Rock Crawling

Hey Rockers, Time to break out your acoustic instruments and bring some good vibes to 2026. I'll be hosting an acoustic jam at my place, so just bring your instruments, songbooks, and any food/libations you're willing to share with the group. No need to publish a songlist. Just be willing to share your talents with the group. We'll have some snacks during and after the jam, so feel free to stick around for awhile. Keep Rockin! Eric

🌸 ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM SKATE 🌸 Spring is here, and it’s time for the big one! Join the Washington Area Roadskaters as we celebrate the season with our most scenic roll of the year. Note on the Start: Freedom Plaza is still closed for renovation, so we are shifting our meetup just a block away to Pershing Park. \*📍 MEETING POINT: Pershing Park (WWI Memorial) Corner of E St NW and 14th St NW \*⏰ TIME: Meet at 10:00 AM \| Roll at 10:10 AM \*📏 DISTANCE: \~8.9 Miles \*🩷 ATTIRE: WEAR PINK! Let’s turn the streets into a sea of pink to match the trees. 🗺️ The Route Our leader, Chris Topher, has a fantastic route planned to hit all the best bloom spots: \* The Classics: We’ll skate past the Washington Monument on our way to the Floral Library. \* The Waterfront: From there, we’ll roll along the Tidal Basin for those iconic views before heading out to the long, smooth stretch of Hains Point. \* Hidden Gems: After the loop, we’ll visit the Enid A. Haupt Garden (behind the Smithsonian Castle) for a different look at the spring colors. \* The Finish: We’ll wrap things up with a fast finish through the 12th Street Tunnel (a group favorite!) as we head back toward the start. ✅ Quick Reminders: \* Safety First: Helmets are required! \* Hydration: Bring water to stay fueled during the 9-mile loop. \* Vibe: This is a social skate, but be prepared for some city street navigation and tunnel riding. The Route: https://onthegomap.com/s/fcnmrvu2 Let’s make this the best Blossom Skate yet. See you there in your best pink gear! 🛼✨ 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!

Our next event will be at Tatte Bakery at City Center. There is space to draw inside or out and there are beautiful cherry blossom decorations in the area for inspiration. Gabriel, who will be hosting this week, will have a meetup sign. Photo by [Evan Wise](https://unsplash.com/@evanthewise?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-cup-of-coffee-sitting-on-top-of-a-saucer-NFWaoPmPOpk?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)

My favorite Country Western Hanks - Hank Penny, a King of Western Swing; Hank Snow, “_I’ve Been Everywhere_”; and Hank Williams, America’s original punk rocker; all left their stamp on Country Western music. These three and a few other Hanks will be celebrated this Sunday by Karen Collins and the Backroads Band alongside a posse of guest artists including Willie Barry of the RockASonics. My 3 Hanks playlist on Spotify - [3 Hanks ](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Hlk571KCbWSy9FIvBYiDK?si=pASSZeYuQZy6xzKxHxCvCg&pi=cAap48GnRUull) . The music starts at 6 but come early to get a seat, as this show is likely to sell out. The cover for this show is $10. I will most likely be at bar in my honky tonk 🤠 best. Hank Dietles Tavern is MoCo’s roadhouse and possessor of the first post prohibition alcohol license.

**NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE RIDERS; RIDE MAY BE CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF LOW INTEREST/SIGN-UP.** [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

Let’s celebrate AMC’s 150th Birthday – join us for this leg of the AMC 150 Relay in Maryland! We'll walk an 8.3-mile section of the WB&A Trail. This rail-trail was 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. No dogs. This is a through hike that will require making shuttle arrangements. All participants must register individually for the hike at [https://activities.outdoors.org](https://activities.outdoors.org/) so that the waiver is signed, an emergency contact is provided, and for more updated info about the event. Severe weather such as heavy rain or thunderstorm will cancel, drizzle will not. If in doubt, or have any questions, contact leader by 7 AM day of hike. Leader Desiree Smith/ As of mid-March, no bathrooms at the start/stop points or along the trail so plan to stop for a bio break on your way to the start. Direct link to the event: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000022Q5J2AU/act00017861 This activity is scheduled in conjunction with Appalachian Mountain Club’s 150 Relay celebration. From March to October, volunteers from AMC are offering 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 Potomac Chapter. 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, plus a mix of sun and shade exposure.

*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.

King Soul delivers old-school Southern Soul with original songs, powerhouse vocals, and a killer horn section. Featuring all-star musicians from top DC bands and boasting 30+ Wammies and Austin Music Awards, they’re a premier draw at clubs and events. Bring a chair. We will sit near the front on the right facing the stage.

**NOTE: There is construction going on at the Tidal Basin (Tidal Basin Seawall Project) so while there still will be Cherry Blossoms, they will be more at the FDR/MLK area of the Tidal Basin (I think). I will recon this soon to get a better idea.** Put yourself on the waiting list if interested!! I will clear the waiting list as Organizers (Helpers) sign up for the ride. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Cherry Blossom Ride 2026 * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage (Free on Weekends) * ARRIVAL: 11:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 11:15 a.m. * ROLLING: 11:30 a.m. * LEVEL: Beginner * DISTANCE: 12 miles * PACE: 12+ mph * TERRAIN: Bike Trails (minor Streets) * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_CBLOSSOM_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54426818](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54426818) **NOTES:** * 1 Hour (APPROX) wandering time at the Cherry Blossoms. * Bring a bike lock. * Bring a camera. * Bring a snack. **National Park Service (NPS) Peak Bloom Estimate:** March 29th- April 1st **Capital Weather Gang (Washington Post):** April 3rd - April 7th **NBC StormTeam4:** March 30 - April 5 **WUSA9:** April 2 **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** It's Back!!! Come join us for a leisurely ride to enjoy the 2026 Cherry Blossom season. The ride will begin at the Shirlington Library where we will take the 4 Mile Run Trail to connect to the Mt. Vernon Trail. We will then head north and make our first traditional "brief" regrouping stop at Gravelly Point (to see the planes take off or land). We will then continue north again and cross the 14th St. bridge (George Mason Bridge). Depending on how the Tidal Basin Construction is going, we will either ride to the Jefferson Memorial and lock up our bikes, or we will head over to the FDR Memorial. This is To Be Determined (TBD). Regardless, we will hang out for an hour (APPROX) which will give everyone time to walk around the cherry blossoms area and take pictures. VERY IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. Bring a bike lock. 2. Bring a camera. 3. Bring a snack. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Bloom** **++++++++++++++++++++++** • [http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/](http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/) • [https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm) • [https://cherryblossomwatch.com/](https://cherryblossomwatch.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. There is plenty of parking available in the parking garages (all free on the weekends). **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++++** Damn Good Burger Co. 4251 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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 meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 5 mi. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour \*\* Not suitable for fast paced hikers \*\* **DESCRIPTION** This "hike" features a leisurely stroll through the Kenwood neighborhood, and its beautiful Cherry Blossoms. It will be followed by optional lunch in downtown Bethesda, MD. We will meet at the entrance to Bethesda Metro on Wisconsin Avenue and make our way to the start of the Capital Crescent Trail. We will take this trail to River Road where we will switch over to sidewalks and explore the Kenwood neighborhood. We will then make our way back to Bethesda using the CC trail. Lunch will then follow; place to be determined. Everyone pays for their meal. **PARKING:** Garages nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays. **DOGS:** DOGS permitted per Club [policy](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/policies/).

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!

Join Black Love & Friends for an elevated evening of connection at the stunning rooftop lounge at Lincoln Social in downtown Columbus. Sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy breathtaking skyline views, and engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and creatives in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. This is more than a meetup — it's a space to build authentic connections, expand your circle, and enjoy Columbus nightlife at one of the city's most beautiful rooftop venues. ✨ Stylish atmosphere 🍸 Crafted cocktails 🌆 Iconic rooftop views 🤝 Genuine connections Space is limited and rooftop events fill quickly.

**Caller: Kim Thompson** **Band: Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

When was the **last time** you went roller skating? **For most people**… middle school. Let’s bring it back. Music. Lights. Good vibes. **No experience needed**. Most people who attend come alone, and **many haven’t skated in years** — that’s what makes it fun. Expect laughs, **a few wobbly legs at first**, and a surprisingly great workout. *** 📍 **Skate Zone 71**⏰ **Meet:** 8:20 PM (Arrive before 8:35) 💰 **Cost at the door** $13 admission $6 skate rental (or bring your own Free) Bring cash — I can often get our group a **$2 discount**. Possible drinks after depending on interest. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.** **Spot Guarantee** RSVP on Meetup is free, but **spots are limited**. To avoid Meetup ticket fees, please send **$2 to guarantee your spot**. **Venmo (preferred)** @WiseUnlimitedLLC [https://account.venmo.com/u/wiseunlimitedllc](https://account.venmo.com/u/wiseunlimitedllc) **PayPal** [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AUHWXSKJHRKRG](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AUHWXSKJHRKRG) Include **your Meetup name + event name** in the note. Comment **“Paid”** on the event or message me so I can confirm your spot. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**