Winter Biking

Continue on the Potomac chapter's leg of the AMC 150th Relay, riding your bike with us on a stretch of the W.B.A trail between Bowie and the Baltimore Harbor. This is the 19th day of the 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine starting in March and concluding in October. The segment will travel about 25 miles on a fairly level paved multi-use trail. Registration is required, you can sign up and get more info at the following link through Outdoors Connector: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN00000264vp2AA/act00018149 Email the co-leaders if you have any questions after signing up. [About the AMC 150th Relay](https://www.outdoors.org/AMC150/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=May+2025+VR+Newsletter&utm_content=5/15/2025&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.outdoors.org%2fAMC150&email_audience=Volunteers%20AMC%20-%20Auto%20Refresh): Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150th Relay—a 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine. Each leg of the relay contributes to a continuous route across the Northeast, showcasing the diversity of AMC’s outdoor legacy. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story. Together, we’ll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure.

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Everybody knows about the cherry blossoms now in full bloom around the Tidal Basin. But there's an equally extravagant display of cherry blossoms each year in the Kenwood neighborhood of Bethesda, MD. We will gather after work at 5 p.m. next Monday evening March 30 at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Old Georgetown Road, near the entrance to the Bethesda Metro Station. From there we'll walk through downtown Bethesda to pick up the paved Capital Crescent Trail that soon delivers us directly to Kenwood. Once we arrive, we'll scatter through residential streets for about an hour to ooh and ah; Kenwood is a very fancy neighborhood, so its homes and manors are quite impressive in their own right. We should be back in Bethesda by sunset; there will be an optional dinner in one of the many local establishments before we return to the Bethesda Metro station. Total length of our round-trip on the paved and level Capital Crescent Trail should be about 2 miles, plus whatever mileage we rack up roaming the streets of Kenwood. Bring beverages, snacks, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Every participant must RSVP on their own behalf.

16.7 miles. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774 ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34512774)Picnic is at the Potomac Overlook 13 miles into the trail. Toilets are in the beginning, middle and end of the ride. We meet at the parking lot at Abner Cloud House at Fletcher's Cove. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be around 17 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. 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. Please bring some snacks, lunch and plenty of water. Our bikes will be always in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. However, perhaps some people will decide to stop in Georgetown for a snack or lunch after the ride- so bring a lock just in case you would like to do that. 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. **Hill Alert: As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome, but be aware of the hills on this route.** About Fletcher's Cove: Fletcher's Cove, called by many customers "Fletcher's Boathouse", has been in this location since the 1850s and is renowned as a fishing and recreational area. The nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of business, the fourth generation of the Fletcher family retired in 2004, and Guest Services Incorporated, a National Park Service concessionaire, assumed responsibility for the operation of the concessions. The area surrounding the boathouse was then officially named Fletcher's Cove, though most people still call it Fletcher's Boat House. About the C&O Canal: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains. The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built. About the Labyrinth: One of the most interesting features in the park is the labyrinth, located towards the western end of the park. Labyrinths, which date back to ancient times, encourage contemplation on the journey from the outer edge along a circular path to the center. The TKF Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes urban green spaces to facilitate community healing, provided funds for constructing the labyrinth and for a teak bench and a diary for visitors to use to record their experiences there. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, 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 the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

**++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: anOTHER Cherry Blossom Koffee Klatch Ride 2025 * START LOC: [Fletcher's Cove](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) * START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) * START PARKING: Parking lot across the Canal, ample parking. * ARRIVAL: 10:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 10:10 a.m. * ROLLING: 10:15 a.m. * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 20.6 miles * PACE: 11 to 13mph * TERRAIN: Mostly Trail, Some Street, Hills. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_KOFFEEK_KENWOOD_2026 * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54369843) **NOTES:** * Bring a camera. **+++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents anOTHER Cherry Blossom Ride as a Koffee Klatch. While the famous cherry blossoms are around the Tidal Basin and Hains Point, the crowds there are truly stunning, it just isn't practical to RIDE there. (Our Tidal Basin cherry blossom rides are ride to the site, park, and walk around). Lucky for us that there are other collections of blossoms around the area. One of the best is up in the Kenwood area of Bethesda. Kenwood hosts around 1200 trees that were planted in the 1930s and 40s. The route is a loop starting at Fletcher's Cove uphill along the CCT to the cherry blossoms in Kenwood (mile 4) and coffee at Simona Cafe in Bethesda (mile 5.6. After coffee we ride through Chevy Chase and down to Beach Dr in Rock Creek Park and on to the Rock Creek Trail. We exit at P St over to 31st St and downhill to Water St and the CCT **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** [Fletcher's Boathouse/Abner Cloud House](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm) (Toilets available at the start) We will be in the parking lot across the canal 4863 Canal Rd NW Washington, DC 20016 START GPS: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8N5tAQafLTTdd5oKA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Is the Coffee Shop within the Ride [TBD]: **[SIMONA CAFE](https://simonacafe.com/#locationss)** 4520 East West Hwy Bethesda, MD **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types 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 easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or 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. NO exceptions. 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. Again, no exceptions.

**Put yourself on the waiting list, we will add you once we have the organizers sorted.** **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The OTHER Cherry Blossom Ride (Kenwood) 2026 * START LOC: Columbia Island Marina / LBJ Memorial Grove * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/8t6o5ZWsQps](https://goo.gl/maps/8t6o5ZWsQps) * START PARKING: Parking lot, ample parking. * ARRIVAL: 11:00 a.m. * SPEECH: 11:15 a.m. * ROLLING: 11:30 a.m. * LEVEL: Beginner(+) [distance considerations] * DISTANCE: 20 miles * PACE: 12 to 15mph * TERRAIN: Mostly Trail, Some Street, Minor Hills. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_CBLOSSOM_OTHER_RIDE_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29679037](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29679037) **NOTES:** * Bring a camera. * Bring a snack. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents The OTHER Cherry Blossom Ride. While the famous cherry blossoms are around the Tidal Basin and Hains Point, the crowds there are truly stunning, it just isn't practical to RIDE there. (Our Tidal Basin cherry blossom rides are ride to the site, park, and walk around). Lucky for us that there are other collections of blossoms around the area. One of the best is up in the Kenwood area of Bethesda. Kenwood hosts around 1200 trees that were planted in the 1930s and 40s. The route is an "out and back" starting from the LBJ Grove / Columbia Island Marina, heading up Mt Vernon trail to Key Bridge, where we cross over and take Capitol Crescent Trail up to Kenwood. We’ll take in the trees, and then reverse route back to the start. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Columbia Island Marina / LBJ Memorial Grove George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 [https://goo.gl/maps/8t6o5ZWsQps](https://goo.gl/maps/8t6o5ZWsQps) IMPORTANT: Give yourself ample time to find this location. We are starting from Columbia Island Marina/LBJ Memorial Grove on the river (not Pentagon) side. The location can be difficult to find because it has no exact physical address. USE THE GPS LINKS !! **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride after the Ride:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Island Time Bar & Grill at Columbia Island Marina **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types 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 easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or 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. NO exceptions. 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. Again, no exceptions.

Come join us for a 11-12 mile ride at a Fairland. We normally average 9-10mph. This is now a night ride and lights are required. Wheels rolling at 6pm unless someone texts me they're running a little late. We normally do 10-12 miles, and average 10mph. This ride is more for faster than average riders due to the pace. We wait up at intersections to let all riders catch up. If you have a good amount of rides under your belt and can average 8mph or better on singletrack trails, and take small brakes, then you will probably will be able to hang but it will be a challenge. About Fairland: 90% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! (there is one section of busted-up concrete, but it's not rocks, and it's only 10-15 feet long). Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. We will visit the skills pit but be advised, there are drops, jumps, skinnies, and overall technical features that will require the appropriate experience. Always take caution and know your technical ability limits. Video of our ride at Fairland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08 What to bring: Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review!( Here (http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all)

After a short winter hibernation, we are back for warmer weather events! We'll kick things off with our monthly social at [Rehab Tavern ](http://rehabtavern.com/) located in Franklinton! **Address**: 456 W Town St #460, Columbus, OH 43215 You'll find us at a large table with CAC flyers and placards! We'll be discussing what warm weather events you'd like to see such as hiking, biking, kayacking, etc!

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!