Bicycle Camping

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

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. **5.6 mile loop with a 685 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 7 miles. (400ft gain = 1 mile)** **\*\* This hike is limited to 20 participants per park no permit regulations.**\*\* **Description:** **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)is truly a **gem** in our **nation's capital**. This **1,754 acre city park** was officially authorized in **1890**, making it the **third national park**. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals. Military Road divides the park into North and South. This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (closed Mon/Tues) and heads **east** and then **south** following the **creek** to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, the **[Rock Creek Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)** and finally to the **[Western Ridge Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** through **[Pierce Mill](https://www.nps.gov/places/peirce-mill.htm)** and then back to the **[Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**. This month we will do the hike in the reverse order. **Pace**: pace is about **2.-2.7 mph** while moving. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots. **Dogs:** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/4977d84136752e007d09245dc605351849a561f839bb8c7d002ae55470e11441).** **Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015 GPS Coordinates : **38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W.** **[LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TyjHWMHpevqTW1Fr8?g_st=im)** **Please arrive by 9:45 am to get signed in in time to start the hike at 10 am.** **Rock Creek Park** **[Map of Hike](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)** **[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)** **[Map of Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** **Questions:** feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 9231

Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate! **Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night! We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park. The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.) There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group. The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel. Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post. **Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**

**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.** **FIRST TIME PADDLERS WELCOME! Join me for a short 3-4 mile hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, followed by a one hour paddle on the Occoquan River. Fountainhead Regional Park rentals are available at the following rates: $18 single kayak per hour, $23 double kayak per hour or $23 paddle board per hour, includes life jacket. There's a 25% senior discount for 55+. I verified this with the staff as it's listed on the website, although some new hires may not be aware of this. Water shoes/water sandals (no flip flops) are recommended. I also recommend a dry bag for your valuables. They do not have lockers.** **Please note that the group size is due to a limited number of rentals and small staff. There are only two staff members on duty weekdays, one taking payment at the rental office and the other on the dock pulling off kayaks. I plan to lead another hike and kayak combo, next time at Occoquan Regional Park.** **Feel free to bring your own kayak or stand-up paddle board. There is a small launch fee of $7, or you can use your annual NOVA Parks Launch Pass.** **If anyone has their own kayak or paddleboard, please send me a direct message ahead of time so I have an accurate rental count.** **For those who are interested after the hike, we'll meet for lunch at either Main St Pub or Trattoria Villagio in Clifton, or Squisito Pizza and Pasta in Lorton.** **MEET****: 8:15 am at Fountainhead Regional Park. We'll get everyone signed in and start hiking promptly at 8:30am.** **HIKE PACE****: 2.5-3mph** **PADDLE****: The Marina is a short drive from the trailhead. I plan to finish our hike and be at the marina around 10:15am so we can get on the water by 10:45. It will take awhile to rent and launch 10+ boats. Please have a credit card and ID.** **LEADER****: Kris N. (618) 623-2484** **PARK ENTRY FEE****: $0** **RESTROOMS****: There are portable restrooms at the trailhead, and full restrooms at the marina.** **DOGS:** **No dogs please, unless you own your own kayak or paddleboard.**

**NOTE: \*New start Point at Major Lansdale Blvd in the Parking Lot of Jerry's Seafood and Smokey Bones\*** 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 is a 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. There will be one official very brief regroup after crossing 202, near Walgreens off of Apollo Dr. After the regroup Everyone will ride at their own pace. cue sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54164089 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. Experienced cyclists are asked to help first timers with route info 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.

This is a three day retreat with flexible pricing and times. This will be held on the water in Lottsburg, Va. Please contract Loren Duffey for details or to reserve your spot (see image) There are limited spaces on first come basis. This will be hosted by Dia, Phil and Loren and will include a wide range of interactive sessions to include nature immersions, hypnotherapy, creative expression, and many techniques to nurture, expand and protect your auric field. This will be a chill and fun weekend. All meals included. There are two houses and also camping options plus all sorts of fun like water sports, hottub, bonfire and drum/singing circle. Pricing starts at $325.

[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

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.

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.

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)

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

🚗 **Only about 20 minutes from floating down the river!** This is one of those events you’ll be glad you showed up for. Especially since it **may be one of the last** cookout bonfire party that is held. Cookout, potluck, racing, camping, bonfire, music, games, and late-night hangs — all in one night. Com**e for a few hours or stay** for the whole thing. ## 🍔 Cookout + Potluck — 4:30 PM We’ll be hanging out, grilling, eating, drinking, and socializing before the races start. Please bring something to share **USE "SIGN UP"** so we don’t end up with 14 bags of chips and 9 packs of cookies 😅 [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) **What to bring:** * Chair, BYOB — no glass inside the racetrack, Water or youself even if you leave it in the car, **$15 cash to support the venue** by watching some of the race * Something for the potluck USE **"SIGN UP"** [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) We’ll have a grill and a **generator** available for crockpots, Instant Pots, etc. ## 🏁 Racing Starts — 7:00 PM After the cookout, we’ll head into the stands for the races. Not really into racing? Come for the drinks, stay for the wrecks 🍻 This night includes Late Models, Thunder Cars, Compacts, and a wet & wild Enduro race. Be sure to bring **water balloons to fill up and** throw during the final race 💦🎯 Please support the venue by checking out some of the racing. 💵 **$15 cash will be collected during the cookout.** Please bring exact change or a $20. ## 🏕️ Free Camping — June 5 & 6 Camping is free both nights. No tent? No problem. You can crash **in your car under the stars.** There will be a bonfire, music, games, and late-night hanging out. Please be responsible: **do not drink and drive.** ## 🎯 Other Stuff Happening * Karaoke, Beer pong, Cornhole, Bonfire, Music, Late-night hangout Have a favorite karaoke song? Let me know. ## Important Notes 📸 Photos/videos may be taken and shared on this or other platforms. ⚠️ This is a volunteer-led event. You participate at your own risk. 📵 Cell signal may be spotty, so ask questions ahead of time if needed. Stay for a bit or go all in — just don’t miss this one. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**

🎶 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.

**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.