What we’re about
The purpose of this group is to give our fellow Maryland bike riders opportunities to:
- explore familiar and new bike trails mostly in MD, and occasionally in DC, VA, DE, PA, NJ and NY.
- socialize and make new friends.
- have fun while exercising.
- travel with a familiar group to participate in day trips and weekend getaways for bikers
- travel with a familiar group to participate in larger bike events such as "Bike Philly"
- volunteer for bike events
- support bike advocate groups such as Bike Maryland and WABA.
Although most participants have been in the over 40+ age range, we welcome bikers of all ages, as well as all skill levels, gender identifications, ethnicities, races, etc.
Most of the events are for casual bicycle riding on scenic trails. We target rail and greenway trails, which are bicycle-friendly trails that tend to parallel old train tracks, canals, and rivers. Since trains did not do well on anything over a 3% grade, these trails are amazingly flat. They go through some beautiful areas and quaint towns, often where food and drink are plentiful.
We avoid streets as much as possible, although some of the trails may include a bike lane or shoulder for a small portion of the ride. Only a small number of routes use roads more than 25% of the time. Any route that is mostly on roads will be titled with "ROAD RIDE " so they can be easily identified.
Although we are mainly interested in "day trips," We also like to schedule at least one overnight each year.
Most rides will have distance options such as 10, 15, 20, etc., that you can choose from. And we'll range between 8 - 15 mph (some of us are slower, some are faster). This will make for a pretty laid-back ride and riders of just about any skill level should be fine. This is not about performance!
Group Fees
At this time there is no event fee or annual group fee. But please consider making a small donation to offset the $300 annual Meetup fee, the $80 annual Ride with GPS fee, and the huge number of hours the organizer's use to research destinations, check for trail construction, parking, writing, answering member questions, etc. in lieu of doing their personal errands.
Volunteer organizers are needed
If you’re in the mood to ride a particular trail and would like to let others join you, let me know and I’ll gladly add your event and put you as the organizer - even if there’s already a bike trip listed the same day. The more the merrier!
What do I need to bring?
Bike details: A proper-fitting bike that has had a maintenance check. Hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes (as long as they don't have the ultra-thin tires); the trails tend to be a mixture of asphalt, crushed limestone, and gravel.
Helmet: Required to be worn when seated/riding a bike.
Some other gear that is almost mandatory:
- Water (water bottles or a backpack style hydration system)
- Spare tube: Even if you don't know how to change a flat, someone in the group will be able to do it for you and it's MUCH easier to change a tube than to patch one
- Bike tools (a tire repair and patch kit and spare tube is always a good idea)
- Bike lock (we do stop for food and drink and the bike is not always in view)
- A payment method
- Good attitude (we're fun people!)
Other things to consider:
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small first aid kit
- Bike bag to hold everything
- Biking shorts (padded shorts may look strange to the uninitiated, but they sure do the trick)
- In cooler seasons, wear an upper layer that can be removed when you get warmed up.
- Please read our group rules
Please Note
We place limits on the number of riders that can join any single ride. Be aware of this when you join a ride. If you find you won't be able to make the ride, please move yourself from ‘Going’ to ‘Not Going’ ASAP and no later than 24 hours before the event start time to give others the chance to join. If you wait till the day of the event then you’re not giving others the time to take your place. Please don’t RSVP to an event just to add it to your calendar; only RSVP if you truly feel you will make it.
Make sure you get to the Meetup location before start time. Give yourself enough time to get your bike off/out of the car and ready by the start time (at least 15 minutes). Especially in summer, it’s too hot to stand around waiting for late arrivals to get ready. If you’re running late, please message the group on Meetup so we know whether to leave or wait a bit.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- South Island Trail, Kent Island, MDMatapeake State Park, Stevensville, MD
**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride may be postponed if the chance of rain is above 40%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) or if temperature is above 96*F at noon **
Credit goes to Howard Eckert for suggesting this trail and providing details and photos.
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a cycling adventure on Kent Island, just to the east of Annapolis. Consider bringing or wearing water shoes so you can enjoy the beaches.The South Island Trail is a paved, fairly flat trail that runs parallel to Route 8 on Kent Island. It is 6 miles long and runs from Metapeake Public Beach down to Romancoke Pier Park. It winds through forest and fields and offers water views.
Note: There is a $4 toll to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
BATHROOMS
There are bathrooms at both ends of the South Island Trail.PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
There is public parking at Metapeake Public Beach.
Meet us at the trailhead.OPTION A – 12 miles total, +/- 130 ft
South Island Trail only:OPTION B - Up to 31 miles total, +/- 327 ft
South Island Trail + Extension (road cycling to the southern point of the island).
The road that branches off of Romancoke Rd is a two-lane road with no shoulders, but it is lightly traveled and a nice ride.
BIKE RENTALS
NA
BIKE REPAIR
NA
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.
Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all dark grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:
· Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
· Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
· Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
· Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
· Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc.
· Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.OPTIONAL GROUP LUNCH
If interested in having a group picnic or group lunch at a retail establishment afterwards, let us know.MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.
An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ - Jones Falls Trail: Mt. Washington to Inner Harbor (option to train ride back)Jones Falls Trail NW Trailhead, Baltimore, MD
**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride could be postponed if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed is above 15 mph or wind gusts are above 20 mph (per AccuWeather) **
Thanks to “Duct tape” Mike for helping us to get the details for this route.
A FRIENDLY REMINDER
This isn't a free bike touring organization. It's supposed to be a social biking group where everyone makes an effort to help out (offer suggestions, offer to organize or help lead a ride, help a rider, welcome new participants, etc.) and take time to get to know each other a little at the "regroup" stops.PARKING
The Jones Falls Trail's NW endpoint at Greenspring Avenue and Cross Country Blvd and Pimlico Road does not have a dedicated parking area. However, there are free street parking options nearby, particularly along Cross Country Blvd.MOUNT WASHINGTON TRAIN STATION
Mount Washington Light Rail Station (~1.5 miles away)
5701 Smith Ave
Baltimore, MD 21209MEETING SPOT & CHECK-IN
Meet us at the trailhead: Greenspring Ave and Cross Country Blvd (Baltimore City). After everyone is checked-in, we will form an oval to do an ice-breaker question.SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Be prepared to bike a long hill at the start. You should be able to maintain a bike speed of at least 10 mph on a flat trail for at least 10 miles to keep up. We stop about five minutes to regroup every 2-4 miles so people can catch up. If you are slower than that, you will need to use a nav app to guide you. Option to bail out and use a Light Rail to go back to the start!
DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can return at any time they feel like. These are just suggestions.OPTION A: ~10 miles. Bike down to Druid Hill Park’s Lake, go around it, then return the same way.
OPTION B: ~13 miles one way. After biking to the Inner Harbor. Bike over to the Inner Harbor Light Rail Station so you can take the train back. W. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201.
OPTION C: ~26 miles total, +/-1410 ft. Bike the full distance of the trail down to the Inner Harbor and stop at or near the Federal Hill Park and then bike back.
A one-way ride on the Light Rail costs $1.60 and we can bring our bikes on the train, unless the train is too crowded (according to Google Copilot). You can pay with cash at the fare boxes on board, or use the CharmPass mobile app for added convenience
OPTION D: You can add miles by hopping on the Gwynn Falls Trail or meandering through the city.BATHROOMS
Baltimore Visitor Center, Inner Harbor
BIKE RENTALS
Baltimore Bicycle Works
BIKE REPAIR
Baltimore Bicycle Works
Joe’s Bike Shop
5813 Falls Rd, Mt. Washington, MD.BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
Trail Link Summary: See this Trail Link page: Jones Falls Trail | Maryland Trails | TrailLink
Baltimore County Department of Recreation trail information webpage: Jones Falls Trail | Department of Recreation & ParksThe trail spans ~ 12.4 miles one way along the Jones Falls Stream Valley connecting the Mount Washington Light Rail Station with the Inner Harbor. It offers a mix of urban and natural environments, with various amenities and scenic spots where you can take a break. It is generally well-marked with clear signs at key points, such as trail junctions and road crossings. It has a mix of flat and hilly terrain. The steepest segment is near Cylburn Arboretum with an elevation gain of about 236 feet over 2.9 miles.
We will regroup and socialize at these locations:
- Northwest Park. ~1.5 miles from the start.
- Cylburn Arboretum. ~2.9 miles from the start. Located along the trail, this arboretum provides a peaceful wooded area and scenic views
- Druid Hill Park: ~4.5 miles from the start.
- Round Falls (James W. Rouse Memorial Deck - overlook). After crossing the train tracks and turning right, there will be a spur trail we need to take to get to the falls.
Optional Points of Interest as we ride south: - Ma & Pa Railroad Roundhouse (on the left)
- Baltimore Streetcar Museum (on the left)
- Penn Station (on the left after turning right on St. Paul Street)
Then we need to turn left on E. Mt. Royal Ave
Optional quick stop to see nearby Fallsway Fountain (on the right after passing Biddle St.) Built in 1915 by the famous sculptor Hans Schuler, in neoclassical style. See a vintage photo here. - Get on the Fallsway Cycle Track. A 2.6-mile protected bike lane in Baltimore, MD. It runs along Maryland Avenue and Cathedral Street, providing a two-way cycling path on the east side of the road. The track is separated from traffic by a painted buffer, flex-posts, and a row of parked cars, making it safer for cyclists.
- Quick stop to see the nearby Pheonix Shot Tower (on the left). It was built in 1828 and was once the tallest building in the USA.
- We need to make about five directional turns after this.
- Go to the Baltimore Visitor Center, Inner Harbor, to cool off and use restrooms.
- Meander around the harbor to opposite of Federal Hill.
OPTION TO SOCIALIZE BEFORE BIKING OR TRAIN RIDING BACK Bring your suggestions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring: Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat.
Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all dark grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something light to help others notice you.
REQUIREMENTS
Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:
· Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them.
· Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop.
· Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel.
· Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction.
· Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps
· When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc.
· Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground.MEETUP POLICIES
Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. Participation is at your own risk.
An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
You should not hold the organizers, leaders, and other participants accountable for any injury that occurs during a meetup event.
