Harbor Holidays Ride: Tree, Fireworks, & Boat Parade (Oh My!)

About this event

+++++++++++++++++++++ IMPORTANT: +++++++++++++++++++++ CBG needs to be at National Harbor prior to 5:30pm.

• @ 5:30pm : National Harbor Tree Light Show

(this is outside)

• @ 5:45pm : Fireworks Immediately Following Tree Light Show

(this is outside) https://www.nationalharbor.com/holidays-at-national-harbor/

• @ 5:30pm : Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights starts @ 5:30pm.

(we should be able to see some of this from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on our way home). https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/boat-parade/

• Your One Thermos should have your hydration.

• Your OTHER Thermos should have a hot drink of your choice.

• Fun, Festive, Battery Powered Lights on your bicycles are strongly suggested. The more lights the better to be seen with at night.

+++++++++++++++++++++ The Ride: Summary (Must Read) +++++++++++++++++++++

• RIDE NAME: Harbor Holidays Ride: Tree, Fireworks, & Boat Parade (Oh My!)

• START LOC: Washington Sailing Marina

• START GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/uGpBoTzjAS8aNDuf8

• START PARKING: Main parking lot by the restrooms.

• ARRIVAL: 4:00pm (please be on time)

• SPEECH: 4:15pm

• ROLLING: As soon as the speech is done.

• SUNSET: 4:49pm

• LEVEL: Beginner(+) Night Ride

• DISTANCE: 12.5 miles

• PACE: 12-14 mph (casual pace)

• TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Bike Lane

• RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:

CBG_XMAS_HARBOR_HOLIDAYS_2025 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45013358

NOTE:

• Dress in layers for the weather

• 100 Lumen (or Greater) Front Light (Read all about them here: https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949 )

• Red Tail Light

• Verify they all have a fresh charge

• We will keep our bikes with us at National Harbor (or they will be watched). NO Bike locks needed.

+++++++++++++++++++++ The Ride : Detail +++++++++++++++++++++ For your pleasure NoVA CBG presents .... the Harbor Holidays Ride.

We have gone over to see the tree in years past, but new this year is the light show the tree puts on. And since it is a Saturday night we will be there for the fireworks as well. All of this is outside so dressing appropriately for RIDING THERE, as well as STANDING THERE is very important.

NIGHTLY TREE LIGHT SHOW: SHOW RUNS EVERY HALF HOUR FROM SUNSET TO 9PM

• Watch the 60-foot RGB tree come to life nightly.

• The breathtaking light show dances alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.

SATURDAY NIGHT FESTIVE FIREWORKS

• On Saturday nights from November 11 - December 30 at 5:30pm there is a spectacular fireworks display following the tree lighting show.

• https://www.nationalharbor.com/holidays-at-national-harbor/

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 7th, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. when more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline from Canal Center to Ford’s Landing Park.

• https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/boat-parade/

+++++++++++++++++++++ The Meeting Spot: +++++++++++++++++++++ Washington Sailing Marina 1 Marina Dr. Alexandria, VA GPS: https://goo.gl/maps/uGpBoTzjAS8aNDuf8 Parking: You can park in the main lot by the restrooms

+++++++++++++++++++++ The Ride After The Ride: +++++++++++++++++++++ NONE YET

+++++++++++++++++++++ Ride Level Chart +++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++ The Fine Print: +++++++++++++++++++++ An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:

• "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/

• NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/

• NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY

Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

From Northern Virginia Casual Bicycling Group (NoVA CBG)