Description

Last month's camp trip was cancelled last minute due to the heat advisory, so let's try this again!

Shake off the dust and head on over to Swain's Lock Hiker Biker Campsite with us for the first camp trip of the season!

We'll be teaming up with the Campfire Grind, led by local cycling legend Leah Fantle of Upshift Workshop, for this one.

Don't feel up to making a weekend of it? No worries! Join us for just the day for a super chill time outdoors, and we'll do our best to convince you to stay for s'mores and fireside stories. I (Jun) will be at the site at around 2:00pm - 2:30pm so feel free to meet us there.

For those looking to make a bike ride of it, meet Leah at High Road Cycling in Georgetown (3210 Grace St NW Suite 100, Washington, DC 20007, close to Farragut West on the Orange/Silver/Blue lines, and Dupont Circle and Farragut North on the Red line) at 12:00 for a quick coffee and chill. Roll out will be at 1:00pm, at which point you'll take a leisurely, no-drop ride 16 miles up the C&O Towpath to Swain's Lock campsite.

Requirements for those cycling with Leah:

• Ride with a helmet
• Know how to ride with other people
• Have a flat kit with you
• Know how to use said flat kit

If you have any questions on this front, reach out to using the "Message Event Organizers" button and we'll get you sorted.

Are you a first-time camper and don't know quite how to prepare? This event will be a great time for camp newbies to get familiar with the types of gear they need, as well as what types of challenges to expect when spending a night under the stars. Swing by and I'll be more than happy to give recommendations on gear!

Or, if you're ready to take the plunge, here's a basic gear list that includes gear for biking in with Leah. Remember to adapt this list to your own specific wants and needs!

You'll need:

• A bike in good working order, that you feel comfortable riding on gravel. Your aero road bike is a blast, but something with tread and 28mm+ tires is going to be a lot more fun here. Trust us on this one. Fenders highly recommended in rainy or muddy conditions.

• A bright (200 lumens or more) bike headlight, capable of illuminating your path in the dark. Bonus, this can double as a camp flashlight! Make sure it has enough charge to last for a few hours.

• A multitool and flat repair kit (tire levers, patch kit, spare tube, pump or CO2 cartridge).

• Water: You’ll want to bring about 4 liters of water -- more if you're biking. After mile 3 on the C&O, there are no further guaranteed water refill spots on the trail.

• Food & cooking supplies: We'll have some s'mores waiting for you, but for this trip, please make sure to bring all your own food with you. This includes snacks and all meals you plan on having while outdoors with us. Don't forget dishes/cutlery needed to cook and eat!

• Shelter and sleeping arrangements: a tent/hammock/bivy/tarp, and sleeping bag rated for at least 50F. We also recommend a sleeping pad for extra insulation and comfort.

• Rain gear, just in case: a waterproof jacket with a hood or hat, waterproof pants and shoes (or sandals) if you have 'em, with quick-dry clothing underneath. You’ll also want a rainfly and ground cloth for your tent, and waterproof panniers or bike packing bags (or your normal pack lined with a trash bag)

• Warm layers to keep you comfortable off the bike: fuzzy sweaters, blankets, windproof jackets, puffy vests, beanies, etc. It won't get too cold, but sleeping outdoors is definitely chillier than sleeping at home.

An extra reminder that there is no nearby water spout available at camp, so make sure to bring all of your own water and food for the weekend, in addition to your other camping supplies (see above). Our incredible sponsor Sierra Nevada will be providing free beers!

There are fire pits with grills and separate grill stands, so feel free to bring charcoal and fire-safe pans/pots/utensils to cook your food. I will be providing all the weekend's firewood and s'mores though, so you can cook directly on our firepit if you want instead.

Portapotties are also available at the site.

If you have more information regarding Swain's Lock, please visit this site: https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/swains-campground/

This gathering will charge $5 per head to help pay for the weekend's firewood.

See you soon!

Interested in volunteering with Mappy Hour? Or know somebody who would make a great Mappy Hour speaker? Let us know!

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