Trail Building and Maintaining

This is an opportunity for volunteers to support a professional mechanic as he guides customers working on their own bikes. If you know how to do some basic repairs, that's a plus, but even if you don't, you can greet customers and manage who gets helped next. Feel free to attend for only a portion of the time if you can't be there the whole three hours. Please note that this event is not usually an opportunity to learn about bicycle repair, since the mechanic tends to be very busy helping customers, especially during the warmer months. But it's a great way to contribute to Velocity, since almost all the funding for the volunteer program comes from the work done at the shops.

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

Badminton at Chinquapin! See you there!

**This talk is completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. You must have purchased a ticket to be admitted.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Exploring the Deep Sea,”** a scholarly dive into an enormous and little-understood ecosystem, with Melissa Betters, deep ocean explorer and deep-sea biologist at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea) .] If you’re afraid of the deepest, darkest reaches of the ocean, you aren’t alone. For centuries, humans have imagined the ocean’s depths to be inhabited by all manner of monsters, from the Kraken to Godzilla. But what is the cost of viewing over 70% of our planet with fear and aversion? Who benefits from that? Come to see the deep sea as far more worthy of fascination than fear with the help of Dr. Melissa Betters, a biologist and marine ecosystem researcher who has made nine trips to the bottom of the ocean and taught at Bryn Mawr College and Temple University. She’ll take you on a scholarly exploration of various deep-sea ecosystems around the world such as deep coral reefs and boiling-hot hydrothermal vents. We’ll get to know some of the deep ocean’s captivating biodiversity, examining where it lives, what it does, and why it matters to us. With her help you’ll come to see the deep ocean as a tapestry of different environments, each of which host their own forms of life and present their own suite of ecological challenges. Importantly, we’ll also look at how the deep ocean is portrayed in both myth and media, considering how our perceptions are skewed by the rhetoric used to describe it and the images used to depict it. Despite appearing far-removed and out of reach, the deep ocean is still a part of our planet, subject to all the same challenges and human impacts as life on land. The final part of this talk will examine the variety of human impacts affecting the deep ocean and actions we can take to protect Earth’s final frontier. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Magnoteuthis magna, the most common deep-ocean squid, as photographed in Kinlan Canyon off of Rhode Island (NOAA Ocean Exploration photo).

**For some of our Northern Virginia riders our cycling family from District Cycling Collective & Zephyrus Bikes LLC present Wednesday Night Rydes!!** **This weekly ride will be led by our own Jeff Walden, owner of Zephyrus bikes. We will be Meeting in the parking lot of the Giant Foods at 5pm and rolling at 5:30 pm.

This will be a no drop ride, but is NOT a ride for beginners. Steady pace and climbs in spots.** **Riders should be comfortable with group and street riding . The pace for this ride will be a minimum of 18 mph. There is a considerable amount of climbing. All riders will be riding at their own risk, there will be NO SAG.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36205543**

Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation. Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station. The stations are: * Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am * Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am * Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm * Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm * Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm * Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm * Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm * At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route. If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know. **2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike. **3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike. For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/). ***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***

🌿 Wild Edibles: Late Spring Foraging Walk (NHSM Program) Have you ever wondered what edible plants grow quietly around us in Maryland forests? Join members of our group for a guided **wild edible plant walk** hosted by the Natural History Society of Maryland. We’ll be attending **Wild Edibles: Late Spring Plants**, a field program led by experienced forager Nick Spero. During the walk, participants will learn how to identify edible plants that emerge in Maryland’s woods during late spring. Along the way, instructor Nick Spero will discuss safe identification, ethical harvesting practices, and how these plants have traditionally been used for food and flavor. Species often discussed include **wild ginger, ramps, spicebush**, and other seasonal plants that grow in our region. The program is designed as a relaxed **nature exploration with discussion and plant identification along the trail**. Expect light to moderate hiking, frequent stops to observe plants up close, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from the landscape. More details about the program can be found here: [https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/wild-edibles-late-spring-plants-with-nick-spero-2/](https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/wild-edibles-late-spring-plants-with-nick-spero-2/) — 🥾 Difficulty — Easy to moderate walking with frequent stops for plant identification and discussion. — 💲 Cost — This is a **paid program organized by the Natural History Society of Maryland**. • Non‑NHSM Member — **$45** • NHSM Member — **$35** — 📍 Location — The exact meeting location is not listed unless you register for the event. In general, the event is Northeast of Baltimore and about an hour from Shady Groove Metro. — 📝 Registration — Members who plan to attend should **RSVP here on Meetup and also register directly with the Natural History Society of Maryland through their website**. Participants will **pay NHSM directly** when registering for the program. — 🎒 What to Bring — Based on the Natural History Society of Maryland's recommendations for this program: • Weather‑appropriate clothing (layers work best) • Sturdy closed‑toe hiking shoes or boots with good traction • Water and snacks • Sun protection such as sunblock and a hat • Bug spray if desired • Optional: a camera, guidebook, binoculars, or a small magnifying lens for examining plants These items help ensure everyone is comfortable during the walk and able to closely observe the plants we encounter along the trail. — 🚗 Carpooling — Once the location is confirmed, we can **coordinate optional carpooling through the Meetup event page** for anyone interested in sharing a ride. This should be a great opportunity to **learn about native plants, explore the landscape together, and deepen our understanding of the food that grows around us**.

The **One Day Hike** comprises two concurrent, non-competitive hikes of 100 and 50 kilometers that follow the C&O Canal towpath, and end at Bolivar, WV. The 100 km event (100K; 62.1 miles) starts at 3 AM from the Thompson Boat Center parking lot in Georgetown, DC; the 50 km event (50K; 31.1 miles) starts at 10 AM from Whites Ferry, MD. Both hikes proceed along the towpath, crossing the footbridge into Harpers Ferry after mile marker 60. The ODH has been held since 1974. During the hike, hikers pass through eight support stations, manned by volunteers (see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true)), where they receive food and drink and, if necessary, first-aid assistance. While on the trail, they are monitored by volunteer bike patrols. Hikers must arrive at support stations by cut-off times or are required to drop out, and must finish by midnight. *ALL HIKERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](www.bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **REGISTRATION:** Registration costs $95 and is done on-line starting Wednesday, February 11, at 5 pm (5-time finishers may register early starting Sunday, February 1, at 5 pm). Note that registration closes when the 350-hiker limit (100K+50K) is attained, which can occur within a few hours. See registration [details](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1niIsqRVC8Zl72JzAvBonqlzg4TLWiaGH/view?usp=sharing). **UPDATES:** For hot-off-the-press, official updates regarding registration and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io. For general information, check out [OneDayHike.org](www.OneDayHike.org). **TRAINING HIKES:** The Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings ([SCPRO](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac)) organizes training hikes in the weeks leading up to the ODH. Although open to all, these hikes are specifically designed to prepare you for the ODH — they become progressively longer, they follow routes with relatively easy trails that are generally flat, and hikers walk at their individual paces. Longer training hikes also allow shorter options for 50K trainees. Doing these training hikes, or following a similar regimen on your own, is the best way to improve your chances of completing the ODH. Training hikes will be held from every Saturday from January 10 to the Saturday prior to the ODH. They are free, and are held at many venues in or near DC, so it’s a great way to explore this area on foot. On these hikes, you will get to meet other ODH hikers and learn their, or share your, tips on long-distance hiking. Each training hike's details will be posted on SCPRO's [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac) page each week, as well as announced on the email list (see UPDATES above). **VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:** About 100 volunteers are required on hike day to help run the ODH. We need reliable, enthusiastic people to man the support stations, patrol the trail on bikes, and to provide first aid — all while encouraging hikers on their way. People with first-aid or medical experience are especially needed as first-aid volunteers. First-time volunteers receive an ODH T-shirt and the eternal gratitude of the hikers. If you are interested in volunteering, please see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true), or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).

DMV adult Lego enthusiast club meeting

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

**Unleash Your Inner Oracle: The Polymarket Edge** Prediction markets aren't just for finance geeks. This masterclass reveals the secrets to profiting from your insights on Polymarket, the leading platform for event-based predictions. **Is This You?** * Love probability and gut-feel decisions? * Always ahead of the curve on emerging news? * Curious about a hot new investment vehicle? * Ready to turn knowledge into pure, sweet gains? * A sophisticated trader looking to diversify? If yes, keep reading... **Agenda: From ZERO to HERO** * Deep dive into Polymarket: account setup, trading mechanics, and the ins and outs. * Decoding the Matrix: Event analysis frameworks to give yourself an advantage. * Fort Knox Your Capital: Master risk-management techniques that shield you. * Spotting the Signals: Reading market dynamics and grasping liquidity factors. * Crafting Your Fortress: Portfolio creation blueprints for consistent wealth. * The System is Key: Building a repeatable, winning prediction workflow. **Time is ticking…** Slots are super limited. Ready to level up? ### [🔥 SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW 🔥](https://remoteready.io/product/Polymarket?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-05-01T22:00:00Z) --- **Cracking the Code of Polymarket.** Turn your analysis into profit.

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.

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**