
What we’re about
NoVA CBG About Page
NoVA CBG Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/NOVACBG)
Welcome to the Northern Virginia Casual Biking Group (NOVA-CBG). For your cycling pleasure, please join us for various casual bicycle rides around the area. **************************************
How Do We Define "Casual"? : *************************************** Well, we really don't pressure anyone to be a professional cyclist.* We don't ask you to own any special gear (except for a helmet).* We don't ask you to wear special outfits (unless you want to).* All we ask is that you come as you are comfortably with a bike that is in well-tuned shape and a helmet. We ride with a "no man left behind" philosophy so that everyone can enjoy themselves without fear of getting lost or left behind. So the ride may have a few extra "re-grouping" stops if that is required due to various riding skills. Because of this philosophy we really try to ask that the cyclist's riding skill matches the ride they are on.
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Ride Levels: ************************************** 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 easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 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.
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Riding Requirements: ************************************** Just like every other group we DO have some riding requirements: 1) Helmets are mandatory for every ride we do, no exceptions... period.
2) All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. Participating in a NoVA-CBG ride is voluntary and riders must be ready and able to participate in the ride as described in the meetup and under the conditions of the day. Riders have read and acknowledged by an RSVP 'YES' MEETUP.com's "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ and NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/.
3) Just in case there is an emergency situation you should always have on you Identification, Insurance, and any other important medical information.
4) All riders must be at least 18 years of age.
5) No music is allowed on any of the rides. Headphones or otherwise.
6) We have a "three strikes" NO SHOW policy, so please honor your RSVP or change it accordingly as soon as your situation changes.
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Membership Dues: ************************************** Your first two months in the group are free, after that we have an annual $10.00 membership fee. This fee helps defer the cost of the MEETUP fees and facilitates our Annual "Company" Picnic and Annual Holiday Party. In addition these dues allow us to perform our Tire Changing and Gear classes and our Bike In Movies series during the winter.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Beginner(+) Level: The OTHER Cherry Blossom Ride 2025Columbia Island Marina, Arlington, VA
Put yourself on the waiting list, we will add you once we have the organizers sorted.
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The Ride Summary:
(Must Read)
++++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: The OTHER Cherry Blossom Ride 2024
- START LOC: Columbia Island Marina / LBJ Memorial Grove
- START GPS: 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_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29679037
NOTES:
- Bring a camera.
- Bring a snack.
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The Ride: Detail
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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.
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The Meeting Spot:
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Columbia Island Marina / LBJ Memorial Grove
George Washington Memorial Pkwy,
Arlington, VA 22202
https://goo.gl/maps/8t6o5ZWsQpsIMPORTANT: 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 !!
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The Ride after the Ride:
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TBD++++++++++++++++++++
Ride Level Chart
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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.
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The Fine Print:
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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. - All Levels: Western Maryland Rail Trail @ Lockhouse-49 (Pizza/Fire)Fort Frederick State Park, Big Pool, MD
- The WMRT has been resurfaced/repaved late in 2024 so smoooth.
- You can do the entire trail (50 miles)
- Or just the front/back half of the trail (25 miles).
- Pizza party /picnic afterwards at the Lockhouse!
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The Ride: Summary
(Must Read)
+++++++++++++++++++++- RIDE NAME: Western Maryland Rail Trail @ Lockhouse-49 (Pizza/Fire)
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Front Half of Ride /OR/ Full Ride
+++++++++++++++++++++- START LOC #1: Fort Frederick State Park
- START GPS #1: https://goo.gl/maps/KKYewqYEVwM5Mekm6
- PARKING: http://bit.ly/fort_fred_parking
- PARKING COST: $3.00 MD Resident / $5 Other (Bring Cash)
- ARRIVAL: 10:00am
- SPEECH: 10:15am
- ROLLING: NLT 10:30am
- LEVEL: Medium(+) Level
- DISTANCE: Up to 50 miles (do any mileage you want)
- PACE: 13 to 15+ mph (do any pace you want)
- TERRAIN: Paved (except for 2 miles on C&O Canal)
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_WMRT_50_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33703323
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Back Half of Ride
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C&O Bicycle Shop - 9 S Pennsylvania Ave, Hancock, MD 21750 - START GPS #2: https://goo.gl/maps/NJEPSY4mVLEbhywQ7
- PARKING LOT: https://bit.ly/WMRT_HANCOCK
- ARRIVAL: 11:00am
- SPEECH: 11:15am = Whenever Gary arrives and gives the speech
- ROLLING: 11:30am = Whenever Gary is done with the speech
- LEVEL: Beginner(+) Level
- DISTANCE: 25 miles
- PACE: Own Pace (but figure 12 mph)
- TERRAIN: No Hills, Paved Trail (unless you want to ride the C&O)
- RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_WMRT_25_2025
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40985748
Parking in Hancock:
- 1 W Main St. Hancock, MD 21750
- https://gaptrail.org/amenities/co-canal-towpath-access-and-parking-hancock/
- Meters: 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- 10 hour time limit
- 12 min each nickel / 24 min each dime / 60 min each quarter
- Bring Coins or find Street Parking.
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The Ride : Detail
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For your cycling pleasure NoVA CBG presents: The Western Maryland Rail Trail (http://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com/).
The Western Maryland Rail Trail is 25 miles (50 round trip) of beautiful paved rail to trail. The WMRT runs parallel to the C&O Canal the entire way. If you wanted to ride the C&O Canal instead of the WMRT (or make a loop of it) this is your opportunity as well.||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full Ride /OR/ Front Half of Ride (50 or 25 miles)
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||- CBG will be meeting you at Fort Frederick @ 10:00am (rolling @ 10:30am). Maryland residents pay $3 to park, all others $5 to park. After the ride feel free to check out the Fort Frederick grounds.
The WMRT route:
- Leaving the Fort Frederick State Park from the south we are taking the C&O Canal trail (unpaved) 2 miles to meet up with the WMRT which is all paved.
- The C&O Canal trail, while unpaved, can be successfully ridden with a road bike as long as you are careful.
- I am not sure if this part of the C&O Canal trail has been resurfaced recently so we will find out when we ride it.
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Back Half of Ride: (25 miles)
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||- CBG will be meeting you at the C&O Bicycle Shop @ 11:15(ish)am (rolling whenever Gary arrives there to do the speech).
- Parking lot is located at 1 W Main St. Hancock, MD 21750
- PARKING INFO: Meters: 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 10 hour time limit. 12 min each nickel / 24 min each dime / 60 min each quarter. If the lot is full, there is other meter parking available on Main St. or just find street parking.
The WMRT route:
- For those starting in Hancock at the C&O Bicycle Shop, the WMRT and the C&O trails are both right there.
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The Meeting Spot:
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* Front Half of Ride /OR/ Full Ride
Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Rd,
Big Pool, MD 21711
https://www.visitmaryland.org/listing/attraction/fort-frederick-state-park
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/KKYewqYEVwM5Mekm6
PARKING PIC: http://bit.ly/fort_fred_parking* Back Half of Ride
C&O Bicycle Shop
9 South Pennsylvania Ave
Hancock, MD 21750
https://www.candobicycle.com/
GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/NJEPSY4mVLEbhywQ7
PARKING LOT: 1 W Main St. Hancock, MD 21750
PARKING PIC: https://bit.ly/WMRT_HANCOCK+++++++++++++++++++++
The Ride After The Ride:
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Lockhouse-49
11042 4 Locks Rd
Clear Spring, MD 21722
Lockhouse GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/hcqcaYyLKYhBuPYx8
Parking GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/MRRnfGKX5Asd9vDw7
Parking PIC: http://bit.ly/Lockhouse49_Parking- Fire, Pizzas, and S'Mores @ Lockhouse-49 supplied by CBG for dinner.
- When your ride is over simply drive your car from Fort Frederick (or Hancock) to Lockhouse-49 and park in the Four Locks Parking Lot which is directly next to Lockhouse-49.
- Don't wait for a particular time, arrive at the lockhouse whenever you're finished with your ride. However, if you get there earlier than 5pm feel free to just hang & chill in and around the lockhouse and wait for others to finish their ride. You are welcome to use the lockhouse to change your clothes and freshen up (there is outside water, but bring wet wipes). Consider this our "base of operations" for the day and enjoy the grounds.
- Bring your favorite beverage in a cooler & some chairs/blanket to enjoy the RATR in the grassy area behind the lockhouse.
- Stay as long as you want into the evening. Many folks in previous years have stayed in local hotels so they can make a nice day/evening of it.
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Ride Level Chart
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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.
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The Fine Print:
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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.
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BONUS Photo Scavenger Hunt FUN:
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||- Searching for the elusive east entrance of the Indigo Tunnel at the end of paved trail (along a grass path after the WMRT Bridge to the C&O Canal).
https://www.canaltrust.org/discoveryarea/indigo-tunnel/
https://outsidemyfrontdoor.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/the-indigo-tunnel/- Roundtop Cement Mill and Devil's Eyebrow (C&O canal trail).
https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/round-top-cement-mill/
https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/kidsyouth/devil-s-eyebrow.htm - SAVE THE DATE (August 2nd 2025): NoVA CBG's Annual Company Picnic @ Fort HuntFort Hunt Park Picnic Area B, Alexandria, VA
SAVE THE DATE,
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Mark Your Calendars!!
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Google Calendar: Click Me To Add
iCalendar: Click Me To Add
Yahoo Calendar: Click Me To Add
Outlook Calendar: Click Me To Add+++++++++++++++++++++
PICNIC INFO: SUMMARY
+++++++++++++++++++++- EVENT NAME: NoVA CBG's Annual "Company" Picnic 2025
- EVENT DATE: Saturday 08/02/2025
- EVENT LOC: Fort Hunt Park - Picnic Area B
- EVENT GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/L3MFqNtmEV12
- EVENT PARKING: Don't park on the grass, DO park in the parking lot.
- EVENT STARTS: 9:00am
- EVENT FINISHES: 5:00pm
- EVENT WEATHER: Rain or Shine (We have a pavilion)
- EVENT ATTENDANCE: CBG Members, Significant's, & Families !!
- EVENT COST: Free if your annual $10 dues are paid up. If you are brand new to the group, pay your dues after you've met us.
- DISH TO PASS: Bring a dish to pass (one that feeds 2-3 people)
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MORE INFO TO COME AS WE GET CLOSER
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Please mark (add) to your calendars!!!
Google Calendar: Click Me To Add
iCalendar: Click Me To Add
Yahoo Calendar: Click Me To Add
Outlook Calendar: Click Me To Add+++++++++++++++++++++
RESERVATION INFO
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Order Number: 0746877155
Order Date: Jan 7 2025
Quantity: 1 Nights
Order Details:
* Check In: Aug 2, 2025
* Check Out: Aug 2, 2025
* B-001, Group Picnic Areas( GROUP PICNIC AREA )
* Fort Hunt Picnic AreasNot open