About us
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, WVA, 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, Bike DC, and CRTTs 4th of July to Ft. McHenry
- volunteer for bike events
- support bike advocate groups such as Bike Maryland and WABA.
We welcome people of all ages, racial identities, gender identities, biking skills, 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 mostly flat. They go through some beautiful areas and quaint towns, often where food and drink are plentiful.
Paved hiker/biker trails usually have a speed limit of 15 mph. If we're aware that there's a road segment where you can ride faster, we'll try to note that in the event description.
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, 25, 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 $8 annual membership to offset the $320 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. Excess funds will be donated to World Bike Fund, Bike MD and WABA.
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, gravel, mountain bikes, and road bikes (as long as they don't have the ultra-thin tires); some 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
27
Bike York Heritage Trail + Optional TrainRideBack 20-30s
New Freedom Trail Station, 117 N Front Street, New Freedom, PA, US**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) **
TRAIN OR BUS STOPS
NAPARKING ADDRESS
New Freedom Train Station Parking Lot
117 N. Front St.
New Freedom, PAPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at one of the New Freedom Train Station parking lots.
Meet us at the left side of the New Freedom Train Station.
If you're taking the 1:00 train ride back, you need to rollout by 10:15-10:30 ish so you have time for stops on the way.
If you're biking back, meet Muddasar by 10:30.
After check-in, we’ll rollout going northbound (downhill).
If you're running late, let us know in the comments for both groups to see if anyone else is also late and will bike with you. Try to catch up at Glen Rock station.ROUTE SUMMARY
Join us for a relaxed, scenic and historic ride along the Heritage Rail Trail! This route offers gentle grades, historic landmarks, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the charm of the rail trail. It’s perfect for anyone who loves mixing cycling with a bit of history.
See the distance options for more details.TYPE OF BIKE: Any kind of bike frame and tires. We’ve ridden this trail (which is crushed limestone) with our road bikes and were fine. Hybrid/gravel tires are better suited. Mountain bikes should be able to keep up since it is downhill all the way up. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare tire on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels can enjoy this trail. There are four distance options to choose from. The trail is well marked and mostly flat. So if you’re just getting into biking or you’re short on time, you can choose the shorter option. And if you prefer longer rides, you can opt to extend the ride in either direction.
PACE: It’s up to you. Since paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph and can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast.
If you prefer a faster pace than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up.
If you’re not sure what your avg. speed is, be prepared to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops.DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.We’ll begin our journey at New Freedom Train Station (restored to 1940 design), heading north toward Brillhart Station.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the Glen Rock Station, the beautifully restored Hanover Junction Station (restored to the 1863 design), and then the Brillhart Station.
OPTION A: Bike 4.6 miles to Glen Rock Station area. Perfect for newer riders or anyone who wants a lighter outing. We'll stop to regroup.
OPTION B: Bike 9.2 miles one way to Hanover Junction Station. You can tour Hanover Junction and then return south to New Freedom.
OPTION C: Bike 16.5 miles one way to Brillhart Station.
This is the main club ride. It includes the above regroup stops then continues north to Brillhart Station. Participants can choose to join Keryn to take the 1:00 train ride back or join Muddasar to bike back to the start. (Those who are biking back don't need to rush their roll out time in order to board the 1:00 train. And there's the option to stop at the little winery (parallel to the trail) that's known for its wine slushies.)OPTION D: Extended Route — ~20 miles one way
New Freedom → York (via Brillhart Station) Riders continue past Brillhart Station into York for a longer, faster-paced extension and then return to Brillhart Station for the train ride back or bike back to the start.BATHROOMS
At New Freedom Station, Hanover Junction Station, and Brillhart Station.BIKE RENTALS
Whistle Stop Bike Shop (very close to starting point)
2 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349
(717) 227‑0737DETAILS FOR RETURN TRIP
Those participants that are taking the 1:00 train ride back with Keryn will aim to be at Brillhart Station by 12:50 PM, latest. (See the 1:00 Train Ride Back event for the details and RSVP there if you plan to take the train back.)If you're planning to bike back to New Freedom with Muddasar, post in the comments so others know.
FOOD & DRINK INFO
New Freedom, PA
York, PA
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 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.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/1 attendee
Bike York Heritage Trail + Optional TrainRideBack 40+
New Freedom Trail Station, 117 N Front Street, New Freedom, PA, US**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) **
TRAIN OR BUS STOPS
NAPARKING ADDRESS
New Freedom Train Station Parking Lot
117 N. Front St.
New Freedom, PAPARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at one of the New Freedom Train Station parking lots.
Meet us at the left side of the New Freedom Train Station.
If you're taking the 1:00 train ride back, you need to rollout by 10:15-10:30 ish so you have time for stops on the way.
If you're biking back, meet Muddasar by 10:30.
After check-in, we’ll rollout going northbound (downhill).If you're running late, let us know in the comments for both groups to see if anyone else is also late and will bike with you. Try to catch up at Glen Rock station.
ROUTE SUMMARY
Join us for a relaxed, scenic and historic ride along the Heritage Rail Trail! This route offers gentle grades, historic landmarks, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the charm of the rail trail. It’s a great ride for mixing cycling with a bit of history.TYPE OF BIKE: Any kind of bike frame and tires. We’ve ridden this trail (which is crushed limestone) with our road bikes and were fine. Hybrid/gravel tires are better suited. Mountain bikes should be able to keep up since it is downhill all the way. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare tire on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels can enjoy this trail. There are four distance options to choose from. The trail is well marked and mostly flat. So if you’re just getting into biking or you’re short on time, you can choose the shorter option. And if you prefer longer rides, you can opt to extend the ride in either direction.
PACE: It’s up to you. Since paved trails have a speed limit of 15 mph and can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast.
If you prefer a faster pace than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up.
If you’re not sure what your avg. speed is, be prepared to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops.DISTANCE OPTIONS
Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions.We’ll begin our journey at New Freedom Train Station (restored to 1940 design), heading north toward Brillhart Station.
Along the way, we’ll stop to regroup at the Glen Rock Station, then the beautifully restored Hanover Junction Station (restored to the 1863 design), and then Brillhart Station.
OPTION A: Bike 4.6 miles to Glen Rock Station area. Perfect for newer riders or anyone who wants a lighter outing.
OPTION B: Bike 9.2 miles one way to Hanover Junction Station. You can tour Hanover Junction and then return south to New Freedom.
OPTION C: Bike 16.5 miles one way to Brillhart Station.
This is the main club ride. It includes the above regroup stops then continues north to Brillhart Station. Participants can choose to go with Keryn on the 1:00 train ride back or go with Muddasar to bike back to the start. (Those who are biking back don't need to rush their roll out time in order to board the 1:00 train. And there's the option to stop at the little winery (parallel to the trail) that's known for its wine slushies.)OPTION D: Extended Route — ~20 miles one way
New Freedom → York (via Brillhart Station) Riders continue past Brillhart Station into York for a longer, faster-paced extension and then return to Brillhart Station for the train ride back.BATHROOMS
At New Freedom Station, Hanover Junction Station, and Brillhart Station.BIKE RENTALS
Whistle Stop Bike Shop (very close to starting point)
2 E Franklin St, New Freedom, PA 17349
(717) 227‑0737DETAILS FOR RETURN TRIP
Those participants that are taking the 1:00 train ride back with Keryn will aim to be at Brillhart Station by 12:50 PM, latest. (See the 1:00 Train Ride Back event for the details and RSVP there if you plan to take the train back.)If you're planning to bike back to New Freedom with Muddasar, post in the comments so others know.
FOOD & DRINK INFO
New Freedom, PA
York, PA
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 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.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/7 attendees
Ticket for Train Ride Back to New Freedom
Brillhart Station, York, PA, 2400 Brillhart Station Rd, York, PA, USRSVP to this event if you have purchased your train ticket to get back to New Freedom.
***You need to be at the station by 12:55 for boarding/check-in.*** I was told that the train may arrive a little before 1:00 pm and it usually departs by 1:10, latest.
Seats get sold out fast. If you can’t get a seat on this day, you can try another day and ask If anyone wants to go biking with you on that day or you could do a 2-way trip instead of 1-way If you don’t want to bike up to Brillhart Station.
Bike Aboard - Brillhart to New Freedom
Cost is $29.99 per adult (age 13+) and $12.99 for children
16.5 miles, 1.5 hoursDate: Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
E-Bike Notification - Only class 1 E-bikes are permitted on the Heritage Rail Trail and Bike Aboard train ride excursions.
STEP 1: CHOOSE WHICH TRAIN COACH YOU WANT TO RIDE IN
Abraham Lincoln Coach (1860s green seats).
For details, see “Abraham Lincoln” Coach - Northern Central Railway**D. Reed Anderson Coach ** (1920’s beige seats, has two restrooms and a stove).
For details, see https://www.northerncentralrailway.com/coach-accommodations/d-reed-anderson-combine-car/
**New Freedom Coach ** (1860s red velvet seats)
For details see “New Freedom “ Coach - Northern Central Railway
**The South Branch Coach ** (window-facing bench seats)
For details, see “South Branch” Coach - Northern Central Railway
If you need to change your ticket date and time, the Northern Central Railway said they are happy to help you rebook to another date/excursion. Please email info@www.northerncentralrailway.com or call 717-942-2370 for assistance.
STEP 2: BOOK YOUR TICKET(S) at Bike Aboard - Northern Central Railway for Bike Aboard - Brillhart to New Freedom on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
STEP 3: CHECK YOUR EMAIL INBOX FOR YOUR TICKET(S)
Boarding passes will be available at the station on the day of your scheduled excursion. As always, we are available to assist at 717-942-2370.Guests are welcome to bring snacks on the train. Drinks must be in a container with a secure lid. There are also snacks and drinks available for purchase in the gift shop.
STEP 4: RSVP and if you like, post a comment to let others know which car and which seats you booked so they can try to get nearby seats
3 attendees
Past events
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