Dirt Biking

**For some of our Northern Virginia riders our cycling family from District Cycling Collective & Zephyrus Bikes LLC present Wednesday Night Rydes!!** **This weekly ride will be led by our own Jeff Walden, owner of Zephyrus bikes. We will be Meeting in the parking lot of the Giant Foods at 5pm and rolling at 5:30 pm.

This will be a no drop ride, but is NOT a ride for beginners. Steady pace and climbs in spots.** **Riders should be comfortable with group and street riding . The pace for this ride will be a minimum of 18 mph. There is a considerable amount of climbing. All riders will be riding at their own risk, there will be NO SAG.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36205543**

**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 will be an "out and back" hike covering 9.2 miles with 469 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Bike Lane Bike Shop and Brewery and hike on the W&OD , the Twin Branch Trail and the Meadowlark Connector Trail. At the end of the hike we can gather for a beer or other cold beverage at the brewery.** **Meadowlark Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of Northern Virginia and features a Korean Bell Garden.** **To quote from the** ***Washington Post***\*\*:\*\* **"The only Korean Bell Garden in the Western Hemisphere is the place to start: The centerpiece is a natural wooden pavilion — built entirely without nails — holding a three-ton bell, handmade in South Korea and decorated with flora and fauna. The garden also contains a mix of plants native to Korea and Virginia, protective figures carved from volcanic rock called dol hareubangs, walls decorated with images of flowers and symbols of longevity, and a koi pond with a fountain. "** **To quote from the Meadowlark Garden website:** **" Koi swim in Lake Caroline as if parading their gem-like scales among the snapping turtles with decades of filamentous algae streaming from arching shells. October highlights are: False aster (Boltonia asteroides), azure monkshood (Acontium carmichaelii), Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba minor)."** **We'll stop at the Meadowlark Visitor Center where you can relax, browse the exhibits or take a stroll in the Gardens (General Admission $9 with $5 for those over 60).** **We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving.** **You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** **Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.** **https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy** **Please note only service animals are allowed in the Garden and Visitor Center so canine hikers will have to wait outside during our stop.** **Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174** **Park Entry Fee: see above description for optional stroll through the Garden** **Map for hike:** **https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-1b24bc3?u=i&sh=iypgzx**

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

Looking for a fun ride on Wednesday nights at a quick pace in Avalon/different parts of Patapsco? This is your ride! Are we the fastest people in the park? Nope. Are we the fast group ride? I'll still yes. Is this ride advanced pace over 17 miles in everything the park can throw at you? Yup. It's that. **Waiver:** Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to our MVD Mountain Bikers waiver located here: [Link to MVD Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZnTHPXQGY5UggdumfoksN3uwdocnadK/view), as well as you will need to sign the standard MORE waiver prior to leaving on the ride, as we will be legally riding in the park at night and this is a requirement. ***Required MORE Waiver to be signed, please go to this link: [https://x.gldn.io/3IV3G966Lob](https://x.gldn.io/3IV3G966Lob)*** Where/Directions: Rockburn Elementary School, but may change so stay tuned. What time: Meet between 5:45 and 6:00 at parking lot. Wheels rolling by 6:00. We will not wait past 6:00. Pace: Pace will be advanced, approx. 8.5 to 9.5 mph. Appropriate for advanced riders, but not for beginners, or people who are not riding at least twice a week. Attitude is laid-back and friendly, but please ensure you can handle the pace and length of this ride before committing. This is a no-drop ride, i.e., we wait up for everyone at intersections. Please note Ptap rides tend to be about 1 mph slower than Rosy, or Fairland, due terrain. Terrain: Ranges from Easy to Difficult. Most trails are in great shape, but plan on some mud spots. There are a few very steep climbs, rocks and technical sections, log overs (up to 10" logs, and 3' stacks), tight single track (12" wide in spots), and a stream crossing or two. A strong/advanced rider will be able to clean most sections, others will need to get off of their bikes in spots. This is a friendly ride, so we will wait up for everyone, just be advised that the terrain can be somewhat difficult in places. This is a video edit I made of a ride this year. We won't hit all of this terrain, but gives you a feel for Patapsco: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s) Distance: Ranges depending on time of year (around 12 miles mid winter/dark, to about 19 during mid summer / long days). Exact route will change depending on group dynamics, trail conditions, daylight, etc. I will typically have route planned in my head at the beginning of the ride, but will modify as needed to get us back at a reasonable time. Distance will grow/shrink with the daylight. Duration: I shoot to have us back around 8:30, so around 2 1/2 hours. This can change with mechanical issues, and group dynamics though. As this is a weekday ride, the stops will be just long enough for the last rider to catch their breath. Bring: Helmet (required), water (as much as you can carry), spare tube/patch kit, pump/CO2, multi-tool, I.D., emergency contact info where it can be easily located on your person, and a good attitude, as this ride is as much about camaraderie as it is about riding. Take a look at your bike and make sure it is in good working condition (Ptap will take its toll on the bike). Bring a light, as you will need it with the days starting off shorter, and the eventual start in the dark. There are ton of acceptable lights under $20 on Amazon right now. Just look for a T6 Cree LED Bike light, with minimially 1000 lumens. Weather: Shine Only (there will undoubtedly be some mud, but no ride if it’s raining or the trails are too muddy). Protect our trails and don’t ride them when they’re fragile. There may be days where I make a last minute call, so watch our MVD Mountainbikers meetup event, our Facebook group, as well as the Patapsco After Dark Facebook page, as I will cancel and cross post on all three. Ride Organizer(s): Craig P, 4four3-5zero9-zero8one1; skibum616 at yahoo dot com

**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: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Custard Cruise * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 6:00pm * SPEECH: 6:15pm * ROLLING: 6:30pm * LEVEL: Beginner Level (But All Welcome) * DISTANCE: 10 miles. * PACE: 12 mph * TERRAIN: No Hills, Trail and Street Riding. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_CUSTARD_CRUISE_2026 **(UPDATED)** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991) **NOTES:** * No Hills, 10 miles, No Surprises, Custard! * Bring enough fluids for the entire ride. * [https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/](https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Arrive @ 6:00pm * Speech @ 6:15pm * Rolling @ 6:30pm * Back in Shirlington @ 8:00pm(ish) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents The Custard Cruise. I would like some custard. The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray has some excellent custard (& sorbet & vegan donuts & other yummy things for just about everyone). Maybe some of you want to join me? Shirlington, to Four Mile, to Potomac Yards to the Dairy Godmother, then Commonwealth back to Four Mile to Shirlington. * No Hills * 10 miles, belly full of custard (or other yummy-ness) * Hopefully no surprises. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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 Shirlington Library by the fountains. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** What better way to wash down your custard than with a tasty beverage. For those interested we will go to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for our social. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like! **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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'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.

10 mile loop no drops maybe bite to eat and drink after. If weather is poor you can assume ride is canceled.

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 8:30am and the Pre-ride briefing is at 8:45am, and the roll out time will be 9:00am. Be sure to check in when you arrive.** Join **"Vintage Steel Cyclists"** as we collaborate with Big Wheel Bikes for a "Father's Day"' (Easy Like Sunday Morning Ride) for a partial Trail and Street ride from Big Wheel Bikes in Old Town out to Belle Haven, Holland Hall Pastry and to Fort Hunt Park 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 Holland Hall Pastry Shop. **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.**

Come support Velocity's Monthly Warehouse Sale! We'll need help moving bicycles outside the warehouse before 9 a.m. and back inside at 1 p.m. In between, we'll greet customers, help them find bicycles and parts, and ring up their purchases on Square. Feel free to sign up even if you can't volunteer for the whole time. And remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! 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.

Welcome to the 2026 road cycling season. Lots of paces from top racers to those just starting an exercise program. Several clubs will likely join together with One Love Cycling, including Korvelo (Korean Road Cycling Club), Viet Velo, Whole Wheel Velo Club. Sign up if you'd like, or simply show up. If you need the route GPS file, go to [ridewithgps.com](http://ridewithgps.com/) and search for Wakefield Route, which will show both the Southern part (16 miles) and the optional Western part (makes the ride total 25 miles.) Here is a link: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824)

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)

# [DCXC 2026](https://www.bikereg.com/dcxc) ## Sat June 20, 2026Germantown, MD https://www.bikereg.com/dcxc

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

Join us for a great 2 mile hike through Blendon Woods Metro Park, hiking the Sugarbush Trail. This is a largely wooded hike on a flat dirt trail with some tree roots and rocks. Please meet us at the start of the trail in the Nature Center parking lot.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831