Trail Races

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

Updated Location! 🌸 Cherry Blossoms & Cocktails: April Happy Hour @ Hip Flask Friday, April 10, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 Hip Flask Rooftop Bar – Rockville, MD (or correct location if needed) Spring is here 🌸 — let’s celebrate cherry blossom season with drinks, good vibes, and great company! Join us for our April happy hour at Hip Flask, a perfect spot for a relaxed night out with the group. Whether you're new or a regular, this is a great chance to meet people, catch up, and enjoy the spring atmosphere. 🍹 Drinks, conversation, and rooftop energy 🌸 Cherry blossom season = best time to be out 👋 New members always welcome What to expect: Friendly, social group (20s & 30s) Casual, come-and-go vibe I’ll be there early to help introduce people Logistics: No cover — just grab your own drinks Look for the group (I’ll post a live update day-of) Feel free to bring a friend!

❤️♠️❤️ Speak & Spades - A Night of Cards & Conversation ❤️♠️❤️ Welcome to our 1st official Speak & Spades Night! Come out to a new venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. ♠️ Spades games will be available from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy a variety of reasonably priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: Around 7:30pm, take a break from Spades...and take some time to Speak. Engage in an open and casual conversation between men and women. 👨🏾‍🏫 Led by Life Coach, Kool KT, discuss dating, relationships, love, marriage, and more. Speak your mind and learn how the other side thinks. 🌟 Singles and couples are both welcome to Spades and to Speak! Bring questions, share stories, and gain insight. 😀 Play a game of partnership and maybe learn how to find your permanent partner! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of cards and conversations! You won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Let us get together and plot to conquer the world!:) ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** ***Tate has been doing crypto and investment for years and he will share his immense experience.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. Instead of silently doing research on your own, it is well known that when you are regularly connected with people of your own investment interest, you are likely to be more motivated, better informed and less likely to miss out on opportunities. Meet and discuss face-to-face. **HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required. PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS (Hard/Soft Copy).** THIS IS NOT A SEMINAR or A PANEL EVENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SPEAKER. It is just a happy hour social event for those interested. In the past we had a great mix of developers, miners, investors, blockchainers and people who are completely new to cryptos. \- Come one\, come all OR FLY SOLO; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Event is 21\+ ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE WILL HIT THE DANCE FLOOR AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** [)

🚀 **Tech Fluent: Build with AI — Hands-On, No Experience Required** 📅 April 10 \| 📍 Washington\, DC \(National Union Building\) If you’ve been *AI-curious* but haven’t actually built anything yet, this is exactly the kind of experience we’ve been talking about in **AI in Practice**. This is **not** another theory-heavy session. It’s a **hands-on, interactive workshop** where you’ll actually *build something* — alongside other professionals exploring how to apply AI in real-world workflows. 👉 **What to expect:** * AI 101 + how these tools actually work (beyond the hype) * Guided, hands-on build session — you’ll create something real * Practical sessions on design, workflows, and the future of work * A cross-industry group (legal, finance, architecture, small business, etc.) * Wrap-up happy hour to connect and share what you built 💡 **Great fit for AI in Practice members if you:** * Are actively exploring how to apply AI in your work * Use tools like ChatGPT but want to go *deeper and more practical* * Want to move from *ideas → actual implementation* * Are not a developer (this is designed for you) ⚠️ If you’re already highly technical (building complex systems, deep dev work), this may feel introductory — the focus is on *practical upskilling for non-technical professionals.* *** 🎟️ **Registration & Details:** [https://varia.law/techfluent](https://varia.law/techfluent) 👉 **Important:** When you sign up, note **“AI in Practice”** in the application to receive a **$25 discount code** *** 🍻 **Bonus:** We’ll also have a casual **post-event happy hour** — great chance to connect with others actually *doing* AI, not just talking about it. *** Spots are intentionally limited (≈25–40 people), so if you’re interested, don’t wait. See you there.

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Number of Nets:** 3 **How to find us:** Park in the South Bluemont Parking Area and walk toward the south end of the lot. Near the end, you’ll see a bridge on your left—cross it. We’ll be on the field to the left of the picnic pavilion. **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 3. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

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.

**\*\*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** College Park Station Hyattsville Station Riverdale Station **PARKING ADDRESS** Bladensburg Waterfront Park 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD (map link) Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located right where Bladensburg Rd becomes Annapoli · Washington, DC **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** There is a plenty of parking. Park anywhere, then bike toward the visitor center and caboose. Meet us between the train caboose and bike racks. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** This route is hairpin shaped because we’ll return back on the north side of the river for a couple miles before taking a bridge back to the other side. The trail will wind behind the visitor center and go along the river towards DC. (If anyone wants to take a side trail to see the Kenilworth Gardens, let us know so we can show you the entry point). We hug the river at the beginning and pass it again at the last 3 miles down. We pass by Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, go through fields, parks, a train track overpass bridge, and the Anacostia River Park - where we may start to see boats and yachts on the river. We'll take a couple of stops to regroup on the way. At the end of the Anacostia River Park, we’ll go leftwards towards the new Frederick Douglass Bridge which may tempt you to take some photos. After crossing, we’ll pass through the Audi Arena and turn left to take a break at the Titanic Memorial at the waterfront. We’ll then go to the Wharf which will require dismounting our bikes once we get to the busier areas. **RETURN** We’ll head up on the west side. Go slowly through The Yards district and enjoy the landscape, sculpture art, river views etc. Right after the Navy Yards district boardwalk —-**be aware of the large pavers in front of the Navy Yard** (after crossing the narrow inlet bridge) — many pavers have wide, deep gaps in between them so bike tires can get stuck while riding, causing a flip or fall. Halfway up, we’ll take Benning Rd bridge across to the east side, then turn right and right again to get back to Bladensburg Waterfront Park. **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 tire 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 only has about three short inclines. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-18 mph). And some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. 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:** Bike about three miles to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, then return **OPTION B:** Bike about 8 miles to the Anacostia Park, then return. **OPTION C:** Bike \~ 9.6 miles to The Wharf, DC and back. The event organizers plan to do this route. OPTIONAL ONE HOUR BREAK: We’ll take a break to explore the Wharf boardwalk piers, shops, fountain areas, and to eat/drink, rest, and socialize. (Organizers will eat at Falafel Inc. They have a $6 falafel salad bowl. All are welcome to join us or go their own way for the break.) **Meet at 1:00 at [location to TBD] to head back.** **OPTION D:** Bike option C then add more mileage by biking the NW Branch Trail , and then connecting to one of the other local trails. **BATHROOMS** Bathrooms available at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Anacostia Park, and at The Wharf Boardwalk area, as well as the Navy Yard area where we’ll be stopping to enjoy river views. **BIKE RENTALS** Rentals are available at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park visitor center. You can reserve online before the date. **BIKE REPAIR** Bike repair options are at the visitor center and at The Wharf boardwalk in DC **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/)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) 18.4 miles. Toilets are at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail. **Picnic stop will be in Meadowbrook Local Park at 12.5 miles.** Celebrate (Mother) Earth Day! This route was originally conceived as part of the Takoma Park Earth Day celebration in April 2024. We are happy to ride again for this year's Celebration. We will e-bike from Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park through Takoma Park, and then on to the Sligo Creek Trail. From Sligo Creek we head west past Holy Cross Hospital and through the Forest Glen neighborhood. We then turn south on to Rock Creek Trail. Earth Day Festivities with occur in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, approximately 6 miles into the ride. Face painting, snow cones, art activities and exhibits promoting a variety of environmental and sustainability causes will be there! The picnic stop is at Meadowbrook Local Park, 12.5 miles into the ride. **Please charge your batteries. The ride is on asphalt and often flat but we will encounter some hills. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.** Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Pump tires, check brakes and charge your battery. Consider packing a spare tire tube. Check weather and dress appropriately. As always, this is a self-guided event. **We recommend you download the Ride with GPS route.** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46073614) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 18.4 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. For the E-bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN **More information about using GPS files:** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/ **More information about e-bike ranges:** https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/ **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

# **Join Us for Motorsport Fun!** The official home of #DCF1 #DCMotoGP #DCIndyCar #DCDRIFT #DCIMSA #NASCAR ​ We’re a grassroots collective of motorsport enthusiasts, built from the ground up. Every event, every connection, every unforgettable moment happens because of YOU. Our events are open to the public and free to attend unless noted as ticketed or exclusive to members. Official members enjoy special perks and VIP access. **[Check out all of our events here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** Please don't forget to RSVP! It helps us and our partners out significantly. Thank you for being part of the movement! **[RSVP Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** **Official DCMC Membership** More than just a membership. It’s joining a movement. **🏁The DCMC Grid** — $100 for 12 months. This isn’t just a membership. It’s joining a movement. ✔ Official 2026 Pit Pass + Member Kit ✔ Member-only events & raffles ✔ Free “Drink of the Race” (select locations) ✔ Early & VIP access ✔ Partner perks & discounts And new for 2026… **🚨The DCMC Rookies (Ages 6–12)** Building the next generation of motorsport culture through sim racing, education & experiences Powered by Sim Racing Dads. Grassroots. Inclusive. Built from the ground up. If you’ve been coming to events… it’s time to get on the grid. Join the movement today. **[Check Out The Membership Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/pricing-plans/list)**

Anyone else planning to run the Cherry Blossom 5k race on 4/11? If so, let Union Cherry Blossom 5K Presented by ASICS Register online: https://cherryblossom.org/pre-race/events/5k/ Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is NO Lottery for the 5K. Saturday, April 11, 2026 New Location: Army-Navy Dr. at S. Fern St., Arlington, VA Time: 8:00 a.m. The 5K will be held on a dramatic new course in Arlington, VA, featuring vistas of the United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the National 9-11 Pentagon Memorial. The 5K starts on Army-Navy Dr. & S. Fern St. in Arlington, just a couple blocks from our race headquarters hotel at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. The 5K start is easily accessible by the Pentagon City Metro station. All 5K entrants receive the official 10Mile/5K cotton race t-shirt (5K-specific technical performance upgrade shirts and finisher medals may be purchased at registration), their overall times and places in the event, and post-race food and drink. All runners will be scored on net times.

Let's check out the Upcoming Horse Race Event at Worthington Hills Country Club with the Dublin-Rotary Worthington Club! Food will be served along with a cash bar! Cost is only $40.00 per Ticket plus a small fee: [Night at the Races - Dublin-Worthington Rotary - 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-at-the-races-dublin-worthington-rotary-2026-tickets-1980210210044?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) Purchase your tickets ASAP because they will stop selling them on April 7th. I haven't been to a Horse Race Event in awhile and feel that this will be an extremely fun and exciting opportunity! Horse racing is a thrilling sport. Worthington Hills Country Club is a Beautiful Club in Worthington, Ohio with Captivating Scenery and Prestigious Charm. Parking is FREE and widely available in the Large Parking Lot in front of Worthington Hills Country Club. We will meet at 6:00 PM the Main Front Entrance at Worthington Hills Country Club. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.