Bicycle Camping

Join us in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) by riding your bicycle along any one of several segments between Harpers Ferry and Wilmington, Delaware, from March 22 through April 2. The rides range in length between 16 mi and 41 mi, traveling on packed gravel of the C&O towpath, level off-street paved multi-use trails, and paved roadways. The following are some, but not all of the trips that are open for registration by using the AMC Outdoor connector website, [https://activities.outdoors.org](https://activities.outdoors.org). Search for events by choosing the Potomac Chapter or AMC 150 as Program Type. 3/23/26, Whites Ferry to Great Falls 21 mi 3/27/26, National Mall to Hyattsville 14 mi 3/30/26, W.B.A Trail from Bowie to Baltimore Harbor 25 mi 3/31/26, Greenway Trail from Baltimore Harbor 16 mi 4/1/26, Baltimore to Havre De Grace 41 mi 4/2/26, Perryville Maryland to Wilmington Delaware 40 mi [About the AMC 150th Relay](https://www.outdoors.org/AMC150/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=May+2025+VR+Newsletter&utm_content=5/15/2025&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.outdoors.org%2fAMC150&email_audience=Volunteers%20AMC%20-%20Auto%20Refresh): Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150th Relay—a 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine. Each leg of the relay contributes to a continuous route across the Northeast, showcasing the diversity of AMC’s outdoor legacy. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story. Together, we’ll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure.

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.

**\*\*Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) \*\*** **SKILL LEVEL** All levels will enjoy this ride. It is mostly flat until we get closer to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where we encounter a couple of inclines. **METRO OPTION** Greenbelt Metro Station **PARKING AND MEETING SPOT** Home Depot, 4700 Cherry Hill Rd, College Park. Meet us in the parking lot. Park after the storage sheds against the brick boundary wall. (The trail parking lot is too small and has no bathrooms.) Plan to arrive by 1:50 so you have time to prepare and do a test ride. After check-in at 2:00, we will do an icebreaker question then ride over to the trailhead. This involves one traffic light crossing and biking a short distance on a sidewalk. **ROUTE DETAILS** The organizers will stop about every two miles to regroup so slower riders can catch up and we stop at intersections that could be confusing. Faster riders may wish to meet us at a designated regroup point. **Paint Branch Trail** begins on Cherry Hill Rd. It goes south to the UMD campus. It is one of the flatter trails and also has several shady segments making it suitable for summer biking. We will regroup at the T-junction before the route 1 tunnel. After reaching UMD, we will connect to the **Lake Artemesia Trail**, which takes us to the scenic Lake. Regroup at the bathrooms in the middle. After biking around the lake, we'll get on the **NE Branch Trail** and make a quick stop at the College Park airport/College Park Aviation Museum - the longest operating airport in the world and where Wilbur Wright trained the first aviators. We'll take the NE Branch Trail down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park. (Water station and bathroom stop). We'll regroup before crossing the bridge and then at the park by the caboose. We'll return on NE Branch Trail and regroup before we make a left on **Rachel Carson Greenway Trail** (a short sidewalk on Charles Armentrout Dr) to the Route 1 light. Turn right onto **Rhode Island Ave Trail.** Take RI Ave Trail north until College Park Community Center. Turn right onto Paint Branch Trail and go back to the start. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants are welcome to turn back at any point. The below are just suggestions. Option A Bike 3 miles up to UMD campus and return. Option B Bike 5 miles to and around Lake Artemesia and return **Option C** Bike \~9 miles down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park and back to the starting point [The organizers plan to do this]. Option D Bike additional miles by continuing on Paint Branch Trail going north for additional 6 miles. **BATHROOMS** Home Depot UMD campus Lake Artemesia Bladensburg Park Riverdale Center **BIKE RENTALS** NA **BIKE REPAIR** Proteus Bike Shop (North end of the Trolley Trail) **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat. **Clothing:** Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all dark grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something light to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:** · Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them. · Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop. · Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel. · Slow down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction. · Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps · When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. · Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground. **MEETUP POLICIES** Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. **Participation is at your own risk**. An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies,

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.

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

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.

It will supposedly get into the mid-70's by Sunday afternoon, so Joe and I are heading out to the newly reopened Rocky Gorge Reservoir. We'll put in at Supplee Lane and head upstream, doing between 3-4 miles and ending up back at the same spot. The water temperature is still in the mid 40's and will murder you if you fall in for more than a few minutes. But that's why you always paddle with friends who can lend a rescue assist. Still, you ABSOLUTELY need to be wearing 100% synthetic-fiber clothing and I STRONGLY recommend packing a spare set of clothes in your dry bag. This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I think you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. **WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

(Bus hike) Hikers today will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the Page Valley from the highest point in the Park. Long hikers start at Tanners Ridge Overlook where they take the fire road to connect to the AT, on which they bear north towards Hawksbill Summit. Moderate hikers start at Fisher’s Gap and take the AT north. All hikers ascend to the summit of Hawksbill on the Salamander Trail where they stop to admire the view before continuing on the Lower Hawksbill Trail back to the AT and to Little Stony Man parking lot. Est.: 12 miles, 2200' elevation and 9 miles, 1750' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare $33 plus park pass or fee. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

Join us for a spring picnic at the Arboretum! Please bring a food or drink item to share and a blanket to sit on. We will meet at the New York Ave parking lot and walk over to the columns. 13 min walk. (see photos) Well behaved leashed dogs are welcomed. Tucked in Northeast DC, the U.S. National Arboretum offers a serene escape into nature, filled with botanical beauty, stunning history and iconic attractions like the Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Capitol Columns. The Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC. It's easy to reach by car, as the grounds are located approximately 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol Building. Parking is readily available, or you can use Uber or Lyft. Visitors can also arrive via Metrorail or Metrobus and plan their route using Metro's Trip Planner. Several bus routes make a stop right at the entrance.

Hold on to your hat and grip your racing heart because the grand South Africa Road Trip is about to start. If you are craving for excitement and all things peaceful under the Sun, then sign up for the crazy mixed bag of adventures and wanderings at South Africa right now. Explore the innumerable gems of Cape Town and soak in the charms of the Cape Peninsula. Sample the famous wines of the world at the Winelands and enjoy a scenic cable car ride too at the mountain peak. Savor the thrill of the game drives through the National Parks and enjoy hikes, skydives, paraglide, and more before heading back home. Highlights Visited Places: • Cape Peninsula • Hout Bay • Chapman’s peak drive • Cape of Good Hope • Simon’s Town • Stellenbosch Winelands • Garden Route • Jefferey Bay • Addo Elephant National Park • Oudtshoorn Travel Experience: • Heli-flip • Hiking • Paragliding • Long drives • Wine-tasting • Cable car ride • National Park Tour • Ostrich farm tour Tour Start Cape Town Tour End Cape Town Destination SOUTH AFRICA Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 12 pm (flexible) • Return: Day10 anytime after 9am (flexible) Airport: Cape Town International Airport Meeting Point * The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. * More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp Itinerary Day01 Cape Town Day02 Capetown Day03 Cape Winelands Day04 Cape Point Day05 CAPE TOWN - OUDTSHOORN Day06 OUDTSHOORN - ADDO Day07 ADDO - JEFFREYS BAY Day08 JEFFREYS BAY - SEDGEFIELD Day09 SEDGEFIELD - CAPE TOWN Day10 Cape Town —————————————————————— For a detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat, follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/south-africa-cape-town-with-garden-route/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/south-africa-cape-town-with-garden-route/) Cost: $3290 pp $3990 pp (Single) Inclusions Price Includes Cape Town Pick-up & Drop-off service (±10km radius from Cape Town CBD) * Transport to tour highlights * Airport transfer * 9 nights accommodation * 9 Breakfasts Entry fees & Activities as listed: * Explore the Cape by City Sightseeing Bus * Table Mountain Cable Car Ride * Tsitsikamma National Park Hike * Addo Game Drive in Tour Van * Chill Out at J’Bay * Browse Hout Bay Harbour * Curve Along Chapman’s Peak Drive * Cape of Good Hope Entry * Ostrich Farm Tour * Cango Caves Heritage or Adventure Tour * Knysna Heads Hike * Wilderness Canoeing * Fairview Cheese + Wine Pairing (or similar) * Franschhoek Wine Tram ride to Rickety Bridge * Rickety Bridge Wine tasting (or similar) Price Excludes * Visa Fee * Flights * ​Tips * Travel insurance * Personal expenditures * Meals other then specified in the itinerary Questions? Text / Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!

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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