Freeride

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

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate! **Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night! We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park. The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.) There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group. The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel. Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post. **Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency.

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. **7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 282 feet.** **Description:** **[DC250](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE): July 4, 2026** marks the **250th anniversary** of the **United States Declaration of Independence**\-\- a celebration of the people\, by the people\, for the people\. We will begin our **[visit of DC in festive mode](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE),** from the **[Theodore Roosevelt Island](https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)** parking lot. heading over the **[Key Bridge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/francis-scott-key-bridge.htm).** From here we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the **[Georgetown Waterfront](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)**[ ](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)towards the **[Kennedy Center](https://www.kennedy-center.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=299478384&gbraid=0AAAABBMbcUh7UQT5nce6nYQ3paUCb_DrL&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp5w1UgZNtq8gE-NQ3JD9fZgxYLyANQGxAe__JuFytV7LnFE4j-pa6RoCYZQQAvD_BwE).** Once inside, we will go up to the **[Terrace Level](https://washingtonphotosafari.com/home/photo-tours/night-safaris/sunset-and-twilight-from-the-kennedy-center-terrace-rooftop/)** which allows one to see a **panoramic view** of **Washington DC.** From there we will take the **pedestrian walk way** to the **[Lincoln Memorial.](https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm)** The newly re-done **[Reflecting Pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Memorial_Reflecting_Pool)** is the **centerpiece** on our way to the **[Washington Monument](https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm)** which offers a view of the entire **Mall** in both directions. From there we head back to the **Lincoln Memorial** along the **Reflecting Pool** and over the **[Memorial bridge](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/memorialave.htm)** to the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)** back to **Roosevelt Island.** **Facilities:** Kennedy Center and along the Mall. **Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)** **Weather:** weather for this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/434885816dced9dd270292ef3091a4d5d474bc898df914d47c36585a0f98d1c2).** **Wher** **e to Meet:** Meet at the **Roosevelt Island parking lot** at 9:00 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up. **By Metro:** Roosevelt is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right. **By Car:** Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot. **Coordinates**: **38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W** **[LINK to Roosevelt Island](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zAGUtpjj1Qd5MQ39?g_st=im)** Feel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - The Peacock Cafe (Georgetown) * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 9:00am * SPEECH: 9:15am * ROLLING: 9:30am * LEVEL: Medium Level (distance) * PACE: \~12+mph * DISTANCE: 16+ miles * TERRAIN: trail, local streets * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_BRUNCH_PEACOCK_CAFE_2024 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47928242](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47928242) **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring water: its HOT * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: The Peacock Cafe * 3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007 * https://www.peacockcafe.com/brunch/ **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Let's have brunch at The Peacock Cafe. Ride is fairly flat. We leave Shirlington and ride on four mile trail, then north on the Mount Vernon Trail, across the Francis Scott Key Bridge to Georgetown and a few blocks away is our destination, where we will enjoy a leisurely brunch. Then, reverse our journey back to Shirlington (about 3 hours total). **++++++++++++++++++++** **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 near the front of the Shirlington Library, next to the construction area. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Brunch** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Peacock Cafe** 3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007 Washington, DC 20007 [202-625-2740](tel:202-625-2740) MENU: https://www.peacockcafe.com/brunch/# **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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. ..........................................................................................................................

We are fortunate to have a good network of bicycle paths and bicycle-friendly streets in the DC area. Dust off that bike, pump up your tires, and find out how easy it can be to get around on a bike. This will be a relaxed ride of approximately 19 miles through Arlington and DC. Don't be intimiated by that mileage. You'd be surprised how quickly you can cover 19 miles on a bike. The terrain will be mostly flat with a very gradual climb along the W&OD and Bluemont trails. I intend for our group to stay together throughout the ride so you won't need to bother with a cue sheet or navigation device or worry about being "dropped." You can [click on this link ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55703716?privacy_code=PcKMWNH6M61rHBOEtssadbj6ShtSIZKj)if you want to see a map of our route and the elevation profile. We'll meet at the Pentagon City (not Pentagon) Metro station and depart promptly at 10 AM. Wear a helmet, bring a water bottle, and be prepared to pay Adventuring's usual $5 trip fee. There will be an option for lunch or a snack at one of the Pentagon City eateries after the ride if anyone is interested. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release,

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! Skate description will be placed here as the route is published. For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

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)

Join us for a fun day on some urban trails we visit less often! We will meet at Columbia Island Marina, cross the 14th St. Bridge and make our way thru the Wharf over to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to our oasis destination, Lake Artemesia! After a snack break and loop around the lake, we will return via Rhode Island Ave Trolley Trail and Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, crossing to the north side of the river, past the Navy Yard, and finally back to Columbia Island Marina for cool drinks and lunch. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Lake Artemesia * START LOC: Columbia Island Marina George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/gcQe4oH6rWN7Lqy9A](https://goo.gl/maps/gcQe4oH6rWN7Lqy9A) * START PARKING: Near the restroom building. * ARRIVAL: 9:30am * SPEECH: 9:45am * ROLLING: 10:00am * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 13-15 mph * DISTANCE: 33 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_ART_LK_Artemesia * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55770223](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55770223) **NOTE:** * Check your tire pressure before you arrive, and be sure you have at least one spare tube that fits your tires! * Make sure your bike is in good working condition before you arrive! * Bring a snack and TWO FULL bottles of cold water or hydration fluid. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Summer is officially here and it is going to be HOT, and the trails will be a mix of shady & sunny stretches. It is very important that you bring a small snack and TWO full water bottles with you (I fill mine to the top with ice and then add water.) * We start at Columbia Island Marina * Cross the 14th St. Bridge * Ride through The Wharf * Stop at the Titanic Memorial (regroup). * Cross the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge * Ride the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail * Regroup @ Bladensburg Waterfront Park, water & restrooms available * Northeast Branch Trail to Lake Artemesia, Rest Stop * Head back to Columbia Island Marina via Rhode Island Ave Trolley Trail & ART on north side of river * RATR at Island Time Bar & Grill @ Columbia Island Marina **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Columbia Island Marina George Washington Memorial Pkwy Arlington, VA 22202 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/gcQe4oH6rWN7Lqy9A](https://goo.gl/maps/gcQe4oH6rWN7Lqy9A) PARKING: Near the restroom building. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Island Time Bar & Grill at Columbia Island Marina **HOURS OF OPERATION** Wednesday – Friday 12:00pm – 7:00pm Saturday – Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm [https://www.facebook.com/IslandTimeBarGrill/](https://www.facebook.com/IslandTimeBarGrill/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Bienvenue! We host a twice-a-month French conversation club at La Chatelaine on Lane. All levels welcome! Whether you're new to French or running for Président de la République you are welcome here! We often read plays together, play vocabulary games, and generally enjoy the delicious food available at La Chatelaine! We will be at the long table in the back of the restaurant. A bientôt!