Travel Tips

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we want YOU to join us! New players are always welcome to come out and play touch rugby with us - all you need is a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Also, bring a water bottle, a mouth guard, and cleats (if you have them - they're not necessary right away). Our experienced coaches will teach you everything you need to know! Bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and most importantly, your love for the game. Let's make this practice a blast!

Solstice special; please note the 7:30 pm start time. Brisk, 3-to-4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. After the hike, we will head to Freddie's for drinks, food, and karaoke. Closest metro Crystal City.

**Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition with Ryan, Dave, Bruce, Ronne, & Renee** As you may have heard, our illustrious TNR leader Ryan is sporting a repaired knee and is in recovery mode. We are recasting the TNR as a **B-ride!** (**no faster than a 15mph** pace). **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition - Lazy Mikes * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672) * START PARKING: Any Garage in Shirlington * ARRIVAL: 6:00pm * SPEECH: 6:15pm * ROLLING: 6:30pm (or earlier if everyone is present) * LEVEL: \*\***Medium\*\*** * PACE: \*\***no faster than 15mph\*\*** * DISTANCE: 16 miles (Lazy Mike's) * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_TNR_LMIKE_2026 (Updated)** **[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55165275](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55165275)** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents: Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition - Lazy Mikes We'll start in Shirlington and do the Lazy Mikes W&OD OUT and BACK route! * The B group will do an OUT and BACK to Lazy Mikes via the W&OD - 16 miles (ice cream optional). It's UPHILL on the way out, but a glorious DOWNHILL on the way home! This is the Medium level ride because we're going to keep a pace of 13-15mph on flat stretches (slower on hills) and the total distance is approximately 16 miles. This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to try to keep a B-Group level pace (NFT 15mph). **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672) We will meet directly in front of the library by the fountains. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** We’ll head to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for a drink and food. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like! **++++++++++++++++++++** **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/ Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. NO exceptions. 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. Again, no exceptions.

Join us at Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, located in Rockville to celebrate LIFE. If it's nice, we can sit outside by the pond and waterfall. It’s a rustic retreat reminiscent of the grand "Great Camps" of the Adirondack Mountains from the early 1900s. They offer a warm atmosphere and yummy dishes that include steak, various types of fish, crab cakes, pasta dishes and raw bar. Have a look at their menu: [https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus](https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus) Seating is limited so people who do not pay $5 via Venmo to @ DIANNEE-GODAR will be removed. All aboard mates!

New Track, Same Vibes - we are now at Prince George's Community College Track starting 16 June! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for a structured speed workout! If you are new to running, just getting back into it, or checking out the club for the first time, this a great first workout to join. All paces and abilities welcome. A pre-determined workout will be announced at the beginning and participants can adjust the workout to meet their needs and level. Workouts are usually planned by time, rather than distance, which helps accommodate the wide variety of paces that we have and allows the group to stick together. Warm-up starts at 6:30pm. Children are welcome, if accompanied by a responsible adult.

We'll use this time to meet new GRASP members and catch up with those we already know! Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt to easily find the group. This restaurant is a fast-casual format meaning it's easy to order and pay individually! Adult beverages are available and you can expect entrees in the $15 range. The [Torchy's Tacos menu is here](https://torchystacos.com/menu/) and they offer a wide variety of tacos, burritos, salads, and excellent sides. In living by their Damn Good mantra, they’re constantly innovating to ensure they’re delivering the tastiest tacos, queso, and margaritas in the game. Their Taco of the Month promotions allow them to provide unique tacos to Taco Junkies year 'round. The ingredients make the meal. That’s why they responsibly and ethically source every single ingredient, down to the jalapeño. From there, they work hard to whip up the best damn tacos, cooked to order, just the way you like 'em.

**A Journey Through the Soul of the American Wilderness** Step aboard and let the rails carry you into the heart of America’s wild beauty. With Amtrak’s Grand National Parks journey, the landscapes tell a story — of ancient mountains, roaring geysers, and valleys carved by time. Your adventure begins in the legendary Yellowstone National Park, where the earth breathes through steaming geysers and colorful hot springs. Witness the powerful eruption of Old Faithful, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and watch herds of bison and elk move across wide, golden valleys untouched by time. Next, journey westward to the granite cathedrals and misty waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Beneath the towering heights of El Capitan and Half Dome, and among giant sequoias older than empires, you’ll walk through landscapes that have inspired generations of adventurers, poets, and dreamers. Finally, travel north aboard the famed Empire Builder to the wild, untouched splendor of Glacier National Park. Here, turquoise lakes, sweeping alpine meadows, and rugged peaks paint a portrait of nature’s raw, enduring beauty. Every trail, every mountain pass whispers of an ancient world still alive today. Throughout this unforgettable journey, the train is more than transportation — it’s a front-row seat to America’s greatest wonders. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and breathtaking views at every turn, this is not just a vacation — it’s a pilgrimage to the soul of the American wilderness. [Click Here for Full Details](https://www.suitcasegals.com/grand-national-parks-627-71225) \#\#\# Day 1\-Your Journey Begins in Chicago \(27 Jun\, 2026 \- 2 pm\) Head over to Union Station in Chicago to board the California Zephyr train heading West. Your journey to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Park has begun! (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 2\-Salt Lake City\, UT \(28 Jun\, 2026\) The train journey from Chicago encompasses both the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. From golden grain fields to craggy mountain peaks, the scenery is magnificent! Later in the evening, your train arrives to Salt Lake City and you'll check in to your hotel for the night. (Overnight in Salt Lake City) \#\#\# Day 3\-Yellowstone National Park \-\(Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer Salt Lake City to Jackson\, WY\) \(29 Jun\, 2025\) Beautiful Vibrant Geysers in Norris Basin Yellowstone after Sunset Awake this morning and continue on to Yellowstone. Along the way you will take in a very scenic ride so keep your camera handy! (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 4\-Yellowstone National Park \(30 Jun\, 2026\) America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 5\-Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer \- West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City \(1 Jul\, 2026\) \#\#\# Overnight Onboard Amtrak You are transported back to Salt Lake City today to board the train heading to San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 6\-7 CA Salt Lake City Amtrak Station\, UT \(SLC\) to Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) \(2 JUL\, 2025 11:40 PM\) \#\#\# Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) to San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \(3 Jul\, 2026 \- Tonight, you will travel to San Francisco overnight \#\#\# Day 8\-San Francisco to Yosemite National Park \(4 JUL\, 2025\) After being picked up from your hotel, your tour will take you across the beautiful heartland of California to Yosemite National Park. The scenery here is breathtaking. From its wide-open meadows, bold mountains, and abundant forest, Yosemite is an endless parade of nature's beauty. In addition to your tour, you will have plenty of free time to wander a bit and take Yosemite at your own pace. Breathe in the clean fresh air as you take time to explore the park. After your day of exploring Yosemite, you will return in the evening to San Francisco. (Overnight in San Francisco) \#\#\# Day 9\-10 Sunday 5\-6 July 2026 \#\#\# On board train San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \- Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \#\#\# Rail Segments \(2\): San Francisco, CA (SFC) to Emeryville, CA (EMY) Emeryville, CA (EMY) to Seattle King Street Station, WA (SEA) \#\#\# Day 11: Tuesday 7 July 2026 Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) Combine two great attractions. Visit both the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Two attractions you don't want to miss. Space Needle - The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. Experience two entirely new levels of thrills! From an all-glass floor on the lower level to floor-to-ceiling glass on the upper level, Seattle’s “must see” is now a “must do.” Chihuly Garden and Glass - Provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Take full advantage of all the Exhibition has to offer. The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse, it is the result of Chihuly’s lifelong appreciation for conservatories. \#\#\# Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) ### \#\#\# Day 12\-Glacier National Park\, MT \(8 Jul\, 2025\) You will arrive this morning to Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in North America. After checking in to your hotel, the day is free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery all around you. (Overnight in Glacier National Park) \#\#\# Day 13\- Glacier National Park \(9 Jul\, 2025\) Climb aboard the charming, historic vessel, Sinopah, the oldest wooden boat in our fleet. Relax and enjoy all this “secret” valley offers, take in the scenery while learning about the rich Blackfeet tribal history surrounding the Two Medicine area. Upon docking at the head of the lake you can choose to remain on the boat or disembark and begin a self-guided hike or hike with one of our guides to Twin Falls and catch a later return boat. \#\#\# Day 14\- Glacier National Park Tour \(10 Jul\, 2025\) This tour starts from the high plains and covers an incredible area that is home to over 1500 species of plants, as well as multitudes of North American free-roaming wildlife, some of which include elk, deer, moose, antelope, black bears, and grizzly bears. From there, you will enter Glacier National Park from its East entrance at the St. Mary Visitor Center, and continue up on Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Take advantage of numerous photo opportunities along the route that may include stops such as Rising Sun, Deadhorse Curve, Wild Goose Island, Sun rift Gorge, Grizzly Point, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Big Bend, the Weeping Wall, and Logan Pass. \#\#\# Day 15\-Overnight Onboard Amtrak After enjoying a final breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge, you will cross over to the train station and board the Empire Builder once more. The journey through the Rockies is a once in a lifetime passage through soaring mountain ridges and past countless examples of natural splendor. As the mountains change to foothills and then plains, you will be treated to a little bit of everything the American outdoors has to offer. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) **B** \#\#\# Day 16\-Your Journey Ends in Chicago

We will be visiting the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration the weekend it opens, on Sunday June 28th. This is conveniently located about a quarter mile walk from the Farragut North metro on the Red Line. Please purchase your tickets here ($31.79/adult): https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/visit/tickets Please select the entry slot for 11 OR 11:15am. Update - 11am is sold out. Please purchase for 11:15am before these are sold out as well. We can request the museum to let us in at once (they have done so in the past). We will meet at 10:45 in the lobby.

Welp, it's official. I'm moving to Taiwan on June 30. It would be great to see everyone before I go!

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/spritz-and-blooms)]** Florals, cocktails, and good company. That is the whole vibe. Lesbifriends Travel is teaming up as the June event partner for Spritz & Blooms, a signature garden party experience created by lead floral designer Alexandra Taylor of Taylor Made Blooms, with creative direction by Danielle René. We are transforming the Lesbifriends house into a floral utopia with bouquets you build yourself, signature wine spritz cocktails, light bites, and a special live solo performance by DMV queer singer/songwriter KattLandia. Come sip, mingle, and play in the flowers with your community. **Event Details** 📅 Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM 📍 Location: The Lesbifriends House, Southeast DC (address shared with confirmed guests) 💸 **Cost: $75** **What's Included with Your Ticket** Designer-led Bloom Bar to build your own bouquet Three drink tickets for our signature Spritz Bar (wine spritz cocktails and mocktails) More drinks will be available for purchase Light bites and charcuterie A live solo performance by KattLandia An afternoon designed for community and connection **Attire: Garden Party Chic** Think florals, pastels, linens, whites, neutrals, and vibrant colors. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary folks who love getting creative with their hands, sipping something delicious, and meeting new people in a chic, sunlit, garden-style environment. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to come as you are, celebrate Pride with your people, and make it a tradition. Claim your spot here: **[Spritz & Blooms](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/spritz-and-blooms)**! Note: By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

Join us at **Netti's Tavern in Clarendon** to have some adult beverages, nosh on some food, meet new or old dive buddies, and talk about diving. We are visiting a new place this time. Nettie's Tavern is walkable from the Clarendon Metro. We can chat about the Cayman Aggressor Trip, which was excellent!! Hopefully I'll have some video and pics to show by then. We can also chat about our 2 upcomming trips: 1. Bonaire (July 25 - Aug 1): The shore diving capital of the world. The group will do a mix of boat diving and shore diving. 2. Belize Aggressor III (Dec 05 - 12): This hasn't been posted yet, but it will shortly. If you missed our 2024 Belize Aggressor III trip, this is your time to make up for that. The diving here was better than anywhere else in the Caribbean. Come to chat about the details and secure your spot on the boat. As always, I'm looking forward to hear where all y'all want to go, so come down and let me hear your bucket list. See you at Nettie's.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 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\.

Join us for a beautiful walk in the park this Tuesday at 7 pm! We will hike two miles through the beautiful landscaped gardens of Inniswood Metro Park. Our trail will be a combo of boardwalks, dirt trails and paved paths winding through the flowers and woods.

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17bwkttXhV/ *********************************** Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons