Travel Writing

Hello Singles of Southern Maryland! We are going to Ocean City MD for an unforgettable 4 day/ 3nt getaway and would love for you to join us … please click on links below for more info. This trip is a collaboration with Singles In the DMV group. [https://www.meetup.com/singles-in-dmv/events/312256286/?eventOrigin=your_events](https://www.meetup.com/singles-in-dmv/events/312256286/?eventOrigin=your_events)

**Trivia Night is Back!** We are back at Solace Outpost for Thursday night trivia! The game starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive by 6:30. Right now we are planning on just one team. If we get enough signed up on the waitlist, we may open it up to two teams. **Please remember, if you sign up, we are counting on you to be part of the team!** If you realize you can’t make it, please change your rsvp early enough so someone on the waitlist can take your place. Spots are limited, we can only have 7 players. This is a great chance to connect, have some fun, and show off our smarts. Come for the fun, stay for the friendly competition- let's show everyone how SSB does trivia!

**SHORT NOTICE** **NOTE THE DIFFERENT STARTING TIME!!!!** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Eclarions Colonial Village * START LOC: Bluemont Park South Parking, 325 or 329 N Manchester, Arlington, VA * START GPS: [38.868907,-77.1342983](https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Bluemont+Parking+Area/@38.868907,-77.1342983,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b50016fd88fd:0x8afb6bdf9318a324!8m2!3d38.8689029!4d-77.1317234!16s%2Fg%2F11xgvpr5kw!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) * START PARKING: Bluemont Park South Parking lot (restroom available) * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:40am ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 10:45am * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * DISTANCE: 16.8 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_ECLARION_CV_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55288414](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55288414?privacy_code=cwnivPcAXxrCEI9jmSULVfOPEPIgyOWA) **Notes:** * This ride is organized "lean" * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** * **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** The ride is a 16.8 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride the Loop Counter-Clockwise starting from the south Bluemont Park lot and stop for our "Koffee Klatch" at Eclaion on Wilson Blvd in Colonial Village at mile 11.5. We will exit the Triangle/Loop at Scott St (about mile ) and take that to Quinn. After coffee we will ride Wilson to Veitch and reconnect with the Triangle/Loop just after mile 12 after Mom's Organic Market and head on back to Bluemont. You are not required to drink or even like coffee. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's coffee shop is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! [Eclarions](https://www.eclairons.com/) 1737 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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. ......................................................................................................................

**Alert! New Location!** This week, we will be at the Ballston Quarter Food Court (https://www.ballstonquarter.com). We will post our exact location here in the comments once we get settled. We will be playing ***Il Vecchio*** and other games designed by Rüdiger Dorn, such as ***Istanbul, Genoa, Louis XIV***, or ***My Farm Shop***. In ***Il Vecchio***, players compete as influential Florentine families trying to gain prestige and power across Renaissance Italy. Each turn, you place family members on the map to travel, study, and influence cities, while carefully managing resources and timing. The game blends route-building, area influence, and action selection, with players earning points through strategic positioning and long-term planning. It’s thoughtful and competitive, rewarding both tactical decisions and clever efficiency. We only have one copy of ***Il Vecchio***, which plays 4 players. If you have a copy, let us know. Otherwise, depending on the number of people that sign up, we will play one or more other Rüdiger Dorn games.

Let’s take DC UW on the road, and do a New York City walk! For this walk we will walk the entire length of Manhattan from Inwood in the north all the way to the Statue of Liberty lookout in the south. We will take a very meandering route through many of the parks and green spaces of Manhattan and hit up some of the top sights/attractions. Disclaimer: This is an all day affair. Expect to be up at or before 4am and not to be home until after midnight. While in NYC we will be walking 20+ miles. That means 8+ hours on our feet walking briskly. I also expect everyone to be self sufficient in navigation in case we are separated (I will be giving out physical maps of the route when we get to NYC). Logistics: We will be taking the train to New York. We will meet in the main hall of Union Station bright and early for the 5:20 AM Northeast Regional 160. Make sure to arrive 15-30 minutes early, also note that the metro does not run this early so you will need your own transportation (uber, walk/bike if you live close, etc.) We will get to NYC Penn Station at roughly 8:45 AM. Once we regroup we will take the subway to Inwood and start our walk. At the end of the day we will take the subway back to Penn Station and the 8:01 PM Northeast Regional 165 back to Union Station, getting back at 11:30 PM. Metro runs until 2 am on Saturday’s so we’ll be able to metro home. Departure Train: Northeast Regional 160 at 5:20 am. WAS -> NYP Return Train: Northeast Regional 165 at 8:01 pm. NYP -> WAS Preparations: Please bring everything you may need to for an all day excursion. That includes a backpack with water, snacks, potential rain gear depending on weather, and potentially a packaged lunch (I haven’t fully decided on the food situation, but I’m hoping we can have a picnic lunch as a group in central park). Start Location: Union Station (main hall) End Location: Union Station Mileage: \~20 Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2765159836?share_token=aw4NS31Zmdq5ggP2098zzOCnxoqWtzEt2XqY39KwgXOVUZV1FC&ref=wtd

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114) 28 miles. Picnic break at Wolf Trap around 13.2 miles into the ride. We have toilets halfway along the trail and near the beginning of the trail. NEW: E-biking to Wolf Trap (+/- 27.4 miles). Download the trail here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42682114 PLEASE NOTE: We start from Lindway Terrace Park. It sounds so far away, but it is within e-biking range. Join us as we embark on a fantastic 28-mile e-bike ride to Wolf Trap National Park in Virginia and return via the W&OD trail. Be ready to e-bike through spectacular landscapes on rustic roads in McLean and Great Falls' upscale neighborhoods. We do not e-bike on gravel roads, but be aware of the hills. Charge your batteries. Wolf Trap National Park is a unique and beautiful destination in Northern Virginia's heart. It is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts, offering visitors various cultural and entertainment experiences. The park covers over 100 acres of lush woods and rolling hills, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to the park can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park also features several trails that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, Wolf Trap National Park is the perfect destination. The park's highlight is the Filene Center, a beautiful outdoor theater that offers a unique and intimate performance experience. From classical music to rock concerts, the Filene Center has something to offer for everyone. Visitors can also take a backstage tour and learn about the history and workings of the theater. Wolf Trap National Park is a must-visit e-biking destination for anyone looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the arts. With its picturesque surroundings, diverse activities, and world-class performances, it's easy to see why Wolf Trap is a beloved destination for visitors of all ages. Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate? [https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews) FYI: Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://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](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. 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. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, 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 the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

is is an In-Person Writing Event at Three This is an In-Person Writing Event at Kaldi's Social House in Clarendon! Please join us. This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

Let's recognize the 82th anniversary of the WWII D-Day landings at Normandy (France). Hosted by the **Alexandria-Caen (France) Sister City Committee**, this ceremony and commemoration event takes place on John Carlyle Square in Old Town. There will be re-enactors, historical displays, a 1940's jazz band and swing dancing, the US Army Fife and Drum Corps and more. I was stationed in Paris for 25 months and attended the 20th Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, 24 August 1964. I was in a photograph on the front page of the NY Herald Tribune along with 400,000 other people crammed onto the Place de la Concorde. **WOW!** D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the largest amphibious invasion in military history and the beginning of the Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied France. Known as Operation Neptune, the assault was the opening phase of Operation Overlord, the broader campaign to liberate Northwest Europe. Under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, more than 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada landed along the Normandy coast across five beaches: Utah and Omaha (U.S.), Gold and Sword (British), and Juno (Canadian). Despite fierce German resistance, particularly at Omaha Beach, where some of the most intense fighting occurred, the Allies secured a foothold in Normandy by nightfall. The cost was heavy, with more than 4,500 Allied troops killed on the first day, including 2,499 Americans. Their sacrifice paved the way for the capture of Cherbourg, the battle for Caen, and the decisive Falaise Pocket in August 1944 which shattered German forces in France. Less than a year later, Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945. Though “D-Day” is a general military term for the launch of an operation, its scale and significance have made June 6, 1944, forever synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and a decisive turning point in World War II in Europe. Did you know? Most every French village in western France has a street named after its **DAY**! rue du 15 juin 1944; avenue du 5 juillet 1944; boulevard du 10 août 1944...the **DAY** of its liberation from German occupiers, as Allied forces swept through. A trip to Normandie is a required addition to everyone's bucket list. I'm a regular visiteur. We'll have an early diner together afterwards in the area.

Join Bold Spirit Travel for an all-women’s journey through the [heart of Provence. ](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026) From charming villages and bustling markets, to lavender fields and coastal cliffs, this adventure blends history, art, food, and stunning landscapes. Your base is a boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the perfect hub for exploring southern France. *\*We can only take 10 women on this trip.* **Highlights** * **Aix-en-Provence** – stroll cobbled streets, browse colorful markets, and enjoy lively cafés. * **Marseilles** – tour its historic basilica and meet traditional soap makers. * **Arles & Wine Tasting** – explore Roman ruins and sip wines at Mas Valériole estate. * **Lavender Fields** – capture the beauty of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. * **Cassis & the Calanques** – enjoy seaside scenery and an optional boat ride. * **St. Rémy** – wander the vibrant market and visit Van Gogh’s former monastery. * **Les Baux-de-Provence** – experience the dazzling immersive light show. * **Cabrières-d’Avignon** – discover lavender’s artistry at the Lavender Museum. **What's Included:** * 6 nights in a boutique hotel (shared occupancy; private upgrades available). * Expert Bold Spirit tour leader plus bilingual local guides. * Meals as listed in the itinerary. * Private ground transportation. * Pre-trip support: Zoom call, WhatsApp group, and packing guidance. **Why Travel With Us?** This Provence adventure is designed for women who love travel, culture, and connection. You’ll share meals, explore iconic sites, and enjoy the slower pleasures of the French countryside—with expert guidance and community every step of the way. **Pricing:** * **Trip Cost:** USD 5,885 * **Deposit:** USD 700 non-refundable (secures hotels and guides) Get in touch with us to set up a call and learn [more](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026). Contact:[ https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Join us this Thursday 6:30 pm at the Westerville Veterans Memorial for two loops around the Westerville Sports Complex fields. This 1 mile loop is a flat fully paved trail that straddles Alum Creek. Join us for a beautiful evening hike together!