Trail Building and Maintaining

NW Branch Trail & Hike Adventure **\*\*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) \*\*** **TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** Silver Spring Metro Station **PARKING ADDRESS** Roscoe Nix Elementary School 1100 Corliss St Silver Spring, MD **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** As you enter the school entry road, make a left into the first parking lot (dilapidated swimming pool area). Meet us in the parking lot. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** The NW Branch trail runs between the Layhill neighborhood of Silver Spring and runs south following the NW Branch of the Anacostia River, ending in Bladensburg, where it connects with several other paved trails that we have biked. This route will give us a bit more incline on the return trip. **Unique things about this bike trail:** 1. Since we're starting at the north end, we decided to make a little "duathlon" adventure by including the .25-mile river rock trail segment. This is a sloped and curved trail. Be prepared to walk your bike down (you may be hesitant to bike down it) and then walk your bike up it when we return (you probably don't have the muscle power to bike up it!). 2. The water crossings: Be prepared to bike through about five water “streams.” If it rained the day before, there could be 2-4” water, causing splashes. 3. The bridges: Be prepared to slow down as you approach bridges and pass under via narrow riverside paths. 4. The trail offers river views and a shady tree canopy. We’ll bike .25 miles on a neighborhood street to the NW Branch trail head, which starts in a lush forest. Then we either walk or bike down a .25-mile river-rock trail to the Anacostia River level. Once there, we'll bike a paved trail along the river southbound towards Bladensburg. We'll stop to regroup a couple of times and to enjoy the river views. The trail pavement is smooth except for some tree root bumps. We'll stop at mile 7 to see if anyone wants to keep going down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where we'll stop for another break before returning the same way. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any bike will do. We rode it on our road bikes but we wished we had thicker tires for biking down the gravel trail segment. 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:** Beginner riders can enjoy this mostly flat and straight trail but there are few caveats; you need to be able to bike or walk your bike down the gravel segment described above. And then you need to be able to walk your bike up that gravel segment to the street level once you return. (It took us 10 minutes last time). Also, you need to feel comfortable with biking through small water runoff streams and getting splashed and/or wet shoes. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-16 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. Plus, they usually have a speed limit of 15mph. · 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: From the parking lot to East West Hwy traffic light is 4.5 miles one way. Option B: From the parking lot to mile 0 is \~7.25 miles one way. Option C: From the parking lot to Bladensburg Waterfront Park is about 8.7 miles. (The organizers will probably be biking this option). Total 17.6 miles, +/- 373 ft. Option D: Continue on one of the adjoining trails to add more miles. **BATHROOMS (in order of appearance)** There is a Throne bathroom at Hyattsville local park, which we bike through. Bathrooms up Rhode Island Ave at Vigilante Coffee and other retail establishments. (Take a detour). Bathrooms at Bladensburg Waterfront Park **BIKE RENTALS** Unknown **BIKE REPAIR** Hyattsville Arrow Bicycle on Rhode Island Ave (not far from mile 7 exit) **FOOD & DRINK INFO** Franklin’s and Vigilante Coffee (not far from mile 7 exit) **OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS** Participants are welcome to make suggestions **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/)

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.

Please read and agree to the following waiver: [MVD Mountain Bikers Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6YtRf6ZWXqLqcQN3g44BsKtwbHqsRMG/view?usp=sharing) generally, we roll about 15 minutes after the meeting time. please text me if you're running late. Here is a non-competitive but a little up-pace ride. If you mountain bike regularly then this ride is for you. This is a No-Drop ride. Feel free to text or call if you need to 240-603-6948. Also please call me if you get separated from the group. Depending on the endurance and skill level of riders, this ride will be around 10 miles. The pace I aim to keep is no more than 7-8mph with rest stops as needed. We will wait for every rider at the trail crossings. About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. Video of our ride at Fairland: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08) What to bring: ID and emergency contact info in an easy to find spot! Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review Here ([http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all](http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all)) Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to the waiver posted at the top of this description

Brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) --approximate 6.4 mile loop starting from Pitango (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We will walk through Mt. Pleasant to the Pinney Branch Trail, the Valley Trail and onto the Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park. On our return we will stop at Pierce Mill and then Rock Creek Trail on our way back to ADMO. There will be several hills on this hikel Walking surface will be dirt, asphalt trails and sidewalks. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Wear a hat and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking.

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

We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

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.

**Happy DC Pride!!! Come meet us at the pride festival (Sunday) and see what's on our schedule for this summer. We have hikes, kayaking, and much more!** **Do you have have an outdoor activity you would like to share with us? We're always looking for new trip ideas and trip leaders We hope to see you there! Our table is located in the Red Zone - R113**

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* [Up to 6 mile fitness and nature hike.] THIS IS A TWO-FER: First we'll start at the Belle Haven picnic area along the paved Mt. Vernon Trail and do a roughly 3.5-mile, moderately paced hike to Jones Point Lighthouse on the Potomac River. After we return to our starting point, we'll head to the Dyke Marsh Preserve and hike slower through the marina and then along the 3/4-mile dirt trail to the end of the boardwalk and back We'll hike at about 2.5 - 3 mph when moving along most of the hike -- but on our return through the preserve, we'll stroll SUPER SLOWLY and stop often to enjoy the bulk of the fireflies in near darkness -- from roughly 9:30 to 10ish p.m. (NOTE: There is NO guarantee that we'll see fireflies but we likely will, according to a well-known naturalist.) **\*MUST-READ\* IMPORTANT NOTES:** PARK CLOSES AT 10 P.M. but there is no gate and the trail is still open to commuters so we don't have to rush to get back to our cars. PRACTICE SAFETY WITH YOUR FLASHLIGHT SINCE WE'LL BE WALKING IN THE DARK! Adults only. Restrooms at start and at the lighthouse. STAY RIGHT ON THE MT. VERNON TRAIL due to the bike and pedestrian traffic for everyone's safety. Adults only. No pets, not even pet fireflies. **WEATHER:** Hike likely be postponed if there is rain. Weather forecast will be posted here on Thursday by 5 p.m. https://www.weather.gov [https://www.weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov) **MEET:** 7 p.m. by the restrooms on the Mt. Vernon Trail near Dyke Marsh Preserve. (Belle Haven picnic area.) Copy these GPS coordinates into Google Maps: 38.780110, -77.052038 **BRING:** MANDATORY FLASHLIGHT (preferably with a RED LIGHT option or cellophane cover so it doesn't interfere with the fireflies) AND MANDATORY WATER, sense of awe, and sense of humor. Optional: bug spray or long pants for mosquitos, fully-charged cell phone, and/or camera. iPhones seem useless for the firefly photos but "real" cameras and some Samsung phones seem equipped to photograph them. **MT. VERNON TRAIL MAP:** [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf) **DYKE MARSH PRESERVE**: NPS: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm) Friends group: [https://www.fodm.org](https://www.fodm.org) **DC BOUNDARY STONES:** (We’ll see the first one marking the new District of Columbia. It will disappear someday.) [https://boundarystones.org](https://boundarystones.org) **JONES POINT LIGHTHOUSE:** (One of America's last rivertine lighthouses.) [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm) **NORTHERN VIRGINIA FIREFLIES:** [https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june](https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june) **FIREFLY CONSERVATION & RESEARCH:** (I posted this so you can learn more about protecting fireflies. I used this organization's firefly photo but it is not connected to our event.) [https://www.firefly.org](https://www.firefly.org)

(Bus hike) The hike explores Corbin Hollow, which features several artifacts by the farmers who once lived in the area, and provides an opportunity to obtain some of the most extensive views in the park. Moderate hikers walk around Robertson Mountain, starting at Nethers and going up the Corbin Hollow Trail and down the Old Rag and Weakley Hollow fire roads. Long hikers ascend the steep Robertson Mtn. Trail to the top, from which they can view the majesty of the mountains. They then descend the Corbin Mtn. and Nicholson Hollow Trails to Nethers. Est.: 11 miles, 2700' elevation and 8.5 miles, 2300' elevation. There are options for both the long and moderate hikers to do shorter hikes. For example, the moderates can climb Robertson Mtn. from Old Rag fire road (about 8.5 miles, over 2000' elevation) or go out and back on Weakley Hollow fire road. PATC Map 10. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **LIABILITY WAIVER:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. **COVID-19, FLU, & RSV PRECAUTIONS** Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. **MORE DETAILS** -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

Join us for a relaxed Sunday afternoon DC brewery walk with the ladies, good drinks, fresh air, conversation, and a chance to explore a few spots together at an easy pace. You don’t have to drink to have a good time, you just come and enjoy the trail. I personally only plan on having two drinks max. Ideally just one. Expect: ✨ brewery stops + (maybe) drink flights ✨ casual walking between locations ✨ meeting new women in a low pressure setting ✨ snacks, laughter, and Sunday reset energy ✨ the perfect mix of social + laid back Whether you drink beer, prefer non alcoholic drinks, or just want the company, come hang out with us and enjoy the afternoon together.

Grab a drink or some food and get to know each other. This is our first event and we can take it slow. I’d love to meet everyone and hear if there’s anything you like to get out of the group. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you 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 held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

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