Urban Bicycling

Let's meet in Louçainha for a cold swim and a snack afterward. What is this place, though? Well, there is a beautiful 40-meter-long pool filled with water flowing from nearby mountains. It's a classic place for local winter swimmers. I've been swimming there pretty much every week since November. The water temperature went as low as 8 degrees. That, without training, feels brutal. With training, spiritual :o Now is spring, though the water is still cold (around 15 degrees). Join me this Saturday for the swim.

**+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville) * **START LOC:** **Loudoun County Garage** **[107 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9)** **Use above address, then look across the street.** * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) * START PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am (Monk's opens @ 11:30am) * LEVEL: Medium(-) (the minus is for doing your Own Pace) * DISTANCE: 22 or 27 miles * PACE: Your own pace (but think at least 12-14 mph) * TERRAIN: Paved W&OD Path, Uphill out, Downhill home. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_MONKS_22_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192229) CBG_MONKS_27_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33192977) **NOTES:** * Conveniently close to Mom's Apple Pie for dessert * Mom's Apple Pie Bakery: 220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 2017 * GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Rolling @ 11:00am * 11 miles later: Monk's BBQ @ 12:00-12:15pm * Leave Monk's @ 12:45-1:00pm * 11 miles later: Back in Lesburg @ 2:15 - 2:30pm **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents the Monk's BBQ Ride (W&OD from Leesburg to Purcellville). * UPHILL on the way out, DOWNHILL on the way back. * Go at your own pace (Gary is sweep for those that don't know the trail). * Two routes 22 or 27 mile. * Good canopy cover for a sunny day. * GREAT BBQ in the middle (Monk's Outdoor Seating) * Pie Potential at the end (Moms's Apple Pie) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Loudoun County Garage** **107 Loudoun St SE** **Leesburg, VA 20175** **(Use above address, then look across the street)** GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9](https://goo.gl/maps/ANJobzEzkNrm1WgV9) PARKING PIC: [https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage](https://bit.ly/Loudoun_County_Garage) PARKING INFO: The Loudoun County Garage, located behind the County Government Building, has over 400 parking spaces. After 5pm weekdays, all day on weekends and on holidays, parking is available and free to the public. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** "Ride IN the Ride" Monk's BBQ. 251 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540-751-9425 Saturday: 11:30am-11pm [https://monksq.com/](https://monksq.com/) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA](https://goo.gl/maps/gvampead6L1H9Q9EA) Dessert "Ride after the Ride" Mom's Apple Pie Bakery 220 Loudoun St SE Leesburg, VA 20175 SAT 8am - 6pm [https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations](https://www.momsapplepieco.com/locations) GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8](https://goo.gl/maps/LNs2ePnVA1WbXv6A8) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

This is NOT an official **Bike Rockville with RBAC** ride but a joint effort with our local Trek shop. Join the **Trek Rockville store** for a spring group ride in Poolesville and explore the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. You must be able to ride an average of 10 mph for 20-30 miles on moderate terrain. We will make an effort to stick together and regroup, but there is no sweep. Ride leader average pace is around 11.5 mph. More details and RSVP at this link: **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trek-rockville-spring-classic-ride-remote-start-tickets-1982550498911)** Use this event page to share photos, feedback, carpooling and other comments.

Please join RBAC for our annual Ride of Silence starting in the plaza in front of the Rockville Public Library. Please plan to gather by 6:40 for the dedication and briefing. We will promptly roll out at 7 pm. This is a police-escorted ride in memorial of cyclists killed or injured while riding. You must have a helmet and be able to ride at a 10-mph pace. We will be riding a 9-mile route thru neighborhoods streets and on I-355/Rockville Pike. Front and rear lights are also strongly recommended. The Ride of Silence takes place on public streets and in mixed traffic. This ride is only recommended for bicycle riders who can maintain at least a 10-mph pace and can comfortably ride on the street along side motor vehicles. Since there will be a police escort, we will not be able to wait for riders who have fallen behind. Riders not able to maintain the pace will likely have to complete the route separately on your own. This ride is not recommended for families or children who are not experienced riding on public streets. Please pump up your tires, check your brakes, lube your chain, and take your bike for a test spin before you arrive. More details about this global 24th anniversary event can be found at: [https://rideofsilence.org/main.php](https://rideofsilence.org/main.php) READ THE FINE PRINT, PLEASE: • Bicycling involves inherent risks and requires that participants be in proper physical condition. When you RSVP "yes" to a Bike Rockville event, that RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BocKiaMJwba62c7b583CoOxIYamFiaWN/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BocKiaMJwba62c7b583CoOxIYamFiaWN/view?usp=sharing) • HELMETS ARE REQUIRED for all riders on every ride. • We strongly recommend you bring a water bottle, spare tube, cell phone, ID card, and cash or credit card for emergencies. • Since this part of a global movement , this ride goes on rain or shine!

We will be hosting the City of Rockville's annual TERRIFIC Kids bike distribution. In this program students have completed a list of good deeds to earn a bicycle. Here is information about the program: [www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award](https://www.rockvillemd.gov/321/Terrific-Bicycle-Award) We need volunteers to help with set-up, helping students select a bike, and break-down. Families will be arriving by appointment between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. A member of the Mayor and City Council will be presenting the student with a certificate. Then the student will be guided to select the correct-sized bicycle and helmet. Please let us know which 3-hour shift you can volunteer: 8:30 am to 11:30 am and/or 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. You are welcome, of course, to spend the entire day with us also. Just let us know!

The Rockville Bike Hub will be at the Rockville Town Square Bike to Work Day pitstop to provide help with mechanical issues you might be having on your way to work. Come by and say hi or stay to volunteer for an hour! Register to be counted and receive a free t-shirt and other fun prizes! [https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square)

This is NOT an official meetup but an announcement! **Registration is now open for Bike to Work Day 2026!** Join thousands of commuters in the DC Metro area who choose to celebrate spring by biking to work on Friday, May 15. Even if you are working remotely, bike to the closest pitstop before you start your day. Register for one of the Rockville pitstops for Bike to Work Day 2026! One pitstop is at Town Center on Maryland Ave ([www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-town-square)) and one in Fallsgrove at the Thomas Farm Community Center ([https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-fallsgrove](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/rockville-fallsgrove)) Each pit stop will provide registered attendees with free t-shirts, refreshments, and chances to win great prizes. Please be sure to register with your pit stop location to be eligible for the free t-shirts and prize raffles. To find out more information and to register, go to [www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register) Feel free to coordinate riding together to a pitstop if your routes are similar. We would love to see your photos!