Cross Country Cycling

Check out and REGISTER for Velocity Bicycle Cooperative's monthly Basic Bike Maintenance class [here](https://velocitycoop.org/events/bike-maintenance-class-2/)! You MUST REGISTER through Velocity's website to confirm and save your seat! Please only click "Attend" on this meetup page AFTER you have officially registered for the class via this link: https://velocitycoop.org/events/bike-maintenance-class-2/ (This class has a suggested donation of $50 to support our non-profit organization. The donation is paid through Velocity's website when you register for the class on Velocity's website. No payment is collected through MeetUp.)

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

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. This is a 11.2 mile loop hike with about 300' of elevation gain. We will depart at 9:30 am (please be there by 9:15) from the East end of Gateway Park in Rosslyn, near the Gateway Park sign along Lynn St. (38.89798, -77.06770, 2 blocks North of the Rosslyn Metro Station). From there we will take the Custis/Mount Vernon trail down the zig-zag bridge across the George Washington Parkway to the Potomac Heritage Trail where the real fun begins. For those that are driving, the parking lot for Roosevelt Island (off the right side of the westbound G.W. Parkway (38.89730,-77.06748) is big, but crowded when the weather is nice, but there is generally turnover around 8:30. Park there, and take the zig-zag bridge up to Gateway Park to meet up with the group. Once we are all assembled, we will take the Potomac Heritage Trail westbound where we will catch 90% of our 300ft of inclines, and there are a lot of rock scrambles (and is therefore unsuitable for dogs). We will continue westbound until we reach Chain Bridge where we cross the Potomac and take a combination of the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail back eastward. These easy flat trails bring us back to the Key Bridge, which we will cross back to Rosslyn (around the 9 mile point) the metro riders may choose to bail out, but I plan to complete the hike with a 1.5 mile loop around the most politically incorrect and least visited monument in DC, with a trip around Roosevelt Island, including its boardwalk. After Roslyn, there are not proper facilities until we reach Fletcher's Boathouse (halfway down the C&O Canal). I am not sure if the facilities on Roosevelt Island are open, but they are not really close enough to the parking area for pre-hike use. I generally maintain a 2.5 mph pace on the flats, but do get waylaid by good photo ops (there will be plenty). There is a mix of sun and shade on the DC/MD side, and mostly shade on the VA side, but sunscreen may be in order, and water definitely will be needed, so bring plenty. We will stop for a lunch break at Fletcher' Cove (cold drinks and possibly ice cream can be purchased there), and we will also make a brief stop at the TR Island Manliness Monolith. Dogs are NOT permitted due to rock scrambles. Leader: Dale Johnson (540-454-5592 (off during business hours)) Meet: Gateway Park in Rosslyn, near the Gateway Park sign along Lynn St. (38.89798, -77.06770), 2 blocks North of the Rosslyn Metro Station. Rating: B – See NOTE below Please NOTE, this is a DIFFICULTY RATING, not a “Fun” rating or a “Scenery” Rating. These are not YELP Stars. The System assigns a point per mile and a point for every 400 feet of altitude gained. 0-7 pts = “D”; 7-10 pts = “C”; 10-13 pts = “B”; 13-19 pts = “A”; over 19 pts = “A+”. This hike is 11.2 miles & 300 ft for a about 12 pts. If you cannot walk 12 miles around your neighborhood with only brief breaks, don’t sign up for this “B” hike because “it got good reviews," and while mostly level the rock scrambling is legit, with some hand-over-hand climbing involving railings to assist in bouldering is required.

## Details - Please read all below before you sign up **Cost:** Free **Court Type:** Outdoor Grass **Level:** B/BB/A **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one. **10 persons per net max** **Host's Philosophy on this event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, but we do expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this group isn’t intended for total beginners; a basic understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Your Attendance Ratio > New Members \* If you have 3 events attended and 6 events you dropped off, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a drop-off level of -.50 or lower. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event, including removing yourself 60 min or less before the event start time. [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your dog or cat is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry * NO SMOKING (anything) **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/)

We'll meet at the Wheaton Metro Station near the intersection of Georgia Ave and Reedie Drive. We'll walk Southwest toward Saint Paul's Park and then back east on Plyer's Mill Road back to the Metro. Total walk time should be about 1 hour 30 minutes and total distance is about 4.5 miles.

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

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.

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new volunteers and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver. Volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Ted's Birthday Happy Hour @ Samuel Beckett's [Friday 03/20 @ 7pm] Please RSVP as soon as possible so I can make the appropriate reservation. Samuel Beckett's 2800 S Randolph St #110 Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/rHx2PvqFicpFRrDZ8](https://goo.gl/maps/rHx2PvqFicpFRrDZ8)

**🚴🏾‍♂️ DCC Group Ride to Beverly Beach – Saturday** **District Cycling Collective is heading back to Beverly Beach for a solid group ride.** **This is a 30-mile out-and-back route starting from South Bowie Library, with approximately 1,100 feet of climbing. We’ll roll together and keep the group connected—no one gets left behind.** **⚠️ Important Notes:** **• This is NOT a SAG-supported ride** **• Come prepared with hydration, nutrition, and basic repair gear** **Whether you’re looking to get a good workout in or just enjoy the ride with the community, come on out and join us.** **📍 Meet: South Bowie Library – 8:00 AM** **🚴🏾‍♂️ Roll Out: 8:30 AM** **📏 Distance: 30 Miles** **⛰️ Elevation: ~1,100 ft** **Community in motion.** **Route** **https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42705424?privacy_code=78ntDPAwH3CeBNKX**

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

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)

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).