Driving

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/1/0/b/600_43516651.jpeg **Arrive: 8:45 am** **Pedal: 9:00 am** Join us for a beautiful fall bicycle ride through scenic Great Falls, Virginia! Weather will be a little warmer so let's take advantage of the nice weather. This 39 mile ride starts and ends in Vienna, Virginia. It includes portions of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. It also goes through the historic towns of Vienna and Herndon and past the Barns at Wolf Trap. The ride includes a rest stop in scenic Riverbend Park. Post Ride: let's go back to Hawk & Griffin in Vienna. Good food and pleasant atmosphere ([hawkgriffin.com](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.hawkgriffin.com/menus/&ved=2ahUKEwi_j7Kc5o-NAxVlM1kFHZcXGrMQhAd6BAgbEAE&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw1R5FDlGi0PCLQLMBuPT0G1)). Ride Details... **Ride A** Length: 39.8 miles Total Climb: 2284 ft Max Grade: 10.6 % Recommended pace: 15 to 16 mph Surface: Paved multi-purpose trail and roads Terrain: Scenic, flat to hilly Rest Stops: Great Falls National Park, Sunoco at (Great Falls Plaza), Green Lizard Cycling (Herndon) Hazards: On the W & O D Trail – crossing intersections, runners, pedestrians, kids, moms with strollers, other cyclists, and occasional furry creatures. On roads – automobile traffic & crossing at intersections Recommended Bicycle: Road (including cyclocross) Map for Ride A: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4288588 The portion of this route through Great Falls is hilly, with a few of the hills being rather steep. Unless you are a super fit athlete, or a super masochist, you should not attempt this route on anything other than a road bike or cyclocross! **Ride B** If you don’t like hills, this is the ride for you! Length: 33.1 miles Total Climb: 1113 ft. Max Grade: 5.2 % Recommended pace: 12 to 14 mph Surface: Paved multi-purpose trail and roads Terrain: Flat to slightly hilly Rest Stops: Green Lizard Cycling (Herndon), Carolina BBQ (Ashburn) Hazards: Crossing intersections, runners, pedestrians, kids, moms with baby strollers, other cyclists, and occasional furry creatures. Recommended Bicycle: Any Map for Ride B: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19622901 Comments: You can make this a shorter (17.3 miles) ride with less climbing (688 ft) by turning around at Herndon. **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 · Money - Cash or credit card for food or emergency) · Bicycle Emergency Repair Kit - (cash, mini tool, inner tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, etc.) · Bike lock Other Things to Keep in Mind · If you RSVP "yes" and you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, please call or text the event host. · If you are running late, please call or text the event hosts w/ your ETA!

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

This is NOT an official **Bike Rockville with RBAC** ride but a joint effort with our local Trek shop. Join the **Trek Rockville store** for a spring group ride in Poolesville and explore the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. You must be able to ride an average of 10 mph for 20-30 miles on moderate terrain. We will make an effort to stick together and regroup, but there is no sweep. Ride leader average pace is around 11.5 mph. More details and RSVP at this link: **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911)** Use this event page to share photos, feedback, carpooling and other comments.

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)]** Good food has a way of bringing people together and we're leaning all the way into that. Lesbifriends Travel invites you to Pa' La Cocina, a private hands-on cooking class hosted at La Prensa Tacos & Tapas. This one is personal. We stumbled into La Prensa after a spa day, fell completely in love with the food, and knew right away we had to bring our community here. So, we made it happen. This is two hours of real cooking, real connection, and a full meal waiting for you at the end of it all. No experience needed, no pressure, just good energy, bold flavors, and a room full of people who feel like yours. **Event Details You Should Know:** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, May 17, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** La Prensa Tacos & Tapas, 21305 Windmill Parc Drive, Unit 140, Sterling, VA 20166 💸 **Cost:** Early Bird Tickets are $95 (until May 8th). Regular Tickets are $110. (Starting May 9th) 📋 **Registration Deadline:** May 14, 2026 **What to Expect:** * Make tortillas from scratch with La Prensa's culinary team guiding every step * Prepare your own salsa to take home * Sit down together and enjoy tacos and a cocktail * Two full hours of cooking, laughing, and eating with your community Your ticket covers hands-on cooking instruction, a full taco meal, a cocktail, your take-home salsa, and gratuity. Everything is taken care of, you just show up and enjoy. **Spots are capped at 30** to keep things intimate. Don't wait on this one. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary people who are interested in learning bout Mexican cuisine, cooking from scratch, and enjoying bold flavors with new friends. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to roll up your sleeves, get into it, and leave with a full plate and a few new Lesbifriends. **Claim your spot here: [Pa' La Cocina](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/la-prensa-cooking-class)!** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

**+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville) * **START LOC:** **Loudoun County Garage** **[107 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9)** **Use above address, then look across the street.** * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) * START PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am (Monk's opens @ 11:30am) * LEVEL: Medium(-) (the minus is for doing your Own Pace) * DISTANCE: 22 or 27 miles * PACE: Your own pace (but think at least 12-14 mph) * TERRAIN: Paved W&OD Path, Uphill out, Downhill home. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_MONKS_22_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229) CBG_MONKS_27_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977) **NOTES:** * Conveniently close to Mom's Apple Pie for dessert * Mom's Apple Pie Bakery: 220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 2017 * GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Rolling @ 11:00am * 11 miles later: Monk's BBQ @ 12:00-12:15pm * Leave Monk's @ 12:45-1:00pm * 11 miles later: Back in Lesburg @ 2:15 - 2:30pm **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents the Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville). * UPHILL on the way out, DOWNHILL on the way back. * Go at your own pace (Gary is sweep for those that don't know the trail). * Two routes 22 or 27 mile. * Good canopy cover for a sunny day. * GREAT BBQ in the middle (Monk's Outdoor Seating) * Pie Potential at the end (Moms's Apple Pie) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Loudoun County Garage** **107 Loudoun St SE** **Leesburg, VA 20175** **(Use above address, then look across the street)** GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) PARKING INFO: The Loudoun County Garage, located behind the County Government Building, has over 400 parking spaces. After 5pm weekdays, all day on weekends and on holidays, parking is available and free to the public. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** "Ride IN the Ride" Monk's BBQ. 251 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540-751-9425 Saturday: 11:30am-11pm [https://monksq.com/](https://monksq.com/) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA](https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA) Dessert "Ride after the Ride" Mom's Apple Pie Bakery 220 Loudoun St SE Leesburg, VA 20175 SAT 8am - 6pm [https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations](https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

Let's enjoy a walk in Old Town and check out the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style! ❶ **What we'll do:** * Starting from the Capital Bikeshare Station on Diagonal Road, we'll walk through Old Town Alexandria, ending up at the 500 block of King Street to check out the cars! After admiring the cars, attendees can make their way individually back to the meetup point or their next destination. * The walk is 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours. The surface is paved throughout, with inclines here and there and steps in places. This is an easy walk. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/nufwbhph](https://tinyurl.com/nufwbhph) ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines. * Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. There is free parallel parking in the area, especially along streets a block north of King Street and beyond, and west of the tracks along Commonwealth and adjoining streets. ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes. You can bring your furry friend (leashes, please), but the car show discourages them because of loud noises. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 89F, with 4 mph W winds and a slight chance of morning showers, increasing in the afternoon. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yc4vjjnm](https://tinyurl.com/yc4vjjnm) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms at commercial establishments near our meetup point, at the Torpedo Factory, and at the Ramsey House (Alexandria Visitor Center). ❼ **Notes:** * Old Town Festival of Speed & Style: [https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home](https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home) * Old Town Festival of Speed & Style at VisitAlexandria.com: [https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-festival-of-speed-style-2/](https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-festival-of-speed-style-2/)

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15am-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. We will be in Room C at Cascades Library. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

**This is for “INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED PLAYERS””.
We can begin by just hitting the ball around (Dinking and Serving) until you’re comfortable and then start play Pickle Ball.** **Must have your own Pickleball paddle unless you contact me.** **Windridge Winery** **afterwards is a option** **If I happen to not be there, take the court that has the blue pickle ball lines on it to the far entrance to the court.
There is a Porta Johns at this location** **Baseball cap sunglasses and water would be helpful for yourself.**

We go!

Whether you're Deaf, HoH, an interpreter, an ASL student, or just want to learn or practice American Sign Language (ASL), we welcome all levels of signers to come join us for an evening of ASL socializing and practice. This event occurs on the first and third Sundays of every month, in the heart of Fairfax County at the Fairfax Wegman's (corner of Route 29 and Monument Drive). We can be found on the upper level, typically near the stairs. We generally start around 7 pm. ASL beginners are welcome, but you should know the ASL alphabet and some basic signs - this is not an ASL class, but the more experienced signers are generally happy to help beginners learn and improve. There is no better way to develop your signing skills than by joining the conversation with other signers. There is a place for everyone to join, learn and practice. Regardless, we are always welcoming so don’t be discouraged to attend; this is very informal and new folks are always welcome. Note, some attendees arrive early and grab some of Wegman’s food for dinner, so you can combine a shopping trip with the ASL practice.

**Sellkirk paddles will be available for all who attend to try and hopefully learn the game. if you’re interested, you can buy one.** **This is INSTRUCTION PICKLEBALL for** **Beginners.** **Note $5 fee for wear and tear on paddles and replacement of pickle balls.** **Reminder this is for beginners maybe you’ve taken two or three of the classes before. The idea is to give others a chance to learn the game** **so you could be put on the waitlist.** 
**
We can begin by just hitting the ball around (Dinking and Serving) until you’re comfortable and then start the introduction to Pickle Ball.** **Please study the rules of Pickleball. There will be a quiz. ** **https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a41889595/pickleball-rules/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_dsa_prog_org_us_a41889595&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEqo78AlxWw25v72aAqTYZy2o&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQLzWcA4GRJ5dNAtBpRG0nMJqvUlr67XGuB8hSrEaEZmWioeNiorM6jRoC0BkQAvD_BwE** **If I am late take the court that has the blue pickle ball lines on it to the far entrance to the court.
There is a Porta Johns at this location** **Bring a baseball cap, sunglasses and water**

Let's go for a hike along the C&O Canal Trail! It's been a while since our last hiking event, so this is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring scenery. Although certain sections of the C&O Canal Trail present moderate to challenging terrain, this event will primarily utilize the more accessible, easier paths. Nevertheless, we are open to adjusting the route based on the group's preference for a more adventurous experience, including steeper inclines or longer distances. It's recommended to bring hiking boots, a water bottle, and snacks like trail mix or granola bars to keep your energy up. The entrance fee is $10-20, so it is recommended that you carpool if needed. We will rendezvous at Vienna Metro Station Parking Lot at 9:30 AM to discuss the carpooling situation before heading over. \*If the weather calls for rain that day, we will postpone it to a later date.

This adventure is for you, if you have ever wondered what it would be like to ride a motorcycle...I bet most of us are fond of Motorbike riding and it will be fun to learn and ride together. This is just for us. We will have 3 to 4 Hour Course -- all riding; no classroom! Motorcycles, helmets for most head sizes, and assorted lightweight gloves are provided. We will get one coach for every 3 students. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/a/d/4/600_435786868.jpeg The class is designed for someone who have never ridden a motorcycle, and would like to become familiar with a motorcycle and the basics riding a motorcycle. Come experience the fun! Required riding apparel: Eye protection (prescription eyewear or sunglasses are adequate) Long sleeve shirt or jacket Sturdy pants (jeans are sufficient; NO baggy pants) Over the ankle, sturdy shoes http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/3/9/600_435786969.jpeg Payment Instructions : 1. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button, after RSVPing. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/b/8/8/600_435787048.jpeg Refund & Ticket Resell All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a "message" through their Meetup profile (do not comment in the comment box of the event posting) letting us know the full name and Meetup profile URL (if a member) of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event.

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 an 11.6 mile hike with 2000' elevation gain in Lost River State Park, WV ( http://www.lostriversp.com ). We will hike on the Cranny Crow/Big Ridge trails. We will have beautiful views along the way including Millers Rock and will pass many interesting structures. This park is about a 2 hour drive from the Centreville Commuter Lot. Even the drive has great scenery. We hike at a 2.5-3.0 mph pace when moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) [Rating: A](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Park Entry Fee: $0 Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 Carpools: Arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 6:45am carpools depart at 7:00am. Suggested carpool fee is $14. ***The leader will be at the carpool location*.** GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, [https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18](https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18) Driving time from Centreville to trailhead is \~2 hours with pit stop. Trailhead: Meet at Lost River State Park at 9:00am hike starts at 9:15am, park at the swimming pool parking lot. GPS Coordinates 38.895211, -78.924458 [https://goo.gl/maps/L6KevYXSY7dXDTBd7](https://goo.gl/maps/L6KevYXSY7dXDTBd7) Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map for Hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/lost-river-state-park-d9fc5b7?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/lost-river-state-park-d9fc5b7?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

**Chantilly Carb Crawl: Asian Breads & Pastries** **🍞** **Whether you’re a long-time member or this is your very first event, come with us on a mini-tour of 3 of Chantilly’s hidden gems. It’ll be a fun chance to reconnect, meet new members and enjoy some amazing breads and pastries!** **The Game Plan** ***11:00 AM — Café Moment*** **We’ll kick things off at this new cafe specializing in** **Korean Salt Bread. If you’ve never tried it, imagine eating a warm, buttery, fluffy cloud (yes, I am drooling as I write this)** **Next, we’ll head over to Mahiwaga for some warm, freshly baked** **Pandasal. If you’ve never had this Filipino classic fresh from the oven, this father/daughter team** **make** **some of the best!** **We’ll wrap up with a stop across the hall at Toimoi Bakery for their famous** **pandan and banana pudding filled croissants** **🥐.** **Can't wait to see you there! RSVP to save your spot!** [Cafe Moment](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX-C-Hmhg7g/?igsh=dHd4N2RodWwwaHo1) [Mahiwaga](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXiCy0Gz0P5/?igsh=Mm45a2c3ZWJtM2pv) [ToiMoi Bakery ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX0O-2KuRiT/?igsh=MWh2bjN4cHE1am55eg==)

Let’s kick this off at Sully’s Pour House in Herndon on Wednesday the 20th. There is free parking in the back ('Municipal’ lot). The game starts at 7 but try to be there by 6:45 to pick categories. We’ll be getting in around 6:15 to try for a ‘high’ table, and you’re welcome to join us. We do tend to leave when the game finishes, but no one else has to. Team size is limited to 6, so only sign up if you can make it – and please remember to cancel as soon as possible If something changes. Look forward to seeing you!

Shut up & Write! meets at the Gum Springs public library room C. We hope to see you there! Shut Up & Write is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Libraries.