Bicycling

**Join a work party to organize the Velocity Bike Co-op warehouse, usually 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.

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 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)

**CPCG will take an easy ride from Anacostia Skate Pavilion in DC to the Market at Campus Drive and The Iron Rooster in College Park on mostly trails mixed in with some street riding.** **Meet at 9:15am** **Leave at 9:35am** **There are a variety of stores to eat along the route and at the harbor.** **Items to bring** 
**
**

**
**


**

**


**
**

**
**
**Helmet(no exceptions)
Tubes,Pump in case of a flat.
Cash/Card
I.D./ Insurance card just in case
Lights
Bright Clothing
Electrolytes
Snacks
E-bikes are welcomed.
If you need a break let someone know we will stop for you.

All riders ride at their own risk.

**



**

**

**

 **Route:** **https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54629369?privacy_code=LYkZTBDHK1DJ51xREe7AcISoQtqV25NY**

Please join us for a 30 (or 20 mile) round trip bike ride along the picturesque Anacostia River Trail. There are two starting points available: [Lake Artemesia in Berwyn Heights, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cLNfkkGEHhqCC75A7) (long route) or at [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) (short route). We will ride to Washington, DC's bustling Navy Yard neighborhood. At Navy Yard we will stop for a refreshment after which we will turn around and make our way back to our starting points. **LONG** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6) Meeting time: **9:00 am** Meeting Point: [Parking lot at Lake Artemesia ](https://goo.gl/maps/6BA5SoNNHQfmBFNp8) Length: 30 miles Difficulty level: **hard** Elevation change: 105 ft up and 135 ft down Bike time: \~4 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~5 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets Note: please let the organizers know if you are opting for the short route. **SHORT** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9) Meeting time: **9:30 am** Meeting Point: [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) Length: 20 Miles Difficulty level: Moderate Elevation change: 85 ft up and 89 ft down Bike time: \~3 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets **Metro Accessibility**: the trail should be accessible from two metro stations. Please note that these are **NOT** tried and tested - so please keep ample time to check them out. Also let the organizers know if you are opting for any of these so that the rendezvous can be coordinated. \- College Park on Green Line\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvyUNFzR7bP4fu3bA). Meeting time: 9:15 am. \- Deanwood on Orange Line\. This is station is neear Kennilworth Park\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHTwXHs5ae91gi5w5). Meeting time: 9:15 am. Break at mid point: [Toastique, Navy Yard](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLrLWJYysxwiRQUMA) Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34803272 ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34803272) This trail is 22 miles long. Toilets are at the beginning, end, and near the middle of the route. There are plenty of opportunities to find a restroom elsewhere along the route. **PDF with points of interest and more details** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/01/23/trail-2-virginia-and-maryland-e-biking-from-washington-sailing-marina-to-national-harbor-fort-foote-and-old-town-alexandria-waterfront/ This trail is 22 miles in flat terrain with a fantastic view from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and a lovely picnic area at the Potomac River. We arrive at 10:00 AM and leave at 10:15 AM. The meeting place is at the parking lot on the left near the public restrooms of the marina. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. Our bikes will always be in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **About Jones Point Lighthouse** The lighthouse is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country and the only one still standing in the Chesapeake Bay area. It was first lit on May 3, 1856 by keeper George L. Deeton. Today it is the focal point of Jones Point Park and a clue to area's history as a busy commercial center and naval base. Whale oil lamps were originally used to power the beacon at Jones Point, but in 1858 the Lighthouse Board allowed an Alexandria gas company to extend lines to the station. The land included one of the original District of Columbia boundary stones, which was installed by George Washington and marked the southern point of the ten-mile-square district. The stone is still visible today in the seawall just south of the lighthouse, and to the north of the lighthouse a marker designating the boundary between Maryland-Virginia can be seen. **About Fort Foote** Fort Foote was constructed in 1863 atop Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C. Two of the Guns that protected Washington are still there along with the remains of the fort's earthworks. **About the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge** Also known as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge or the Wilson Bridge, the bridge is a bascule bridge that spans the Potomac River between the city of Alexandria, Virginia, and Oxon Hill in Prince George's County, Maryland. The original bridge was one of only a handful of drawbridges in the U.S. Interstate Highway System. **About National Harbor** National Harbor is situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River, just minutes from the nation’s capital. Featuring 350 acres of waterfront resort space, National Harbor is a destination unlike any other. The harbor is home to 160 stores, 40 restaurants, the Capital Wheel, and the best sunsets in the area. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as 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 **More information about using GPS files:** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/ **More information about e-bike ranges:** https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/ **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 full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaim

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - The Falls * START LOC: near front of Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am * LEVEL: Beginner Level * PACE: \~12+mph * DISTANCE: 14 miles * TERRAIN: trail, local streets * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_BRUNCH_FALLS_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55508784](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55508784) **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: The Falls * [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** It's a classic ride from Shirlington west on the W&OD as we try another Falls Church restaurant, The Falls \~7 miles out on Broad Street. Here we will enjoy a nice brunch. There are tables outside where we can also park our bikes nearby. The good news (after riding uphill all the way to The Falls) is that the hardest part of the ride is over. It is mostly downhill all the way back to Shirlington. **On the way home, if the roses are still blooming, we will stop and see the Rose Garden, located here:** [Bon Air Rose Garden](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rBPWo6AMiLrXe6jTA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **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 Bearded Goat**, next to the Shirlington Library. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Brunch** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Falls** 370 W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 [703-237-8227](https://www.google.com/search?q=godfrey%27s+falls+church&sca_esv=d62f6f0fe79c7edb&sxsrf=ANbL-n65pWp2ZXOqfrK2xiUODobrrC5fkQ%3A1778962076142&source=hp&ei=nM4Iap7_Bdij5NoP0pieoAQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAagjcrLR1G0Nbq5xsEGUXmw8_eWa5kJSH&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0zDHMLTGoqLQwYLRSNaiwsEwyTzI1tTA2t0w2MzVPszKoME0zNU5JNkyzSDQwTUxMM_cSS89PSStKrVQvVkhLzMkpVkjOKC1KzgAAak4Xww&oq=&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgAqAggAMg0QLhjHARivARjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnSKIMUABYAHABeACQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQHIAQCYAgGgAgSoAgqYAwTxBSrFNQd2xrDXkgcBMaAHALIHALgHAMIHAzItMcgHA4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#) website: [Thefallsva](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) menu: [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/menus/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLm1lbnVfdXJs) location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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). * zBeginner 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. ...........

Arrival: 8:45 AM Start Pedaling: 9:00 AM We have two options for this scenic ride through Potomac and Poolesville (long ride), a 61.6 and 41.6 mile ride. The details are the following: Ride Details Ride A Distance: 61.6 miles Terrain: Rolling hills Total Climb: 3,569 ft Max Grade: 7% Surface: Paved roads and bike paths Avg. Pace: 15 to 16 mph Recommended Bicycle Type(s): Road Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40374762 There is a nice coffee shop (K2 Cafe) around mile 29.2 to stop and rest. Ride B Distance: 41.6 miles Terrain: Rolling hills Total Climb: 2568 ft Max Grade: 6.1% Surface: Paved roads Avg. Pace: 13 to 15 mph Recommended Bicycle Type(s): Road Route Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1453550 At the corner of Darnestown and Seneca at mile 19.2 is a good place to stop and rest. There is a convenience store and gas station across the street. Post Ride Lunch: We will meet for lunch at The Irish Inn at Glenn Echo (http://irishinnglenecho.com/). Given the varying distances, our meeting times for lunch will vary from 1:00 to 2:00. **Note:** All persons participating in the activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity. What to Bring • Helmet - Mandatory! • Liquids - And plenty of them! • Photo ID • Cell Phone • Money - Cash or credit card for food or emergency • Bicycle Emergency Kit - (cash, mini tool, inner tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, etc.) Bike lock Other Things to Keep in Mind. • If you change your RSVP to "not going" within 2 hours of the event start time, please call or text the event host. • No go if conditions are bad. This includes precipitation (rain, hail, sleet, snow, ice) or very high probability of precipitation. Questions & Contact Info As always, if you have any questions, you may email the organizer(s) for the event or post your question as a comment. The cell numbers for the event organizers will be emailed to you the day before the event.

Please read for the safety of those participating on this ride and on the trails, we will not be doing this ride if it is raining or if the trails and bridges are slippery due to previous rain. **Meetup time is 9:30am and the Pre-ride briefing is at 9:45am, and the roll out time will be 10:00am. Be sure to check in when you arrive.** Join **"Vintage Steel Cyclists"** for an (Easy Like Sunday Morning Ride) for a partial Trail and Street ride from Bladensburg Waterfront Park out to Marian Fryer town Plaza for this year's "Taste of Wheaton" and back. This is a no drop ride at a social party pace average between 12 to 15 mph on flats, and it will be slower on hills, and we'll wait and regroup at the top of all hills. We'll make sure no one is left behind. You must have a steel bike to participate in this ride but we do allow new riders to ride any style bike for their first ride but after that you must have a steel bike to ride. This ride will be approximately 20 to 25 easy miles round trip, and we'll grab something to eat at the Festival. **Please Read:** **When you RSVP to participate in this or any "Vintage Steel Cyclist" ride or event, you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must and required to participate in any of our events event, and you ride at your own risk. Please be sure to have all proper equipment needed in case of flats or mechanical issues. Multi-tool, two spare inner tubes or CO2 cartridges, patch kit, and pump. Front and rear lights, eye protection, gloves, water bottles that fit your bottle cage or camelback, ID and money. Also please make sure that your bike is in good working condition before the ride. After all, these are Vintage Bikes.**

**Rock Creek Trail: Starting at Lake Needwood** **\*\*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) \*\*** **NEAREST TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** unknown **PARKING ADDRESS** Lake Needwood 15700 Needwood Cir Dr. Derwood, MD 20855 **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** Park at Lake Needwood Lot A, closest to the trailhead. You can also park at Lot B or C then bike over to meet us at A, at the trailhead kiosk. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** Join us for a scenic, relaxed, and beautifully shaded ride starting at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park. We’ll roll out on a smooth, paved trail that winds through quiet forests, gentle curves, and peaceful creekside stretches — perfect for riders who enjoy nature, steady pacing, and great conversation along the way. The route follows the Rock Creek Trail south toward Beach Drive, offering a mix of open views, wooded canopy, and the calming sound of Rock Creek running beside us. This is one of Montgomery County’s most beloved trails for a reason: it’s serene, well‑maintained, and feels like a true escape from the city. Riders can expect: · A comfortable, mostly flat paved trail with a few gentle rises · Shaded riding for most of the route · Smooth pavement with only occasional rough patches · Light to moderate trail traffic, depending on the day · A mid‑ride break at Beach Drive, where we’ll regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery · A relaxed return ride back to Lake Needwood on the same beautiful path This ride is ideal for social cyclists, newer riders building confidence, and anyone who wants a scenic, low‑stress outing. Expect friendly company, a steady pace, and plenty of nature along the way. Note: Visitors can only bike around a portion of the lake due to the trail not going all the way around. We’ll be taking the Rock Creek Trail from the parking lot down to DC. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any kind of bike frame and tires. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. **SKILL LEVEL:** All levels can enjoy this trail. It is well marked and mostly flat. **PACE:** It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. · If you prefer a **faster pace** than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up. · If you’re **not sure what your avg. speed** is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. **OPTION A:** Short and scenic 3 miles down to just south of the MD‑28 underpass **What it’s like:** Perfect warm‑up ride, Smooth pavement, shaded, quiet, Great for newer riders or anyone easing into the season, No major hills, and you stay entirely within the most forested part of the trail **OPTION B:** C**lassic Needwood Ride — \~7.5 miles down (15 miles round‑trip) . Turnaround:** Beach Drive (Montgomery County section) **What it’s like:** This is the “signature” Needwood ride, Beautiful creekside views, Long, uninterrupted paved sections, Mid‑ride break at Beach Drive (picnic areas + restrooms), and Ideal for social pace groups **OPTION C:** **Strong Intermediate — \~10 miles down (20 miles round‑trip). Turnaround:** Farther south on Beach Drive toward the DC line **What it’s like:** Adds more rolling terrain, Still mostly shaded, You’ll experience the most scenic part of upper Rock Creek, Great for riders who want a longer workout without going into DC, Weekend riders may enjoy car‑free Beach Drive sections. **OPTION D: Longer Adventure — 12–15 miles down (24–30 miles round‑trip). Turnaround**: Anywhere between the DC line and Peirce Mill What it’s like: A true endurance ride, Mix of quiet wooded trail + lively urban‑park energy, Optional stop at Peirce Mill for water, restrooms, and shade, And Best for riders comfortable with longer distances and more trail traffic **BATHROOMS** **Lake Needwood Boat House / Boat Center** *Permanent restrooms (seasonal hours)* **Picnic Areas 1, 2, and 3** *Typically have seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties* (Example: Picnic Area 3 is confirmed in search results.) **Meadowside Nature Center (near Needwood, short spur off trail)** **Rock Creek Regional Park Picnic Areas (between Needwood & Norbeck).** Some picnic groves have seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties **Beach Drive Picnic Areas (Montgomery County section).** Multiple picnic groves with **seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties.** These are typically open spring–fall. Located near the trail and easy to access **BIKE RENTALS** NA **BIKE REPAIR** Rockville Bike Hub **FOOD & DRINK INFO** TBA **OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS** Picnic by the lake **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, 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 grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.** **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. · Slowing 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, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

**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.