sailing courses and holidays

**Rock Creek Trail: Starting at Lake Needwood** **\*\*Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) \*\*** **NEAREST TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** unknown **PARKING ADDRESS** Lake Needwood 15700 Needwood Cir Dr. Derwood, MD 20855 **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** Park at Lake Needwood Lot A, closest to the trailhead. You can also park at Lot B or C then bike over to meet us at A, at the trailhead kiosk. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** Join us for a scenic, relaxed, and beautifully shaded ride starting at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park. We’ll roll out on a smooth, paved trail that winds through quiet forests, gentle curves, and peaceful creekside stretches — perfect for riders who enjoy nature, steady pacing, and great conversation along the way. The route follows the Rock Creek Trail south toward Beach Drive, offering a mix of open views, wooded canopy, and the calming sound of Rock Creek running beside us. This is one of Montgomery County’s most beloved trails for a reason: it’s serene, well‑maintained, and feels like a true escape from the city. Riders can expect: · A comfortable, mostly flat paved trail with a few gentle rises · Shaded riding for most of the route · Smooth pavement with only occasional rough patches · Light to moderate trail traffic, depending on the day · A mid‑ride break at Beach Drive, where we’ll regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery · A relaxed return ride back to Lake Needwood on the same beautiful path This ride is ideal for social cyclists, newer riders building confidence, and anyone who wants a scenic, low‑stress outing. Expect friendly company, a steady pace, and plenty of nature along the way. Note: Visitors can only bike around a portion of the lake due to the trail not going all the way around. We’ll be taking the Rock Creek Trail from the parking lot down to DC. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any kind of bike frame and tires. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. **SKILL LEVEL:** All levels can enjoy this trail. It is well marked and mostly flat. **PACE:** It’s up to you. Paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. · If you prefer a **faster pace** than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up. · If you’re **not sure what your avg. speed** is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. **OPTION A:** Short and scenic 3 miles down to just south of the MD‑28 underpass **What it’s like:** Perfect warm‑up ride, Smooth pavement, shaded, quiet, Great for newer riders or anyone easing into the season, No major hills, and you stay entirely within the most forested part of the trail **OPTION B:** C**lassic Needwood Ride — \~7.5 miles down (15 miles round‑trip) . Turnaround:** Beach Drive (Montgomery County section) **What it’s like:** This is the “signature” Needwood ride, Beautiful creekside views, Long, uninterrupted paved sections, Mid‑ride break at Beach Drive (picnic areas + restrooms), and Ideal for social pace groups **OPTION C:** **Strong Intermediate — \~10 miles down (20 miles round‑trip). Turnaround:** Farther south on Beach Drive toward the DC line **What it’s like:** Adds more rolling terrain, Still mostly shaded, You’ll experience the most scenic part of upper Rock Creek, Great for riders who want a longer workout without going into DC, Weekend riders may enjoy car‑free Beach Drive sections. **OPTION D: Longer Adventure — 12–15 miles down (24–30 miles round‑trip). Turnaround**: Anywhere between the DC line and Peirce Mill What it’s like: A true endurance ride, Mix of quiet wooded trail + lively urban‑park energy, Optional stop at Peirce Mill for water, restrooms, and shade, And Best for riders comfortable with longer distances and more trail traffic **BATHROOMS** **Lake Needwood Boat House / Boat Center** *Permanent restrooms (seasonal hours)* **Picnic Areas 1, 2, and 3** *Typically have seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties* (Example: Picnic Area 3 is confirmed in search results.) **Meadowside Nature Center (near Needwood, short spur off trail)** **Rock Creek Regional Park Picnic Areas (between Needwood & Norbeck).** Some picnic groves have seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties **Beach Drive Picnic Areas (Montgomery County section).** Multiple picnic groves with **seasonal restrooms or porta‑potties.** These are typically open spring–fall. Located near the trail and easy to access **BIKE RENTALS** NA **BIKE REPAIR** Rockville Bike Hub **FOOD & DRINK INFO** TBA **OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS** Picnic by the lake **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat. Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.** **Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:** · Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them. · Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop. · Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel. · Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction. · Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps · When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. · Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground. **MEETUP POLICIES** Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. **Participation is at your own risk**. An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

🍵**Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Culture Workshops** \*\*Unlock the secrets to perfectly whisked, delicious Matcha!\*\*🍵 👉**Registration** is **Online Only** at: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6697615 ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 🕒**When:** Sunday, **7 Jun 2026**, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍**Where:** Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 **Details:** This immersive class teaches you the precise techniques for brewing, along with proper care for your tools. You'll leave with your very own Matcha set and the knowledge to find peace and flavor at home. While we sip, enjoy quiet mini-discussions on intriguing Japanese cultural mysteries. Master the art of Matcha and bring daily tranquility into your life! This class includes the Kit. Children are welcome but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 12. ⚠️ HOW TO REGISTER An RSVP on Meetup does NOT reserve your spot. **Please register via the link below** to attend. ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 👉https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6697615 Hope to see you there!

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/18-hole-play-edp-13461-06-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** Enjoy 18 holes at one of Virginia’s most celebrated public courses! Recently recognized in The Golfer’s Journal for its rich history and “visually stunning” course design. Price includes range balls and 18 holes of golf with cart. This event welcomes the first 12 people who RSVP. Come solo or bring a friend. Payment will be made upon arrival at the event venue. **$115\.00 Member \| $115\.00 Non Member** A **Non Member** registration fee of **$10.00** is due at time of registration. This fee is non refundable.

**The Bike Lane** in Reston is turning 25—and throwing a summer block party bash to celebrate! Join us at The Bike Lane for a day packed with group rides, live music, cold beer, and delicious food trucks. They’ve got some big party planning happening behind the scenes, and trust me—you won’t want to miss this one. More details to be added as they are announced! Stay up to date on all the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1272557651680190 **Band Lineup** (exact times coming soon): * **The Stray Dogs** * **Longest Day of the Year** * **Hijynx** Bring a folding chair kick back and enjoy the music. **Food Trucks**: Killer Tomato Pizza, Nordic Knots, + a Surprise Guest! **Breweries**: Eight favorite beer friends will be there (marking 8 years of Bike Lane Brewing): Lake Anne Brewhouse, Jasper Yeast, Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Bitterfruit Brewing, Solace Outpost, Mieza Blendary, Sinistral Brewing Company! Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate 25 years of bikes, community, and good times with The Bike Lane!

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM at VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Sip and Learn** event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. 🌱 **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Bring your favorite drink or meal to pair with our live herbs. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this chance to sip, taste, and learn! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Join us [every Sunday at Pedro Sauer Academy](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/martial-arts-class-schedule-herndon-va/) (PSA) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) for open training in [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ): **Research**, **Review**, and **Roll**! 🥇 This is a **student-driven session** designed to help you explore what matters most to your BJJ development. Whether you want to **research techniques, review material from the week**, or **roll with different partners**, this open format gives you the flexibility to focus on your own goals. An **instructor will be present** to answer questions, offer feedback, and help troubleshoot positions, but the pace and flow of the session are entirely up to you. You can **drill, experiment**, or **get in some live rounds** in a relaxed and supportive environment. Open training is ideal for students who want to **refine their technique, test new ideas, and build confidence** through *consistent practice*. All skill levels are welcome -- come train, learn, and grow with the **[Northern Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community](https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-martial-arts-group/)**! **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**. This event is **free of charge**. The [PSA open mat schedule](https://nvma.group/va/herndon/pedro-sauer-academy/bjj-open-mat-schedule/) has been cross-posted on the NVMA Group website as well.

**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors. We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company. Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location. **Distance:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 302 feet **Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines) This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** We’ll park at the **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Dogs on the Trail** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“A Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence,”** on the origins and impact of America’s founding document, with Denver Brunsman, chairman of George Washington University’s history department, lecturer at Mount Vernon, and noted scholar of early American history and the American Revolution. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-deep-dive-into-declaration](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-deep-dive-into-declaration) .] The celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary will take on much deeper meaning if you take time to fully understand and appreciate the document that declared our independence from England and gave rise to the American experiment. Learn essential lessons about the Declaration of Independence from Denver Brunsman, an incredibly engaging speaker who has built a big following among Profs and Pints fans in and around Washington D.C. Professor Brunsman will start by discussing the Declaration’s background, composition, and philosophical underpinnings. You’ll learn how by 1776 American colonists had resisted British policies for thirteen years and endured open warfare with Britain for more than a year. We’ll look at how this imperial crisis influenced the Declaration’s primary author, Thomas Jefferson, as well as the larger Declaration Committee and the Second Continental Congress. In recent years, scholars have focused particularly on the previously underappreciated grievance section of the Declaration. Rather than simply being an afterthought to the more famous preamble (“all men are created equal”), the grievances followed a logical order that carefully presented the case against King George III and the British Empire for a “candid world” to consider. Professor Brunsman will fill you in on how that list of grievances rallied Americans and other nations to the cause. A document both timeless and of its time, the Declaration quickly soared beyond its humble origins as a committee report to become synonymous with American independence and an inspiration for rebellion elsewhere. Dr. Brunsman will consider the place of the Declaration in American life, from the eighteenth century to today, and how the document helped shape much of American history while influencing “the course of human events” throughout the world. The talk will close with customary toasts from the American revolutionary era. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From an idealized Jean Leon Gerome Ferris painting of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams drafting the Declaration of Independence.

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/on-course-golf-clinic-edp-14783-06-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** This is a great opportunity for golfers who have taken lessons to gain confidence on the course! Play golf with instructor Ross Gelfo who will float between groups to cover golf situations including proper etiquette, rules, club selection, pace of play strategy, understanding the scorecard, developing pre-shot routines, and more. Price includes 9 holes of walking golf on the par 3 golf course with guidance from the pro. Push carts $7 additional payable at the course. Everyone will need a set of clubs. (Rentals $10) This event welcomes the first 8 people who RSVP. Come solo or bring a friend. Payment required in advance. Refunds less $10 cancelation fee with 72 hours advance written notice. **$52\.00 Member \| $60\.00 Non Member**

We'll be advertising our club at the Captial Pride Festival again. Let everyone know what a great time they can have sailing with us! Volunteers can staff the table for just an hour or two, then cruise the rest of the festival. We can also use some help setting up the table and banners around 11:30 and packing up at around 4-4:30. Location TBA but we are usually in the Team DC Sports Village (across from Navy memorial fountain, Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Between 7th and 9th Street.) Please let us know which times you plan on volunteering.

Join us at Seasons 52 Restaurant in North Bethesda. Join sailors from the Singles on Sailboats club and learn about our sailing opportunities -- day sails and weekends on the Chesapeake, bareboat charter opportunities around the world. Third Thursday of each month. www.singlesonsailboats.org Explore your interest in sailing, whether you're just curious, a novice, experienced, or a skipper. SOS offers many ways to engage in the sport, educational presentations, and varied social events on a limited budget. Come to our Happy Hour, meet some members, learn about the club, and consider joining! Just ask for the SOS Group. **FYI:** Though Meet Up may show few people attending, when you arrive many of the actual Singles on Sailboats club members will be there also. So, meet and greet, learn about the club and enjoy a Happy Hour with like-minded boaters. Host: Debbie Goldberg For more information about this gathering contact Debbie Goldberg at hidebbieg@yahoo.com

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/9-hole-go-for-the-green-scramble-edp-14584-06-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** All skill levels are invited to join us for a little friendly competition. Participate in a fun 9 hole team scramble format followed by socializing and recognizing our winners in the clubhouse. Price includes 9 holes of golf with range balls, cart, glass of wine and prizes! This event welcomes the first 24 people who RSVP. Come solo or bring a friend. Payment in advance. Refunds less $10 cancelation fee with 72 hours advance written notice. **$59\.00 Member \| $69\.00 Non Member**

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/improve-your-swing-edp-13544-06-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** Improve your golf swing at one of the largest and nicest teaching facilities in the mid-Atlantic area - complete with covered, heated stations and lights. Join golf instructor Ross Gelfo who makes it fun to better your skills focusing on swing fundamentals and techniques. Price includes range balls, one hour of group instruction and opportunity to connect with women who share your interests. This event welcomes the first 8 people who RSVP. Come solo or bring a friend. Payment required in advance. Refunds less $10 cancelation fee with 72 hours advance written notice. **$27\.00 Member \| $37\.00 Non Member**