Trail Races

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.

# **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)**

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

This is our once a year run to the Cherry Blossoms. We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot. Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro. Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. LOCATION: Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot (https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot. Please meet 10 min. before the start time. Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37 PACE and MILEAGE: All paces are welcome! This is a longer route but people can just turn around at 25 minutes if they want. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere! ROUTE: This is a different route than normal, it takes us to the tidal basin and - if you are doing the full thing - around it. https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5425893562. The full circuit works out to almost 6.5 miles so even faster runners might not do it in the usual 50 minutes. PARKING: Use this map (http://bit.ly/i2dWD0) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages. DIRECTIONS: For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. METRO: Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.

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

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - Northside Social (Falls Church) * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/YRwKLeAPqq6mHZaT6](https://goo.gl/maps/YRwKLeAPqq6mHZaT6) * START PARKING: Any Garage * ARRIVAL: 10:00am * SPEECH: 10:15 am * ROLLING: 10:30am * LEVEL: Beginner(+) (Uphill to Northside Social, Downhill home) * PACE: 10-12+ mph (casual) * DISTANCE: 13 miles * TERRAIN: Paved Trail, Some Street Riding * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_BRUNCH_NORTHSIDE_FC_2025 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44967665](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44967665) **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: Northside Social (Falls Church) [https://www.northsidesocialva.com/location/falls-church/](https://www.northsidesocialva.com/location/falls-church/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** It's a classic ride from Shirlington west on the W&OD as we head to Northside Social 6.5 miles out to Falls Church. Here we will enjoy a nice snack of your choice. The good news (after riding uphill all the way to Northside Social) is that the hardest part of the ride is over. It is mostly downhill all the way back to Shirlington. **Please note, We will not be rushing our drinks and snacks.** [https://www.northsidesocialva.com/falls-church-menus/](https://www.northsidesocialva.com/falls-church-menus/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Shirlington Library** 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** No ride after the ride since we will be stopping during the ride at: **Northside Social (Falls Church)** 205 Park Ave Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 532-5299 GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JeUdmLo8ALaTFpGq7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JeUdmLo8ALaTFpGq7) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. 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. There are NO exceptions to the above. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please read for the safety of those participating on this ride and on the trails, we will not be doing this ride if it is raining or if the trails and bridges are slippery due to previous rain. **Meetup time is 9:30am and the Pre-ride briefing is at 9:45am, and the roll out time will be 10:00am. Be sure to check in when you arrive.** Join **"Vintage Steel Cyclists"** for an (Easy Like Sunday Morning Ride) for a partial Trail and Street ride from Hains Point out to the United States National Arboretum and back. This is a no drop ride at a social party pace average between 12 to 15 mph on flats, and it will be slower on hills, and we'll wait and regroup at the top of all hills. We'll make sure no one is left behind. You must have a steel bike to participate in this ride but we do allow new riders to ride any style bike for their first ride but after that you must have a steel bike to ride. This ride will be approximately 20 easy miles round trip, and we'll also ride around inside the Arboretum and we'll grab a snack or two at there or somewhere near. **Please Read:** **When you RSVP to participate in this or any "Vintage Steel Cyclist" ride or event, you are acknowledging that you take sole and full responsibility for your own health and safety. Helmets are a must and required to participate in any of our events event, and you ride at your own risk. Please be sure to have all proper equipment needed in case of flats or mechanical issues. Multi-tool, two spare inner tubes or CO2 cartridges, patch kit, and pump. Front and rear lights, eye protection, gloves, water bottles that fit your bottle cage or camelback, ID and money. Also please make sure that your bike is in good working condition before the ride. After all, these are Vintage Bikes.**

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek. **Bring**: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather. **Fee**: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at **www.sierraclub.org** where you can also join our national club or state chapters. **Participants limited to 20.**

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.