Low Level Walking

Let's take a walk along the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms! We will then continue up the Rock Creek trail along the Potomac to Georgetown/Foggy Bottom! Route: * Start at the Smithsonian Metro Station * Walk towards the Washington Monument and then we will be moving clockwise around the Tidal Basin (stopping a few times to take some quick photos with the cherry blossoms) * Then towards Jefferson, FDR, and Martin Luther King Monuments, and the Japanese Lantern * We will then walk north to the Mall, walk around the Lincoln Memorial, and then towards the Rock Creek Trail * Head North along the Rock Creek Trail along the Potomac and pass by the Kennedy Center, towards Pennsylvania Ave * At Penn. Ave we will walk towards 23rd St and end at Foggy Bottom Metro Station * (optional and tbd) Enjoy drinks in Georgetown Milage: 5 mi Start Location: Smithsonian Metro Station (mall entrance) End Location: Foggy Bottom Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1jefw7dEyKGsVDZ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1jefw7dEyKGsVDZ7) Terrain: This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Meet at Smithsonian metro at 7am, walk around the Tidal Basin, and back to the metro. Peak bloom was announced and I want to beat Friday’s rain!

To celebrate Opening Day, let's visit the sites of current and former baseball stadiums in DC (excluding RFK) **Parks:** * Nats Park (Active) * Capitol Grounds (Russell Senate Office Building) * Swampoodle Grounds (National Postal Museum) * American League Park I (H & 12th) * National Grounds (Georgia Douglas Johnson Residence) * Olympic Grounds (Spooky Action Theater) * Athletic Park (S St. NW & 10th St. NW) * Boundary Field (Howard University Hospital) * American League Park II (Howard University Hospital) * Griffith Stadium (Howard University Hospital) **Millage:** 5.8 mi **Start Location:** Navy Yard - Ballpark Metro Station **End Location:** Shaw - Howard U Metro Station **Map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/9zZACzMPZ9RabiJb9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9zZACzMPZ9RabiJb9) **Time:** 6 pm - 8:30 pm **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

The cherry blossoms are just a few days from peak bloom, so let's go take a gander on an unusually beautiful Thursday evening and beat the crowds while we're at it. We will meet at the Smithsonian Metro Station Entrance at the mall. There will surely be parking along Jefferson Drive SW, but I always advocate taking the metro when you can. We will do quick introductions and start on our route exactly at 6:00. We will do a clockwise loop of the tidal basin, passing Washington, Jefferson, the Pagoda, MLK, WWII, and Washington again as we make our way back to the Smithsonian Metro. Total distance will be 3.5 miles and I suspect we will be wrapped up shortly after sunset at 7:25. [Follow our Route on Alltrails here.](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/cherry-blossom-walk-from-smithsonian-1a49712?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

**NOTE: DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED!!!!** **Late Hello to SPRING!!!** **THIS HAS A NEW START LOCATION AT THE SOUTH END OF BLUEMONT PARK** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Spring into Eclarions * START LOC: **[Bluemont Park Playground](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** * **BEST ACCESS FROM RTE 50** * Start GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Bluemont+Parking+Area/@38.868907,-77.1342983,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b50016fd88fd:0x8afb6bdf9318a324!8m2!3d38.8689029!4d-77.1317234!16s%2Fg%2F11xgvpr5kw!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm * ROLLING: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 19.6 mi * PACE: 11-13 mph (Social Pace) * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cycle path * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_ECLARIONS_ALEX_2026** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54224094](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54224094) **Notes:** **This ride incorporates two detours from the trails** * This ride is organized "lean" and may not have a sweep. * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **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: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, where we visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired but you don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate. This week we will again do a loop to Old Town Alexandria to celebrate the arrival of Spring 2026! The ride is a 19.6 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will get on the W&OD from the Bluemont **SOUTH** Parking Area to the 4MRT at Shirlington, then the MVT and ride through Old Town and the Wilkes St tunnel to the new Eclarions. We will ride back to the starting point via Columbus St, Cameron St, up the Braddock-King/Potomac Yard Trail, over the Mt Jefferson Park Trail at Stewart St. When we get to Four Mile Run we will head though Arlandia on streets and Shirlington on the 4MRT to Carlin Springs Rd where we get back on the W&OD. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **South** Bluemont Parking 329 N Manchester St Arlington, VA 22203 GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) We will meet in the parking lot. * This location has Restrooms * Next to the Playground and Disc Golf Course **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Koffee Within The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **[Eclarions](https://www.eclairons.com/)** 430 S Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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](http://meetup.com/)'s: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/) * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ [http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY](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.

Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run. This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome. Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group! **MEETING SPOT:** We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Ballston Local on N Glebe in front off the restaurant. See the pin below. Parking at the mall is only $1.00 after 6:00 PM. Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM and eventually end up back where we started. **ROUTE INFO:** Here's our regular Thursday route, from the Bluemont Junction Trail to the W&OD Trail to the Custis Trail (about 4 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/) When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route so you can load it later from the MapMyRun app on your phone. **POST-RUN:** After the run, we'll grab a drink nearby for those who are interested in sticking around. **WEATHER:** We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely. **RSVP:** If you are interested in joining, please join the group and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to **meet new friends**, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side. We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the **Great Falls Overlook** to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together! This is an **easy and beginner-friendly hike** which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. **Meeting Time & Location:** Join us at **9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter). **Distance:** 7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 131 feet **Difficulty:** Easy This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Free parking is available at the **Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**, which is also our meeting point. **Trail Maps (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-23-2025-7e6b20d?u=i&sh=ylk43q) **Restrooms** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Following the hike, we’ll head over to TBD for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us - and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

*Location Change * Since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831 Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet and pads are required. Skate at your own risk.

Join us for the Friday Night Fitness Skate! A 12 or 8 mile fitness skate that skates the same route each week so you will know the route and pavement hazards (since it is dark) and be able to work on form, endurance or speed as the cold wind is pushing against you! ;) The route has nice long stretches of uninterrupted skating, open roads with very few cars and the regroups are short and infrequent. We will meet at Freedom Plaza at 7pm as long as it is not raining, snowing and the pavement is not wet or icy. We’ll warm up with a skate to the Capital and then skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. From the Lincoln we will proceed to Haynes Point down Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile Haynes Point loop (12 mile total skate) or practice stops or stunts at the regroup spot while others skate the loop (8.5 mile total skate.) 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 and a couple patches here and there. The wind can be very strong and cold especially on Ohio Drive and Haynes Point as we skate adjacent to the water. Please feel free to jazz up your gear with lights, I wear a helmet bike light (since it is pretty dark) and a set of body lights. Most of the regulars skate with lighted wheels for fun! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will update this post via the comment section around 6pm on Friday. Of course, all skating is at your own risk. Hope you will come join us!

The National Park Service predicts the cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom on March 29, and the magnolias will hopefully still be hanging in there. Let's go for a walk around the National Mall in DC! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, in front of the gift shop, we'll walk west and north through the Enid Haupt Garden to the National Mall. From there we will continue west through the National Mall to make a counter-clockwise loop around the Tidal Basin, with a detour to see the magnolias in the George Mason Memorial, returning along Jefferson Ave through the Haupt Garden back to our starting point. * The total distance is just over 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours, with maybe a little extra time to sight-see and take selfies. * The surface is paved and fairly level throughout. This is an easy walk. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/w3a426bf](https://tinyurl.com/w3a426bf) ❷ **How to get there:** * The Metro: The Eisenhower Memorial is located at 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202, just northeast of the Maryland Ave SW exit from L'Enfant Metro Station. From the Maryland Ave SW exit, walk one block ENE along Maryland Avenue SW to enter the memorial. The gift shop is a small building on the east side of the memorial. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip and check for alerts: https://www.wmata.com/ * Driving: The street address is 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. There is paid parallel parking in the area. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). The layered look is recommended. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 57F, with light SW winds and a very slight chance of showers. Updates here: [https://tinyurl.com/3u4k48pt](https://tinyurl.com/3u4k48pt) 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 public restrooms at the Eisenhower Memorial and at several locations along our route. See the Google map. ❼ **Notes:** * Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. [https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm) * 2026 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts: [https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/](https://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/) * National Park Service Bloom Watch: [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm)

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!

We’re finally getting started. Join us this Sunday, March 29 at 10am at Thompson Park for our first group walk together. Meet at the flagpole next to the Shelter House (near the Children's Playground), and we’ll head out at 10:05. We’ll do two laps of the big loop around the park. All paces and fitness levels welcome — the goal is simply to get outside and walk. See you there.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries and enjoy a spring evening out downtown! Meeting place and approx route, tba. *Fearure photo by Chalk Goblin