Camping

**Welcome Marius Back from Rehab!!!** **THIS HAS THE NEW START LOCATION AT THE SOUTH END OF BLUEMONT PARK** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Gustave's * START LOC: **[Bluemont Park Playground](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** * **BEST ACCESS FROM RTE 50** * Start GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Bluemont+Parking+Area/@38.868907,-77.1342983,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b50016fd88fd:0x8afb6bdf9318a324!8m2!3d38.8689029!4d-77.1317234!16s%2Fg%2F11xgvpr5kw!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm * ROLLING: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 15.1 mi * PACE: 11-13 mph (Social Pace) * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cycle path * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_GUSTAV_2026** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55001233](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55001233) **Notes:** **This ride incorporates the Mt Vernon St Bridge detours from the trail** * This ride is organized "lean" * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, where we visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired but you don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate. This week we will again do a loop to Del Ray Alexandria to celebrate the Marius's successful reab! The ride is a 15.1 mile flatish medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will get on the W&OD from the Bluemont **SOUTH** Parking Area down the W&OD/4MRT to the Potomac Yard Trail. We will cross over at Monroe St to Gustav's in Del Ray at mile 8.1. On the way back we ride up the Mt Jefferson Park Trail at Stewart St to Commonwealth and up to Four Mile Run and the the W&OD. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **South** Bluemont Parking 329 N Manchester St Arlington, VA 22203 GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) We will meet in the parking lot. * This location has Restrooms * Next to the Playground and Disc Golf Course **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Koffee Within The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **[Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie](https://gustaveboulangerie.com/)** 2213 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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](http://meetup.com/)'s: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/) * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ [http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY](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.

Whether you're a player looking for a campaign, or a DM looking for players, this is the event for you! We'll meet and have DMs pitch their games and then open time for Q&A (players to talk to DMs, trade contact information, or ask more questions.) **IF YOU OR YOUR GUESTS ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, UPDATE YOUR RSVP** **Agenda:** 1900 - Arrival, gather, find seats 1915 - DMs pitch their campaigns 2000 - Open mingle, trade contact info, talk with potential groupmates All player and DM experience levels are welcome! **For DM Consideration:** When thinking of how to pitch your game, be sure to include the following details: * Game system * Location * Day/Time * Frequency of sessions * Number of players wanted * Campaign concept * Tone of the game * Any fun (but spoiler-free!) details that will really spark interest in your game! From Matt Colville: Pitching Your Game: Running the Game: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtH1SP1grxo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtH1SP1grxo) We'll be pretty informal and allow questions after each pitch. No need to over-prepare, but do think of how best to sell players on your campaign! Also, while this is a D&D group, feel free to pitch a different game system if you'd like. **For Player Consideration:** Before you arrive, consider your preferences in terms of play schedules, location, campaign style, etc. Other than that, just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure! We'll meet in Paradise Games and Gifts (new name of GCPD). If I am not there greeting people and guiding them to our reserved area please kindly ask a staff member to point you in the right direction. **Contact:** Any questions or concerns? Discord Server Invite https://discord.gg/Zj58w85XuW Looking forward to seeing everyone there! If you have any questions, please comment below or contact Alejandro (Discord: MagicalKuyo).

Tuesday Night Women's+ Ride at Wakefield This is the women's+ night ride at Wakefield Park in Annandale, Virginia. Brought to you by MORE. **Sign the ride waiver here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/Wc3cUSEpC1b](https://x.gldn.io/e/Wc3cUSEpC1b) Ride Leaders Simona, Kathy, and Jessica Location Wakefield Park, Annandale, VA Schedule Meet up at 6:30 in the last parking lot. Park in the last parking lot. After you turn into the parking lot, make an immediate right and park (across from the purple recycling bin). We meet there prior to the ride. All riders joining this ride will need to accept the standard MORE liability waiver form. **Wheels down at 6:45pm** Ride will be about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the group. The ride leader(s) will try to start as promptly as possible. Bring: Trail-ready mountain bike, helmet, tube, and water. Optional: Tools, gloves, snacks, and lights. We will need lights this time of year. Pace Casual to moderate pace depending on the group. This is a no-drop ride. (A drop is leaving someone behind who is slower than the group. We won't do that - but if you feel like you are not able to keep up, please let the ride leader know.) All riding abilities are welcome, but it is recommended riders have a few off-road rides under their belts first. Terrain Wakefield is generally considered easier to intermediate by most riders. There are a few small stream crossings and some log obstacles. Riders should use good judgment and dismount when in doubt. The ride will typically consist of a mix of single track, fire roads, and other trail sections in the park. Directions https://more-mtb.org/collections/virginia-trails/products/wakefield-park Weather To protect and maintain the trails, the ride will be canceled if weather conditions warrant. Information on closures will be posted here.

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Quads games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

**NOTE: THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.** **Details** Get ready to hit the trails at Turkey Run - this is a 5.38 mile hike at Turkey Run. This hike is a bit challenging, with a couple of **stream crossings**, and a couple of **significant elevation gains** (a total of 456 feet of elevation gain). Ideal for **intermediate to advanced hikers**. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, adding some fun technical elements along the way. We’ll take regular breaks to regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. **Hiking shoes are a must -** the trail is slippery, and the extra grip of hiking shoes is essential for safety. Also, don’t forget your **hiking poles**; they’ll be helpful at the stream crossings. After the hike, join us for a social gathering at \*\**Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse [(6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4250880837db9923fe99316769050373b426a317e7bdf43931605d5b92eba921JmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9NTZ-fkVtYmVkZGVkfkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUNoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjg0NDI0Nzc2MDUyNTc5NzcmcHBvaXM9MzguOTM0NzY4Njc2NzU3ODFfLTc3LjE3OTQzNTcyOTk4MDQ3X0NoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2VfWU44NDQyNDc3NjA1MjU3OTc3fiZjcD0zOC45MzQ3Njl-LTc3LjE3OTQzNiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)* to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy time with fellow hikers. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at Turkey Run’s Parking Lot C-1. **Distance:** 5.38 miles **Elevation Gain:** 456 feet **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate Hike (challenging stream crossings) This hike features moderate inclines and **challenging stream crossings** over slippery rocks. Hiking poles are recommended for added balance and stability. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours This hike is expected to take approximately **3 hours**, which accounts for breaks, stream crossings, and group pace. **Pace:** Moderate Pace A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Park in Turkey Run’s **Lot C-1,** where there's plenty of room for all. Grab a spot, lace up, and get ready to hit the trail! **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! @ Turkey Run](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-367d794?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Bathrooms** There are no bathrooms available on this hike. Please plan accordingly. **Age Requirement:** Children under 18 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Join us for a casual lunch at **Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse (6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)**. Free parking is available in the garage off Beverly Rd.

**Details:** You \*must\* read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and answer the question “I accept” when you RSVP to be permitted on the hike. Meet at the outdoor plaza at McDonald’s across from the Rosslyn Metro entrance on N. Moore Street. Street parking on Sundays should be free, but double check just in case. This is an 8 mile hike that will start on N. Lynn Street. We will cross the bridge, go into Georgetown, and heads towards the waterfront. From there we will use various streets to make our way to our first stop: East City Bookshop ([https://eastcitybookshop.com](https://eastcitybookshop.com)). From ECB we will head to our next stop, located on H Street: Solid State Books ([https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com](https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com)). Once we leave Solid State, we will head back towards Eastern Market, where there is a metro station that can take you back to Rosslyn (hike leader plans to do exactly this). \*\*\*Optional brunch stop at Mr. Henry’s prior to book store visits\*\*\* Mr. Henry’s menu can be seen here: [https://www.mrhenrysdc.com/menus/#brunch](https://www.mrhenrysdc.com/menus/#brunch) We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving. Leader: Michele Douglas (703) 463-0597

Walk about 6+ miles on a variety of trails and some streets in NW DC to discover where SCPRO helped save a park, a trail that may be threatened by construction, the place where the UN was started, a Memorial to a Lebanese poet, and a lively Greek Festival at St. Sophia Cathedral where the hike will officially end – about a mile from the trailhead. There will be some elevation changes and one stream crossing. More information about the Festival here: [https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502](https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502). Wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, bring water, sunscreen and bug repellent and money to purchase some wonderful food at the Festival (and to give a $2 cash voluntary donation to the local Sierra Club). A positive attitude is also recommended!

**Important** \- I've pre\-purchased day\-use tickets for this hike\. Please only sign up if you are 100% committed Old Rag is one of my favorite hikes on the east coast. The way up is nothing short of incredible - you will experience switchbacks, scrambles, false summits, interesting trail navigation, and absolutely amazing views. This is *the* iconic day hike in Shenandoah. Don't miss it. Please make sure to get a day-use ticket for $2 using the link below. I plan to stop for food/drinks at Old Bust Head Brewing Co on the way back (7134 Farm Station Rd, New Baltimore, VA 20187). We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Strenuous** * **Length:** 9.4 Miles * **Duration:** 5-6 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 2,604 Feet * **Permits:** Pre-purchased (you can venmo me $2) * **Parking:** Vienna Metro Station * **Dogs:** Not Allowed * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.571008, -78.293499 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=rak641 **Trail Details:** This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as an “unforgettable” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, various false peaks, and several scrambles. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends with an easy walk down a fire road. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail. This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Hiking Old Rag is an adventure that should be on every Virginia hiker’s bucket list. **DAY USE TICKETS:** There were limited tickets left, so I've pre-purchased 14 day use tickets. You can give me $2 in cash or via Venmo. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

More details to come Combined event with central Ohio friends This may be the very last cookout bon fire party central Ohio friends hold so don’t miss it!

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.