Freeride

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

**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: Thirsty Thursday ("B" group) * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:35pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Medium ("B" group) * PACE: NMT 16mph * DISTANCE: 14.5 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486) **NOTES:** * Try out a Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment (No Drop). * **Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required as the season progresses.** * All road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed * Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Thirsty Thursday. Thirsty Thursday is about trying a solid Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment. We welcome strong Beginner Level riders that are willing to push themselves to become better cyclists. This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to really try to keep pace. The lead will go no more than 16mph and other organizers/helpers will attempt to "fill the gaps" as we ride. This is a mostly flat ride from Jones Point to Fort Hunt. Of course the "price of admission" for this ride is a hill that presents itself as soon as we enter the neighborhood across the GW Parkway... we have named it "The PUNISHER". If you successfully climb that hill, you are officially a CBG "B" group rider. Once we get to Fort Hunt we will do laps (or you can rest) for a bit before heading back the way we came. If you normally ride faster than 15mph you are welcome to practice your "keeping pace" skills. If you've done this ride at least once before and have the route loaded on a Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or the RidewithGPS app there is also an "A" group version that you can sign up for (aka Very Thirsty Thursday) that rides independently and faster. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** ***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)*** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Southside 815 815 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.836.6222 [http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

Join a relaxed and welcoming French conversation group on Capitol Hill. These informal gatherings are open to all levels, from beginners to fluent speakers, with the goal of practicing French in a supportive, low-pressure environment. We aim to speak French as much as possible, but it’s completely okay to slip into English when needed. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, maintain your skills, or connect with others who love the language, this is a friendly space to learn and converse together.

**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: Very Thirsty Thursday ("A" group) * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:35pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Advanced (A group) * PACE: Above 16mph * DISTANCE: 14.5 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486) **NOTES:** * To do this "A" version participation in a PREVIOUS Medium Level Thirsty Thursday ride is required. * Same RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE (the addition of the Evil Twin is Approved). * **Knowing the route is on you as there is no leader so having the route loaded on your bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required.** * Only regroup is Fort Hunt (wait for Medium riders to fully arrive). * Ultimately the Medium Sweeper will be along if there are any issues. * All route, road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. **This is a ONE STRIKE statement.** * Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Very Thirsty Thursday. This is the Advanced Version ("A" group) of our traditional Thirsty Thursday ride. Same route, just faster, and without a lead or sweep. To qualify for this "A" group you must have participated in the Medium Level Thirsty Thursday. "A" group riders are expected to do the same route as the "B" group riders. You are welcome to do the Evil Twin hill as an added bonus. The only "stop" you need to make is at Fort Hunt. When at Fort Hunt you will wait for the "B" group to fully arrive. As part of the "A" group you will be expected to know the route or have it loaded on your bicycle navigation computer or RidewithGPS phone app. At some point, the "B" group riders will be coming up behind you so if there is a problem someone from CBG can/will assist. Most importantly: All route details, road riding safety rules, as well as CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. Any evidence to the contrary will have repercussions. **This is a ONE STRIKE statement.** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** ***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)*** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Southside 815 815 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.836.6222 [http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

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)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45899232) 26.1 miles. Lunch is at the Great Falls overlook 18.2 miles into the ride. There are toilets at Great Falls and Fletchers' Boathouse. We will e-bike from Glen Echo Park in Maryland to the majestic Great Falls. We will be biking on the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal pathway, and McArthur Blvd with separate biking lanes. This tour captures the essence of adventure and natural beauty. We will be meandering alongside the serene Potomac River and the C&O Canal, offering E-bike Lovers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes that define this region. Glen Echo Park, with its rich tapestry of cultural and artistic heritage, serves as the perfect prologue to a journey that gradually unfolds into the wild, untamed beauty of the Great Falls. The route is just over 26 miles on gravel and asphalt. The gravel is compact. If you don't like the gravel on the C&O Canal pathway, this is not your route. Entrance to the Great Falls National Park is for free as we enter from the C&O Canal. We park at the large parking lot off Oxford Street, NOT at the smaller lot at McArthur Blvd. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers Club membership is now for free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. **REMEMBER:** This is a self-guided event. This event empowers each participant to take the lead, as there are no designated bike leaders within E-bike Lovers. We all embrace the role of leaders in this self-guided experience. Please RSVP only if you are coming so we know how many E-bike Lovers will participate. We enjoy a nearly 100% RSVP success rate. Thank you so much for your help! As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER 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

With the 250th anniversay of the signing of the Declaration of Independence right around the corner, let's talk about the American story. Where have we been and where do you think we are going, from a philosopical perspective? I want to avoid discussing politics, as that tends to devolve into tribal emoting. We'll be oustide, weather permitting. Feel free to bring food to share! We'll socialize for about an hour before the discussion begins at 8:30. ***Ideas to Discuss:*** * What is the American Experiment, and what does its future look like? * If a political system is an "experiment," what are the criteria for its success or failure? * In a hyper-pluralistic society with vastly different moral frameworks, what is the unifying thread that holds "We the People" together? * How should a we balance healthy historical critique with civic inspiration? * Can an 18th-century political system designed for slow, deliberate compromise survive intact when paired with hyper-fast, godlike digital technology? * Recent SCOTUS cases. ***Resources/Quotes*** "The earth belongs always to the living generation… Every constitution, then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of 19 years. If it be enforced longer, it is an act of force and not of right." — **Thomas Jefferson**, Letter to James Madison, 1789 * Is our deep reverence for a 250-year-old document a source of essential stability, or does it trap us in the past just like Jefferson feared? "The challenge of social justice as a unifying myth is that it is essentially a vision of endless conflict, an unresolvable struggle between competing identity groups for power and recognition... We need a story that brings us together, not one that perpetually sorts us into victims and oppressors." — **Francis Fukuyama**, *Liberalism and Its Discontents*, 2022 [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/is-consent-of-the-governed-possible-amid-polarized-politics/](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/is-consent-of-the-governed-possible-amid-polarized-politics/)

Boost your French in a friendly, social evening, intermediate to native, with wine and bites to spark real conversations and connections. 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!***

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 For informational purposes only. Want to ride July 4? Catonsville Rail to Trails is hosting a ride from downtown Catonsville to Ft. McHenry. You will need to register for a nominal fee on EventBrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-bike-ride-to-fort-mchenry-tickets-1990513169473 This is not an E-Bike Lovers ride. Members who would like to meet up and ride together can use the Discussion section to make arrangements. Looks like fun

**The Annual Boomerang Ride is back and ready to deliver another unforgettable day in the saddle!** **🔥50-Mile Route – Ready to test yourself? Join the big boys and take on the full challenge. - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36599221** **🚴40-Mile Route – Prefer a more conservative approach? Enjoy a great ride with plenty of fun and accomplishment along the way. - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35568591** **Both routes will have one rest stop at the Royal Farms on on Deal Churchton Road.** **No matter which route you choose, one thing is certain:** **The Boomerang never disappoints!** **Great roads, great riders, and great memories await. So gather your crew, tune up your bike, and get ready to ride.** **Come catch the Boomerang! 🪃🚴‍♀️💨** **Your bike. Your fitness. Your ride. Your Boomerang.** **This is not an AVS event**

Similar to our "Beginner Ride", a casual, on-road-avoiding, cycle-path-winding, beginner friendly, group ride. The ride will be led by Maya and Angie, who have a combined 50 years of cycling experience. This is a no drop ride with an average speed of 7- 12 mph. Please bring a helmet, lights, a snack, hydration and wear appropriate clothing for cooler weather (cotton is not your friend in cooler temps and we will be riding in the dark). The ride can be tailored to the skills that attendees want to master, i.e- drinking from water bottle while riding, making tight turns, riding in a small group and cycling etiquette. We will be riding mainly on trails, streets as minimally as possible, and sidewalks only when necessary. This ride is perfect for someone who hasn't ridden in a while and wants to get some easy miles on the saddle; not just for newbies. If you have not ridden your bike in several weeks, months or years, please have a safety check done before the day of the ride. We are just here to have fun.

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.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

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.