Wake Surfing

This has been on my 'Want to Go' list for a while, and a recent recommendation convinced me to give it a try this week. Can't wait to see what the vibe, and the espresso / matcha, is like! If you're an early riser and need a wfh break, or you wake later and want to start the day off right, join me for a cup and some light convo. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

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

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Tip o' the fedora to Willem Jansen for pioneering this route. This is a 7 mile lollipop hike with about 650' of elevation gain. Our route will take us through McLean and Arlington as we explore two tributary streams of the Potomac, and the remains of two Civil War era fortifications defending the Chain Bridge approach to Washington. From the Marie Butler Leven Preserve parking, we'll descend to Little Pimmit Run, merging into Pimmit Run. We'll take a short out-and-back side trail up to Fort Marcy before continuing on the Potomac Heritage trail to Chain Bridge. Upon reaching Gulf Branch, we'll follow that trail to the Gulf Branch Nature Center where we'll pause for a short snack break. We'll ascend to Glebe Road where we'll pass through the second Civil War fortification, Fort Ethan Allen, before returning to the Pimmit Run trail and back to the trailhead parking. Most of the hike is relatively flat, but includes a couple of short, steep, uphill sections. The natural surface portions of the route are narrow in spots and have many roots, and a few stream crossings. Poles may be useful. The parking lot at the starting point accommodates 12 cars. If it is full when you arrive, don’t park on Kirby Road, but in the Potomac Hills neighborhood, along Loch Raven Drive or Colleen Drive. No restrooms at the starting point; there is a porta potty at the rest stop. **Pace:** 2½ mph when moving. **Leader:** Steve Wiley, 571-345-6441 **Rating:** C **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Please contact me if you plan to bring your dog. **Trailhead:** See at the Marie Butler Leven Preserve, GPS coordinates **38.929789, -77.146651**. **Meet at 9:15**. We hike at 9:30. You may also find it in your navigator by inputting 1501 Kirby Road, McLean. **Map for hike:** downloadable AllTrails route [Leven Preserve - Fort Marcy - Gulf Branch](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/leven-preserve-fort-marcy-gulf-branch-b16524e?u=i&sh=pkltl9) and a [Printable pdf of route](https://geppetto-cdn.production.alltrails.com/pdf/v2/leven-preserve-fort-marcy-gulf-branch-b16524e-429884ce.pdf)

Life will never be without its challenges. Knowing how to create a positive attitude can change a problem into an opportunity. By understanding and harnessing thought energy, you can improve the quality of your life and inspire others. **The workshop will cover:** * How your mind really works; * Understanding influences and the power of choice; * Developing positive self-awareness; and * Exploring the spiritual principles that sustain positive living. Fri., Jan. 23rd, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/8kGW2](https://shorturl.at/8kGW2)

Meet other Arlington remote workers for a walk around the block. Just a casual stroll through the neighborhood to get some steps in and have an in person convo.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with **"I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **6.8 mile Mercer Lake hike; with Burke Lake option 4.7 additional miles. Elevation is essentially zero.** **Description:** This gem of a hike seems to be a well-kept secret! This lovely lake is nestled in a residential area between **[South Run Recreation center](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/reccenter/south-run)** and **[Burke Lake](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake/trails)**. Though there are many entrances to **Mercer Lake**, we will start our hike from \*\***[Burke Lake Volley Ball-Picnic area parking lot.](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/waterfront/burkelake/burketrailmap.pdf)**[ ](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/waterfront/burkelake/burketrailmap.pdf) \*\*Most of the **[Mercer lake trail](https://gohikevirginia.com/lake-mercer/)** is paved asphalt, with some sections of gravel. There are a lot of wooded views with a short stretch with lake views. There is the option of extending the Mercer Lake hike to include a loop around Burke Lake for anyone feeling up for the **challenge**! We will leave promptly at 9:30 am. **Fee**: Access to Burke Lake is **FREE** to Fairfax County residents and to many **affiliated local cities**. On weekdays there is no charge except for a few holidays during the warmer months. From April-October there is a $12 fee for out-of-county residents on weekends and a few holidays. **Restrooms**: there are facilities at the **Burke Lake Volley Ball Parking Lot** **Pace**: pace is about **2.5-2.7mph** while moving. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots. **Dogs:** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/9ecb60da847d6a7e3f3929376fdc4ec227b11294ee2b4e867a880d79fe964887).** **Meetup Location:** When entering Burke Lake at, make your first right after the **Information center** and travel down to the **Volley Ball/Picnic area parking lot**. **Address**: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station 22039 **Location: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake-park-location** **GPS: 38.760534, -77.305126**

Looking for a classy spot with budget-friendly bites and drinks? Join Social Sips & Bites for an upscale happy hour with unbeatable deals! Menu Highlights: $10 Margaritas $8 Wines Appetizers from $9–$17, including their signature steak This will be a small and fun group.

Ruggers! Break out your swimsuits and join the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Northern Virginia. West Potomac RFC is once again coming together to support the Special Olympics Virginia athletes in making their Olympic dreams come true. We'll use my (Woj's) house as a staging ground for changing, bag storage, and general pre-gaming. Then, we'll walk down the street to take the plunge, toss a ball around, and hand out business cards to any potential new recruits. The team page is here: **https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/792944** **IMPORTANT:** by registering for the team, you're agreeing to raise/donate at least $25 by 1/26/2026, and, you'll need to raise/donate at least $100 to take the plunge itself. **Tentative Schedule** * 11:00 AM – Registration/check-in * 1:00 PM – Check in closes. Costume Contest. Awards Presentation * 1:15 PM – Official Plunge start time — the plunging won’t stop until everyone has had a turn. **Parking is available for free at Mosaic**. The preferred parking garages are: * Garage at Target, 2905 District Ave * Garage at the Avalon Apartments, 2987 District Ave * Garage at the Modera Apartments, 2920 District Ave. The event is also metro accessible via the Orange line to the Dunn Loring stop. The event is a very short taxi or car ride away.

Just good ole Ultimate Frisbee. Tons of fun. Great group. No stacks. No pick calls (but no picks!!!). Fair warning to those totally new to ultimate: it's a lot of running. \*\*Please pay close attention to the rule #6 listed below. *What to DEFINITELY bring* 1. Running shoes/Cleats 2. One white shirt *and* one dark shirt !!!! See this one !!!! \-\-\- IMPORTANT you can play both dark and white so we can make teams when we get there; just pickup after all 😎 3. Water *What you can ALSO bring* 4\. Snacks & Drinks 5\. Gloves \(winter\) 6\. Sunscreen \(summer\) 7\. Sunglasses 😎 House Rules - 1. Starting Play: Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense. 2. Scoring: Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a point. The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored. 3. Movement of the Disc: The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count. 4. Change of Possession: When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense. 5. Substitutions: Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout. (Modified depending on the number of the attendees) 6. Non-contact: Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited. 7. Fouls: When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs. When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone. 8. Self-Officiating: Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. The host will also step in if it is needed. Please message the event host for any questions or concerns. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **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)

Join the Ski and Sports Club of Washington DC (SCWDC) on the slopes this season. Show your interest or solicit roommates here on Meetup. **However, [TRIP REGISTRATION IS ON THE SCWDC WEBSITE](https://scwdc.wildapricot.org/Ski-Flight-Trips)**. Trips are open to paid SCWDC members ([see all club benefits on the SCWDC website](https://scwdc.wildapricot.org/membership)), or Blue Ridge Ski Council (BRSC) members. **ASK QUESTIONS directly to the TRIP LEAD on ea SCWDC TRIP page** Trip Prices Include: -**Planning and logistics handled by Trip Leaders** -All trips supported by experienced committee members and club leaders -Club founded in 1936 **-Group roundtrip air travel & ground transportation to the slopes** -Grocery stop, may be included -Ground transportation only (book your own flights), may be available **-All posted prices, Double Occupancy** -Specify preferred roommate during registration, if identified -Trip Lead assigns a same gender roommate if none specified -Private rooms available with the additional single supplement (SS) price **-Pre-Trip DMV social meet/greet, may be included** **-During trip daily social meet/greet, may be included** **-Discount lift tickets, at additional costs, from third-parties may be included**

Join us for dinner and cake at a delicious Turkish cafe as we discuss our experiences leaving MAGA. All are welcome, even if you're still MAGA or even liberal. Join us at Moda 14513 Lee Jackson Mem Hwy # J, Chantilly, VA 20151

Join us for the Friday Night Fitness Skate! A 12 or 8 mile fitness skate that skates the same route each week so you will know the route and pavement hazards (since it is dark) and be able to work on form, endurance or speed as the cold wind is pushing against you! ;) The route has nice long stretches of uninterrupted skating, open roads with very few cars and the regroups are short and infrequent. We will meet at Freedom Plaza at 7pm as long as it is not raining, snowing and the pavement is not wet or icy. We’ll warm up with a skate to the Capital and then skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. From the Lincoln we will proceed to Haynes Point down Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile Haynes Point loop (12 mile total skate) or practice stops or stunts at the regroup spot while others skate the loop (8.5 mile total skate.) The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive and a couple patches here and there. The wind can be very strong and cold especially on Ohio Drive and Haynes Point as we skate adjacent to the water. Please feel free to jazz up your gear with lights, I wear a helmet bike light (since it is pretty dark) and a set of body lights. Most of the regulars skate with lighted wheels for fun! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will update this post via the comment section around 6pm on Friday. Of course, all skating is at your own risk. Hope you will come join us!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**In February we will be decorating and making snowflakes out of paper crafts, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.