We have several rides/events we do every year and some that are impromptu.
Chili Lunch and Annual Meeting
In February we gather to warm up with a brisk walk and afterwards eat chili. There is a short business meeting with plans for the year’s events.
Fall Brewery Lunch
The brewery lunch is chance to gather when the weather is cooling off to connect and enjoy a meal together. View photos from the 2017 Brewery Lunch at New District Brewery in Arlington.
Cherry Blossom Ride(s) (March/April)Washington, DC is famous for our cherry blossoms, and biking is the best way to enjoy them. The babes usually schedule several rides to see the blossoms around the Jefferson Memorial, along Haines Point, and through the Kenwood neighborhood in Bethesda (our favorite). These rides often attract large groups, and some of us feel like they are the beginning of the Babes biking season.
May Marshall Ride
Usually scheduled in May, Marla designs routes of 20-35 miles beginning and ending at her lovely farm just outside of Marshall VA. The rides are followed by a copious lunch – Babes are GREAT cooks.
White’s Ferry Loop (late summer to early fall)
In preparation for area fall centuries – or occasionally as a cool down to them – we ride out from Arlington through hilly Montgomery County, cross into Virginia on White’s Ferry, enjoy a leisurely lunch and hustle back to Arlington – downhill with a tailwind. Since the White’s Ferry closed, we will look for a similar adventure next year.
Babes Century
This 100 mile ride starts in Arlington and loops through the less hilly sections of Montgomery County. Some year we are hoping to displace the Sea Gull and Back Country.
Holiday Lights Ride
Weather and road conditions permitting, this is a short ride in mid-December of 10-15 miles after dark to enjoy festive holiday decorations around various Arlington neighborhoods.
Birthday Rides
To mark a momentous birthday, a Babe will sometimes lead a ride of equal distance to her age (in either miles or kilometers). Our founder and guiding light, Beth, led a 55-mile circuit ride to Clifton several years ago. And our Guiness Record holder, Lynn Salvo, led a 74-mile ride out the W&OD this summer.
Century Rides
Many Babes use the list to form groups of riders for the fall centuries in the area.