Weekend Mountain Biking

We’re heading out for a beautiful 20 km loop hike from Afferden through the gorgeous Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. This route takes us through a striking Limburg landscape of forest, sandy paths, open heathland, river dunes, and wide views. Along the way, we pass the ruins of Kasteel Bleijenbeek and climb an uitkijktoren for a panoramic view over the Maasduinen landscape. One of the special features of this hike is that we cross the Maas river twice by small ferry. These crossings give the route an extra sense of adventure and connect the Maasduinen landscape with the village side of the river. After one of the crossings, we continue to the village of Vierlingsbeek, where we’ll take our longer break for a drink. After the break, we make our way back toward Afferden, completing a varied loop through forest, heathland, castle history, river scenery, ferry crossings, and quiet Limburg countryside. A hike with forest energy, open heathland, castle ruins, a lookout tower, two Maas river crossings, and a relaxed village drink stop. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Afferden, Veer naar Sambeek" https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcg4hBvRsHoUjBSa6 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After **4 km:** break at watchtower (5 min) After **7 km:** Having a lunchbreak at ruins of Castle Bleijenbeek (25 min) After **13 km:** Ferry over the Maas After **14 km:** Drinks at bar in Vierlingsbeek (50 min) After **20 km:** Ferry back over the Maas (bring small change to pay the ferry) I still need to confirm or make a reservation at the bar. **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. Please pay here: [https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71](https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71) **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 5 June at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks and enough water * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

This hike is one you don’t want to miss! It offers a lot of variety on a relatively short distance. From train station Rhenen, we will cross the river and walk along it for a while, until we cross it again by ferry, taking us to the beautiful wetlands of the ‘Blauwe Kamer’, where we might encounter all kinds of wildlife. After a break, we will continue to climb the Grebbeberg, a 52 meter peak in the hilly forest, towering above the river. We will then return to Rhenen, with the option of visiting this pittoresque old town. **Where to meet**: we will meet at **10.30am** at train station Rhenen. This train station can be reached by Sprinter train from Utrecht Centraal. **This hike is fully booked.** [You may register for a place on the waitlist on my website.](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/)

It’s summer and time for some serious Lake Appreciation. So this walk is going to take us round two beautiful lakes on the outskirts of Nijmegen.. We meet at the Wijkcentrum Dukenburg, then it's 5 minutes or so to get to Staddijk park. We’ll walk through this pretty urban park, under the A73 and shortly after onto the sandy beaches of the Berendonck. We will walk around one side of the lake and stop at De Eikenhorst Tea Garden for refreshments. Then we will walk around the Wichensche Ven, crossing over this lake and then returning round the other side of the Berendonck and then back into Park Staddijk towards our starting point. This walk is very flat with mostly good quality paths, but as always, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Remember to bring plenty of water and maybe some snacks, although we are stopping for refreshments roughly halfway. These walks tend to become full and then people have to go on a waiting list. Please be considerate: if you sign up and your plans change, please change your RSVP to "No" so that someone else can take your place.

**Zaterdag 13 juni 2026, Houten** **Een dag vol muziek, inspiratie en gitaarplezier!** De EGTA GitaarFiësta is een dag waarop de klassieke, nylonsnarige gitaar centraal staat en deelnemers hun plezier in het gitaarspelen kunnen delen met medegitaristen. Op deze dag biedt EGTA-Nederland amateurgitaristen van alle leeftijden een podium waarop ze met een solo optreden muzikaal van zich kunnen laten horen. Iedere deelnemer ontvangt feedback van onze professionele coaches, een certificaat van deelname en een goodiebag. Daarnaast zijn er aanmoedigingsprijzen te winnen voor de meest bijzondere optredens. Beleef samen een onvergetelijke muzikale ervaring! 📍 Locatie: Cultuurhuis Schoneveld, Houten 🕕 Categorieën: t/m 12 jaar · 13–15 jaar · 16–21 jaar · 22+ 🎶 Repertoire: één verplicht werk + vrije keuze 🗓️ **Aanmelden: nieuwe deadline 30 april 2026** 💶 Inschrijfgeld: €37,50 Toegang voor publiek is gratis https://egta.nl/egta-gitaarfiesta-2026/

For our next hike we'll be following a beautiful 10 km route starting at Utrecht Zuilen train station and ending at Maarssen train station. On the way we'll be walking along the river Vecht, passing by Slot Zuilen. Will you join? Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in the Utrecht Region. Anyone is welcome to join, no matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a local or an expat, a professional or a student, as long as you bring a good mood. We are not about fast hiking, but about social hiking: being active, exploring places, meeting like-minded people and just generally having a fun walk. We'll be starting from Utrecht Zuilen train station at 10.30AM. This time we won't be following a circular route, which means we won't end at our starting point, but we'll end at Maarssen train station instead. Those who want to return to Utrecht Zuilen train station afterwards, can easily get back with a direct train. Please try to arrive to Utrecht Zuilen on time. We'll start our hike at 10.30AM and won't let the whole group wait for you in case you're arriving later. Only in case the train from Utrecht Centraal scheduled to arrive at Utrecht Zuilen at 10.22AM has some delay, we'll wait for that train to arrive. If you're arriving after we have departed, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691, so we can share our location with you and you can try to catch up with us. Utrecht Zuilen train station doesn't have a toilet, so please use a restroom before you arrive. The route is going mostly over paved roads, so please wear good shoes. Also, please bring something to drink for on the way and use SPF if it'll be a sunny day. Dogs are allowed on the route, but need to be kept on a leash on parts of the route. For those coming by car, we recommend to park at the free P+R at Maarssen train station (address: Safariweg) and take the 10.03 train to Utrecht Zuilen from there. Near Utrecht Zuilen there's only paid parking. After the walk, those who want can join for lunch/drinks at the Bisonspoor shopping center near Maarssen train station. Since we do make some costs while organising our hikes (MeetUp subscription, travel expenses), a small donation would be very much appreciated. You can do so by following this link: [https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=kwOxuGxX6dgPI3EL51ycNmCmcftr7OaB](https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=kwOxuGxX6dgPI3EL51ycNmCmcftr7OaB) If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See you on Saturday 13th of June at Utrecht Zuilen train station!

**Hilversum Code & Coffee** A friendly meetup for developers, tech enthusiasts, students, freelancers, founders, and anyone interested in coding. Bring your laptop, grab a coffee, and work on: * coding projects * learning programming * AI experiments * startup ideas * automation tools * open source * career development All levels are welcome — from beginners to experienced engineers.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Ik organiseer wederom Verraders en Geesten! Midden in de natuur spelen we dit, wat vooral erg gezellig samen is en met veel vrijheid. 3 Verraders in de groep. Kan jij ze eruit pikken? Geheel verzorgd. Super tof om dit samen te doen🥳 ik ben de spelleider en de sfeer en dynamiek bij zo'n dag zijn altijd top! Kaartjes kan je kopen op de website van WeekendHet(.nl), daar staat ook veel meer uitleg van wat het inhoudt. Mochten er vragen zijn laat maar weten! Er komen ook mensen van buiten MeetUp om samen een mooie dag te beleven😁

*Since the event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

Join us for a small outdoor mat Pilates class in Utrecht 🌿 We’ll meet in the park for a relaxed, beginner-friendly Pilates session. The class is suitable for all levels and focuses on moving your body, breathing, building strength and enjoying a calm evening outside. Please bring your own mat, water and comfortable clothes. The exact meeting point in the park will be shared before the class. Weather note: This is an outdoor class. In case of bad weather, the class may be postponed and participants will be informed in advance. Good energy welcome 🤍

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Utrecht Coffee Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over coffee. 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 cafes in your city, together. \* Curated cafes with good coffee 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.

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Two routes: 38 or 22 miles. Picnic is in Purcellville with restaurants. Toilets at the beginning, middle and end of the trail. **NOTE: ADVANCED TRAIL. BRING EXTRA BATTERIES! THIS IS A FULL DAY SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURE.** The GPS routes can be found here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Come join us for a ride through some unbelievably scenic roads between Middleburg and Purcellville, VA. Loudoun County has a lot of beautiful back roads, many of which are gravel. This route meanders through some of the best scenery that this area has to offer. Expect to see miles of stone fences, pastoral farmsteads, charming little towns, and sparkling streams that snake their way through the landscape. You are guaranteed to end this ride with a smile on your face, and tranquility in your soul. Road bikes with super skinny tires will not be appropriate for this ride; that being said, any other tire should be fine. The key to navigating gravel roads is to take your time, which you will want to do anyway, as you take in the scenery. We wait at intersections for slower riders to catch up, so there will be no pressure to go any faster than you are comfortable. There is a winery just across the road from the parking area, and a brewery just on the other side of Middleburg, should anyone feel inclined to grab a bite to eat and a drink, after the ride. Mile 0 to 7: Mickie Gordon Park to Hibbs Bridge Both routes are the same to this point. Hibbs Bridge is a double-arched stone bridge with a humped back built between 1810 and 1830 when the Snickers Gap Turnpike was being constructed on what is now the Snickersville Turnpike. Mile 7 to 9 (short route): Hibbs Bridge to Philomont General Store The shorter route's lunch stop is at the Philomont General Store, which is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 9 to 22 (short route): Philomont General Store to Mickie Gordon Park This is exactly the same as Mile 25 to 38 on the longer route. Mile 7 to 18 (long route): Hibbs Bridge to Purcellville We'll break away from the short route and make our way to Purcellville, where there are many good options for food directly on the route, including a Subway and 7/11. If you like Thai food, Patama Thai Kitchen (next to Subway) is top notch. We'll break for lunch in Purcellville's Fireman's Park, which has picnic tables and restrooms. The park is just down the road from the eateries, so consider bringing your food with you to the park. Mile 18 to 25 (long route): Purcellville to Philomont General Store We'll gradually get back into it after our lunch stop, and enjoy more pleasant back roads as we make our way to our final break point. The Philomont General Store is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 25 to 38 (long route): Philomont to Mickie Gordon Park We'll head back over Hibbs Bridge and make a quick right onto a gravel road, which will lead us to some of the most remote and serene parts of the ride. You just can't find roads like this in most places, and we are lucky that Loudoun County sees fit to leave them be. We'll arrive in Middleburg the back way, bike down East Washington Street, and make a right just after leaving town. We'll take some neighborhood roads to avoid route 50 as much as possible, then do a very short stint (0.2 mi) on 50 to get back to our parking area. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates 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) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](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/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) **REGISTRATION FOR THIS RIDE IS YOUR AFFIRMATION THAT YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER BELOW.** **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**

Arrive: 8:15 am Pedal: 8:30 am Join us for a new Bike ride starting for the Trek Bike Store in the Village of Leesburg, Leesburg, VA. The A ride will include TaylorsTown and Stumptown in the reverse order which is a little bit easier but still challenging. The B ride will be a lot easier and less hilly. Ride details Route A Distance: 53.9 mi Elevation: 3109 ft Max Grade: 9.2% Estimated Pedaling Time: 03:45 Pace: 15 to 16 mph Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37983682 Route B Distance: 28.6 mi Elevation: 1307 ft Max Grade: 7.1 % Estimated Pedaling Time: 02:30 Pace: 12 to 14 mph Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44503685 All persons participating in this activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity. Post Ride We'll eat at a restaurant in the village. What to bring? • Your Bike • Helmet (mandatory) • Cycling shoes and apparel • Cue sheet and/or GPS device • Cell phone (charged) • Water bottle • Sunscreen • Cycling glasses • Cash and/or credit card • ID Questions? Feel free to contact me via Meetup messaging with your questions or comments.

We will be hiking the loop trail, (counter clockwise) around the BeaverDam Reservoir starting at the brand new Reservoir Park VisitorsCenter. Beautiful views of the water and varied woodland areas. This is an 7.5 MILE loop hike around one of Northern Virginia's largest bodies of water. The loop is mainly flat with a tiny hill or two. I've rated the loop moderate because the distance is 7.5 miles and we will be hiking about 22 minutes per mile - just under 3 miles per hour. After the hike we'll head over to Lark Brewing. 24205 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105 for food and beverages. I will make every effort for your safety. You are hiking at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the hike as long as they are good with groups, friendly and you follow all leash laws. I like kids but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21. We do start on time so please plan accordingly. Meet in front of the bathrooms by the parking lot. Reservoir Park Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=lkkoxr&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Let's earn this afternoon's wine at The Barns at Hamilton Station with an easy paced bike ride along the W&OD Trail between Hamilton, Purcellville, and Clarks Gap. Since this will be Outdoor Vineyard Visits' first bike ride, we'll be keeping things casual and easy. Starting at the W&OD trail at Hamilton Station Rd, we'll begin with a 7.6 mile out-and-back to the end of the trail in Purcellville. For those that want more, we'll then head east to Clarks Gap for a total of twelve miles. If this pre-winery bike ride goes well, we'll look into doing more in the future including longer & more challenging rides. But today's ride is just for the fun of getting some easy miles in before joining the group up the road at The Barns. (Separate sign up here: https://www.meetup.com/outdoor-vineyard-visits/events/314870488/) **PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS!** Date: Saturday June 13 Pre-Ride Prep: 10:45 am Pedaling Time: **11:00 am!!** Start Location: Where the W&OD crosses Hamilton Station Rd Start GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c2fPJ68SDTKuSPYTA Parking: There is street parking along Hamilton Station and Irene Rds. Do not park in local businesses' lots. Estimated ride time: 1:00 to 1:30 hours Estimated average speed: 12 mph (mostly flat, some small hills) Pace: Casual and easy - this is not a race or training ride Rider Level: We will keep an easy pace, but this is not a pure beginner's ride. You should know how your bike works and be comfortable riding on a trail or roads with other cyclists, walkers, runners, and maybe even horses. Surface: Paved Multi-Use Trail Max Grade: 2.8% Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55226129 Cue Sheet: n/a since we will remain on the W&OD Post Ride Refreshments: The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards. The Barns is less than a mile up the road where we'll meet to the rest of the Outdoor Winery Visit's gang. **Cycling helmets are required!** You must have at least one large full water bottle. You must have a spare tube, tire levers, and either a pump or CO2 cartridges. I can help fix a flat but I can't bring a tube or air for every different type/size of tire. Check your bike BEFORE you leave your house. The trail head is not the place to adjust your brakes, derailleurs or air up your tires. eBikes are welcome but you must stick to the same pace as standard bikes. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Not So Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Helmets are required to participate on all Outdoor Winery Visit 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. We will begin the ride at 11:00 am, no exceptions. In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the Outdoor Winery Visit's programs, related events and activities, I acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: 1. The risk of injury from many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and, 2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for my participation; and, 3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and, 4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Outdoor Winery Visits, it’s officers, officials, ride directors, ride coordinators, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors and advertisers ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING UP AND PARTICIPATING.

Hiking along water in the morning should help keep us feeling cool! Seneca Creek State Park offers 50 miles of trails along 14 miles of Seneca Creek. We will do an out and back hike along the creek (swimming is not permitted; wading at your own discretion). We will keep a leisurely to moderate pace on fairly good footing. You might stay on into the afternoon to visit the Nature Center in the State Park Office or rent a boat at the Boat Center to paddle on Clopper Lake. On weekends, the State Park charges $3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 per person for non-residents. Carpooling is possible. Let me know if you need a ride. We will meet at 9:00 AM in the visitor center parking lot just off the main entrance to the park on Clopper Rd, route 117. We will drive together to our exact trailhead. A restroom is located in the visitor center, and others are located on the entrance road just before the toll station. Please register for this event separately by using the AMC outdoors connector, https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Ao1O2AS/act00021726