Please join us for VSDC’s bike ride in Columbia, MD.
We will start from the Patuxent Branch Trailhead, trace our way to the Patuxent Branch Trail which will lead to the Elkhorn Lake. From there we will take the Elkhorn trail to Jackson Pond. We will then trace our way back, pack up the bikes in car and head to Brewing Good (at Savage Mill) for a cup of coffee/tea (and hopefully some vegan treats).
Meeting point: [Patuxent Branch Trailhead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnEdrRbNDrCgpsWP8)
Route: [one way route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AvLWe6j8mYKQFWKLA)
Total Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Optional Longer Route
Starting from: [Savage Mill main parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4vsqxtBDBsUgPiss8)
[One way route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YTJgvHu3sAQ1xMah6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YTJgvHu3sAQ1xMah6)
Length: 18 miles
Difficulty level: moderate to strenous
Elevation change: 320 ft up and down
Bike time: ~2 hours at moderate pace (~10 mph)
Biking surface: paved,
Route type: mostly paved trail and some roads
Important: riders starting from here – please plan to reach the Meeting point by the event start time
Coffee/snack point after the ride: Brewing Good at Savage Mall
Weather: we will not be riding in rain, windy (greater than 10mph) or cold (less that 50 F) conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page.
Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy. Please carry plenty of water!
Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page.
*For important updates, regularly monitor the “**Comments**” section on this page (below).*
***Don’t be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.***
*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge
[VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/).
*Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below*
RULES
* Pets are not allowed
* Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event.
* Practice safe biking habits including:
* Wearing a bike helmet
* Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don’t have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes)
* Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity
By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies – VSDC – Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/).
**VSDC: More Than A Meetup**
We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?
With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/).
**VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**