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
9
MA & PA Heritage Trail
Annie's Playground, 864 Smith Lane, Fallston, MD, 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
unknownPARKING ADDRESS
Annie’s Playground
864 Smith Lane, Fallston, MDEndpoint is Friends Park (or a little north of the park)
PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT
Park at Annie’s Playground parking lot 11:00-11:10. We’ll meet in the lot area at 11:10. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question.BIKE TRAIL INFO
Link to the trail map: Ma & Pa Trail.dgn
Trail pictures: Ma & Pa Trail: Bel Air Section, Maryland - 1,318 Reviews, Map | AllTrailsBIKE ROUTE SUMMARY
This route starts at the southern end point at Annie’s Playground. The organizers plan to bike the full distance to the northern endpoint. Total known distance: ~8.0 miles, 557 +/- ft.The MA & PA Heritage Trail is located on portions of the former Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bel Air and Forest Hill, Maryland (Harford County). It offers a scenic, gently rolling ride along a historic rail corridor, blending wooded landscapes, bridges, and interpretive signs that honor Harford County’s railroad legacy.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Ma & Pa Railroad was formed in 1901 from a merger of two lines connecting Baltimore, MD to York, PA. It was known for its winding route, rural charm, and small-scale operations. Passenger service ended in the 1950s, with freight service continuing briefly through Bel Air and Forest Hill before ceasing. Community efforts began in the 1990s to convert the abandoned corridor into a multi-use trail. The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, Inc. was formed to steward the project and preserve its legacy.Points of Interest
- Annie’s Playground: A vibrant community park named in memory of Annie Cumpston, featuring sculptures, murals, and a large play area. It marks the southern trailhead.
- Heavenly Waters Park: Offers scenic stream crossings and boardwalks through wetlands and old-growth trees.
- Williams Street Station: Centrally located in Bel Air, this trailhead includes interpretive signage and access to downtown amenities.
- North Avenue Station: A quieter segment with wooded views and historical markers.
- Blake’s Venture Park to Friends Park: The northernmost section (under construction as of late 2024) will complete the full ~8-mile trail, connecting Bel Air to Forest Hill.
Along the route, you’ll find interpretive signs detailing the railroad’s history, environmental features, and community efforts. Volunteer trail monitors help maintain the path and share stories with visitors
· Endpoint: Take Creek Park Rd north, cross North Ave, continue north to the watershed pond.
TYPE OF BIKE: Any kind of bike frame and tires, skinny road tires aren’t recommended due to some reported gravel segments. 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 inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. Surface: Crushed stone, boardwalk, and dirt sections
SKILL LEVEL: All levels can enjoy this trail. It is well marked and mostly flat, although there are reports of a couple of tight turns.
PACE: It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-18 mph). And some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails 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 use a nav app 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.
OPTION A: Bike 3.25 miles up to Liriodendron Park.
OPTION B: Bike 6.25 miles up to Blakes Venture Park.
OPTION C: Bike the full trail, ~8.0 miles up to the northern endpoint above Friends Park. The organizers plan to ride this option.BATHROOMS
Mile 0 - Edgely Grove Farm
Mile 1: Heavenly Waters Park
Mile 6: Blakes Venture Park
Mile 7.75: Friends ParkBIKE REPAIR & RENTALS
Newport Cycles. Address: 18 Newport Dr A, Forest Hill, MD 21050
Bike Doctor Bel Air (has rentals as well). Address: 2108 Emmorton Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015FOOD & DRINK INFO
- Vagabond Sandwich Company, BelAir: Eclectic menu with local ingredients and trail-themed décor
- Ma & Pa Trail Snack Shack (seasonal pop-up): Occasionally found near trailheads with water, granola, and fruit
- Chick-fil-A & Panera Bread (Bel Air): Convenient for quick meals near the Williams Street trailhead
- Coffee Coffee (Bel Air): Cozy café with espresso, pastries, and trail-friendly snacks
- Savona (Bel Air): Gourmet deli and wine shop with sandwiches and picnic fare
- Independent Brewing Company (Bel Air): Local brews and outdoor seating—great for post-ride relaxation
OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS
If you’re interested in group café, picnic lunch, retail lunch, just post in the comments.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 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/
2 attendees
Annual Bike Maintenance Reminder
Location not specified yetThis event is just a reminder to do regular maintenance on your bike. It can be reviewed anytime during the year. If you RSVP, you will just get a reminder to read it, but there is no actual group event for this.
Things like checking the air pressure of your tires and checking brake pads are essential to keeping your bike ready and safe for riding.
Below are some helpful resources you can use to learn about this topic.
REI's Bike Maintenance 101
GCN Basic Bike Maintenance Video at Home (7 minutes)
Shimano Bike Derailer Adjustment (Thanks to HJ for sending me this PDF. It's very detailed and can apply to all bikes)
Topics:
- Rear Derailleur
- Front Derailleur
- Chain
- Brake
- Pedals
- Hub Dynamo
- Multiple Freewheel
4 attendees
Bike Braking Techniques
Location not specified yetBraking incorrectly can cause you to lose balance or even flip over your handlebars. This event is to provide riders with 1) a reminder to check your brakes and 2) a helpful video about braking correctly. It can be viewed anytime during the upcoming 12 months. If you RSVP, you will get a reminder to read it, but there is no actual group event for this.
Video link: How To Brake Hard On Your Road Bike Without Crashing
The information can apply to trail biking as well.Topics:
- Importance of Braking Properly
- Common Brake Situations
- Determining Stopping Position
- Practicing Stopping Distances
- Avoiding Corner Braking
- Body Weight Control
If you prefer to read about this topic, here is an online article (from Gaciron): Mastering Braking Techniques
8 attendees
Past events
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