ 6:30pm * Back in Shirlington @ 8:00pm(ish) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents The Custard Cruise. I would like some custard. The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray has some excellent custard (& sorbet & vegan donuts & other yummy things for just about everyone). Maybe some of you want to join me? Shirlington, to Four Mile, to Potomac Yards to the Dairy Godmother, then Commonwealth back to Four Mile to Shirlington. * No Hills * 10 miles, belly full of custard (or other yummy-ness) * Hopefully no surprises. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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 front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** What better way to wash down your custard than with a tasty beverage. For those interested we will go to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for our social. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like! **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

**Join the District Cycling Collective for a scenic spring ride through some of the DMV’s best cherry blossom spots. This 40-mile loop takes us from DC out through Hyattsville and College Park, circling Lake Artemesia before heading back through the National Arboretum and along the Anacostia.** **Expect a mix of city riding, smooth trails, and a few rolling sections to keep things interesting. The Arboretum stretch brings some short climbs, but nothing crazy—just enough to wake the legs up.** **📍 Distance: ~40 miles** **⛰️ Elevation: ~700 ft** **🛣️ Surface: Mostly paved** **🌸 Vibe: Scenic, social, steady pace** **🚴🏽‍♀️ Rolling 10 am sharp!** **This is a great ride to enjoy the blossoms, build endurance, and roll with the crew. We’ll keep things together, but come ready to ride.** **Community in Motion.** **Link to route.** **https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54408449**

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Dache Beer Garden in Shaw in Northwest DC. We will walk to the U.S. Capitol Building, across the plaza, before returning to Dache for drinks and food. Closest metro stations Shaw Howard and Mt. Vernon Square.

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.

16.7 miles. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774 ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774)Picnic is at the Potomac Overlook 13 miles into the trail. Toilets are in the beginning, middle and end of the ride. We meet at the parking lot at Abner Cloud House at Fletcher's Cove. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be around 17 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. 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. Please bring some snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Our bikes will be always in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. However, perhaps some people will decide to stop in Georgetown for a snack or lunch after the ride- so bring a lock just in case you would like to do that. 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. **Hill Alert: As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome, but be aware of the hills on this route.** About Fletcher's Cove: Fletcher's Cove, called by many customers "Fletcher's Boathouse", has been in this location since the 1850s and is renowned as a fishing and recreational area. The nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of business, the fourth generation of the Fletcher family retired in 2004, and Guest Services Incorporated, a National Park Service concessionaire, assumed responsibility for the operation of the concessions. The area surrounding the boathouse was then officially named Fletcher's Cove, though most people still call it Fletcher's Boat House. About the C&O Canal: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains. The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built. About the Labyrinth: One of the most interesting features in the park is the labyrinth, located towards the western end of the park. Labyrinths, which date back to ancient times, encourage contemplation on the journey from the outer edge along a circular path to the center. The TKF Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes urban green spaces to facilitate community healing, provided funds for constructing the labyrinth and for a teak bench and a diary for visitors to use to record their experiences there. 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

**Lets meet at “Columbia Marina” located on Lady Bird Johnson Island. We will meet at the bike racks near the cafe. Free parking is available there. We will cycle to Haynes Point & back to where we started. At that point, those who wish to grab a drink (ie: water, juice) at the marina & stay & chat with our group members can do so. This is not a competitive ride & we will adjust for all speeds.**

**Join a work party to organize the Velocity Bike Co-op warehouse on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.** Mike Pattisall, Velocity's business manager, will guide volunteers in improving the space where we work. You don't need to be there the whole time. Just come when you can, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease. **Help keep the warehouse organized so there's space to work on bikes on volunteer nights!** 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.

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

This is an opportunity for volunteers to support a professional mechanic as he guides customers working on their own bikes. If you know how to do some basic repairs, that's a plus, but even if you don't, you can greet customers and manage who gets helped next. Feel free to attend for only a portion of the time if you can't be there the whole three hours. Please note that this event is not usually an opportunity to learn about bicycle repair, since the mechanic tends to be very busy helping customers, especially during the warmer months. But it's a great way to contribute to Velocity, since almost all the funding for the volunteer program comes from the work done at the shops.

**\*\*\* NOTE these lights appear to go on sale via Amazon frequently \*\*\*** Greetings CBG'ers, **Q:** How many Lumens should your light be to be able to SEE at night? **A:** It should be at least 100 Lumens. **Q:** Is there a brand that is good? **A:** NiteRider has been a solid brand for years, I've (Gary) owned them and they have never busted, but I've lost a few (ha ha). **Q:** Can you give me some examples of what would be good? **A:** Yup, see below but feel free to search Amazon for others as well. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 300 Front Cycling Light - USB Rechargeable:** Lumens: 300 Price: $26.98 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6786-Swift-300-Black/dp/B07DWH2YJC](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6786-Swift-300-Black/dp/B07DWH2YJC) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 500 Front Cycling Light - USB Rechargeable:** Lumens: 500 Price: $39.99 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6785-Swift-Size-Black/dp/B07DWJ5ZTN](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6785-Swift-Size-Black/dp/B07DWJ5ZTN) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 300 Front Bike Light Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light (Combo Pack) - USB Rechargeable** Lumens: 300 / 110 Price: $41.95 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2X47SV](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2X47SV) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 500 Front Cycling Light & Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light (Combo Pack) - USB Rechargeable** Lumens: 500 / 110 Price: $46.95 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2VCZFS](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2VCZFS) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light:** Lumens: 110 List Price: $14.70 (see combo pack above) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Taillight-Resistant-Commuting/dp/B08F12CWK3/](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Taillight-Resistant-Commuting/dp/B08F12CWK3/) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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!

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