E-Bikes

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389) 20.3 miles. Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC, on New Year's Day. Note the starting time is 12:30 PM. NOTE: New starting point is Haines Point as the roads are blocked off for a 5K race. The total tour distance is some 20 miles but you can cut it short if needed. 94% of the ride is on paved bike paths and flat terrain. At the halfway point, we will provide snacks, hot tea, and cider. You can even bring your own picnic. Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark stadium, the Titanic memorial, and the new Frederick Douglas bridge). DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, 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 the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Join VELO VELO Cycling Club Thursday Jan. 1st for our annual "New Year's Day Ride as we go into the new year doing what we love. This is a 26.2 mile route starting and ending in Bowie. All ride levels are welcome, but it is strongly recommended that you download the route. This is a "ride at your own pace ride and is **NOT** SAG supported. Post Ride Brunch?? Reward yourself after the ride with a plethora of food options like Jerry's seafood, Smokey Bones or the new "Hungry Bowl Mongolian Grill & sushi, (All you Can Eat). More food options are located right across the street at Bowie Town Center. Meeting at Bowie in the parking of Smokey Bones and Jerry's Seafood. Meet up time 10:30 am, on the pedals at 11:00a. Cue sheet: 26.2 miler: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53565323 Please Read: Please maintain safety on the road and be respectful to and mindful of others. motorists the following simple set of guidelines are asked to be followed: * Do not pass the guide in the non Free Ride sections. * Yellow Line rule on two lane roads must be obeyed. (NEVER EVER to be crossed) * White Line rule when we have ample shoulder or an adequate bike must be obeyed. * Broken Line rule, we do not take up more than one lane except when safely transitioning for a left turn. * Slower riders in the Free Ride sections should move to the far right to allow faster riders to go by on the left. * 2x2 Paceline at all other times. No wheel overlapping of the rider in front. * The ride will NOT stop for flats. If you are with a friend that flats, we suggest that you stop and ride in with them. Be sure to know the route and how to short cut or get back and how to change a flat. * NO "in ear" or "over the ear" Headphones of any kind allowed. * Experienced cyclists are asked to help first timers with route info When you RSVP to participating in this or any VELO VELO Cycling Club ride or event you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must. No helmet-No participation. Please be sure to have all proper equipment and supplies to help ensure a safe and pleasant ride. Two spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges, patch kit and pump. Front and rear lights Eye Protection Gloves Proper hydration Water bottles that fit your bottle cage ID and money Obey all traffic laws including stopping at red lights. PACE: A/B = Fast Touring 18-20+ mph AMS C =Easy Touring 15 to 17 mph AMS IF YOUR Average Moving Speed IS SLOWER THAN 14 MPH Please let a ride leader know before the start of the ride so we can do our best to assist you. AMS (Average Moving Speed) may vary depending on terrain, traffic, and the ability of riders.

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike! The goal of a First Day Hike is to begin the new year with intention to get outside more! This is also the first hike of a step/progression series that builds up to the AMC 150 Relay segment scheduled for 3/29/26. That relay segment is 8.3 miles. This first hike is four miles in length (out and back). It’s a flat rail trail on a section of the WB&A Trail, so it is rated as easy. If you are recuperating from injury, got busy with work and family, or otherwise feel the need to get in hiking readiness for the year ahead, this hike is a great place to start. Feel free to join with no commitment to doing the relay segment or any other hike in this series. The WB&A Trail is a converted rail-trail, converted from an electric commuter railway that served Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. The trail winds its way between Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County, offering a mix of woods, water, and residential communities along the asphalt path. A bridge across the Patuxent River was completed in Spring 2025, now linking Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. (We will not see the bridge on this 4-mile hike.) The trail offers a peek behind the curtain of suburbia, with marshy wetlands, woods, bridges and tunnels, along with some trail sections that pass through residential neighborhoods and some road crossings. Participants should expect a mostly relaxed walk with little elevation. Note: As of December 2025, no bathroom facilities are available for the 4-mile hike, so careful with that coffee consumption in the morning! There are gas stations out on the main roads so on your way to the parking lot, stop in for a bio break. A bit about the AMC 150 Relay: it’s to celebrate AMC’s 150th Birthday! From March to October, volunteers from AMC are offering events galore—a succession of hikes and other outdoor activities from Virginia to Maine, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1876. Though historically rooted in New England, over time AMC has expanded and established regional chapters through the Mid-Atlantic, including today’s host, the Potomac Chapter. We will meet at the parking lot located at Electric Avenue, Glenn Dale, MD. No dogs. All participants must register individually for the hike at [https://activities.outdoors.org](https://activities.outdoors.org/) so that the waiver is signed and an emergency contact is provided.

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. 10 mile out and back hike with about 800' elevation. Can easily see the Mushroom House and the Frank Lloyd Wright house. Rolling hills on mostly groomed trail. Parking GPS location: 38.97366132313788, -77.15095317208835 Porta Johns at parking lot. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)

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

**\*\*\* NOTE these lights appear to go on sale via Amazon frequently \*\*\*** Greetings CBG'ers, **Q:** How many Lumens should your light be to be able to SEE at night? **A:** It should be at least 100 Lumens. **Q:** Is there a brand that is good? **A:** NiteRider has been a solid brand for years, I've (Gary) owned them and they have never busted, but I've lost a few (ha ha). **Q:** Can you give me some examples of what would be good? **A:** Yup, see below but feel free to search Amazon for others as well. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 300 Front Cycling Light - USB Rechargeable:** Lumens: 300 Price: $26.98 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6786-Swift-300-Black/dp/B07DWH2YJC](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6786-Swift-300-Black/dp/B07DWH2YJC) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 500 Front Cycling Light - USB Rechargeable:** Lumens: 500 Price: $39.99 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6785-Swift-Size-Black/dp/B07DWJ5ZTN](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-6785-Swift-Size-Black/dp/B07DWJ5ZTN) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 300 Front Bike Light Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light (Combo Pack) - USB Rechargeable** Lumens: 300 / 110 Price: $41.95 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2X47SV](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2X47SV) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Swift 500 Front Cycling Light & Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light (Combo Pack) - USB Rechargeable** Lumens: 500 / 110 Price: $46.95 (PRIME) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2VCZFS](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Headlight-Resistant-Flashlight/dp/B08F2VCZFS) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **NiteRider Sabre 110 Rear Bike Light:** Lumens: 110 List Price: $14.70 (see combo pack above) [https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Taillight-Resistant-Commuting/dp/B08F12CWK3/](https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Rechargeable-Taillight-Resistant-Commuting/dp/B08F12CWK3/) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

🛼 Sunday Social: The "Grand Branch" Trek Get ready for an epic 15.7-mile out-and-back journey from the heart of DC to the northern edge of the District. We are so fortunate to have the incredible Talida leading the pack for this high-energy trek! This is a special one—we’ll be rolling through the freshly opened MBT extension from Fort Totten to Takoma, completing the full trail connection. 📍 Meetup & Rollout • Location: Freedom Plaza (1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW) • Meetup: 11:00 AM • Wheels Up: 11:10 AM Sharp! 🚀 🗺️ The Route Under Talida’s expert guidance, we’ll move from Freedom Plaza toward the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). We are skating the full length of the trail all the way into Takoma. ⚡ The Vibe: Flow & Flex • The Pace: We’re keeping a steady, intermediate-friendly flow. • The Turnaround: Once we reach the Takoma terminus, Talida will call the play—we may stay for a quick break to soak in the vibes, or we might keep the wheels spinning and head straight back to the Plaza. • The "Red Line" Backup: If you need to tap out early, the route mirrors the Metro Red Line. You can easily hop on at Takoma, Fort Totten, or Brookland. ________________________________________ 🛡️ Safety & Gear • HELMETS ARE MANDATORY: Let's keep the community safe! • Pads: Highly recommended (especially wrist guards for those urban trail cracks). • Hydration: 15.7 miles is a solid workout—please bring plenty of water! • Etiquette: Follow Talida’s lead, stay to the right on the trail, and always call out your passes. The Route: https://onthegomap.com/s/1ip8snof Disclaimer: Please note that anyone who participates does so at their own risk. For the most up-to-date information, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

***FREE TOUR TICKET FOR ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MEETUP MEMBERS*** Use Promo Code **MEETUP2025** to get your free ticket and route smart guide at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-in-columbus-oh-a-smart-guided-short-one-way-loop-bikeway-tour-tickets-769120860197) You can do the tour solo/with your favorite peeps, or try to generate a group ride of Meetup CycleNuts by RSVPing here and posting the day and time you are interested in others joining you. Either way, have fun on your memory-making adventure, and thank you for being a CycleNut! ### SOL in Columbus, OH \- A Smart\-guided Short One\-way Loop Bikeway Tour Short One-way Loop (SOL) in Columbus on bikeways. The smart-guided tour is mostly through scenic riverside parks with a quick downtown peek. All of that in 10 miles! 83% of the route is bikeway, and the rest is Google Maps designated "bicycle-friendly roads". This short ride passes through several beautiful riverside parks. Passing through downtown the route runs alongside Huntington Park baseball stadium, Nationwide Arena hockey stadium, near North Market (worth a stop if you enjoy markets with lots of tasty treats), within a few blocks of the state capitol, convention center, art museum, center of science and industry, several first-class hotels, and much more (see Points of Interest list below). Easily, anywhere along the way, the tour can be detoured to nearby points of interest. This smart-guided route comes with CycleNuts' 50% downhill guarantee. Sweating is optional. If your bike has gears, you might use them to climb in a few spots. All bikes are appropriate for this smart-guided tour (even a single-speed if you do not mind walking your bike up the spots mentioned). The route is shaded about 50% of the way. Sweating is optional - you set your pace, starting time, and touring agenda. Points of interest: COSI Scioto River North Market German Village The Scioto Mile Brewery District Huntington Park Nationwide Arena Columbus Union Station Arch Greater Columbus Convention Center **The Meetup plan = Show up, Rally with whoever else shows up, and Roll following the smart-guided instructions.** This is a smart guided tour route that can be ridden any day or time, solo or with others. It is only posted with a repeating set time and date with a tour leader to fit the Meetup format, and, more importantly, to encourage you to get out and ride when it is convenient for you. **If you are going to ride it and would like the company of others, then simply RSVP and post in the comments when it is that you are going to ride - date and time.** Take pictures/videos and share. Have fun! ***This is a repeating event on the calendar***\*, but the date and time do not necessarily need to be what is posted. **If you are interested in riding with a group, then simply RSVP and leave a message in the comment section** giving the date and time you would like others to join you. If you are interested in riding by yourself or with your private group of friends, then simply do it.\* ***The mission of this format is to create a catalog*** *of free group tour routes available for CycleNuts to ride as a group, or solo, in an area spanning several states. **The goal is to get people out cycling** either in groups or solo. **The vision is a cycling community with resources** available for bike tours, bike talk, and a format for lives experienced at the speed of bike.*

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Start the new year with your local IxDA pals. Join members of the Central Ohio UX and design community for our monthly breakfast.