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Hello and Welcome to 3 Day Bike About!
We are so excited about our upcoming event on June 18, 19, 20, 2021, and equally exciting for me is the fact the upcoming bike tour will be in my home town of Williamsburg, VA, which also means I’ll be your Tour Guide. 😊
There is so much to see and do you might need to stay more than 3 Days!
It's May...getting close now!
Places to Go and Things to See
3 Day Bike About – the Historic Triangle is more than just a bike ride, it’s a chance to see a living, breathing museum (Colonial Williamsburg) and do cool stuff…like throwing an axe at a target. Read on for some ideas in a long list of options.
The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile scenic parkway connecting the three points of Virginia’s Historic Triangle – Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It is part of the National Park Service’s Colonial National Historical Park. www.nps.gov
(Staff note: The Colonial Parkway is not a favorite of local cyclists due to its aggregate surface, the need for detailed knowledge of how to navigate around the “no pedestrians/no bicyclists” tunnel located in the middle, and the NPS requirement cyclists ride single file, unless passing. Non-compliant cyclists have been ticketed by NPS personnel, so be forewarned. – Makes a very pleasant drive along the York and James Rivers though.)
Historic Jamestowne is located on the western end of the Colonial Parkway and is part of the National Park Service. It is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Jamestown Island has two paved loops (3 & 5 miles in distance) which make for a pleasant circuit around the island with little traffic. www.historicjamestowne.org
Colonial Williamsburg, located approximately halfway between Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown, is the largest outdoor museum in the world, where the 18th century is brought to life. While tickets are required to visit many of the buildings, much can be seen by strolling along Duke of Gloucester Street and adjacent streets. www.colonialwilliamsburg.org
Yorktown Battlefield Colonial National Historical Park is located on the eastern end of the Colonial Parkway. It is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1791. The town of Yorktown has many shops, restaurants, and museums. www.nps.gov
Jamestown Settlement & the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Jamestown Settlement is located across the street from the beginning of the Virginia Capital Trail. The American Revolution Museum is located on Water Street in Yorktown. Both are living history museums operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. www.historyisfun.org
GoApe Zipline and Adventure Park is in Freedom Park (one of the stops on the Sunday route) and just 9 miles from camp. Enjoy ziplines, suspended bridges and obstacles as you traverse this world up in the trees. www.goape.com
Axe Republic – located in New Town, a short 10-minute drive from camp. Axe throwing is like playing darts, but with an axe! No Axeperience needed. They have Axeperts on hand to show you how. www.axerepublic.com
Canoe & Kayak rentals are available at James City County Marina, across from Jamestown Settlement at the trailhead of the VCT, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, www.jamescitycountyva.gov and Waller Mill Park (a stop on the longer Sunday route). www.williamsburgva.gov
FRIDAY on the VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL
The following historic sites, homes, and plantations are located along the VCT (Friday route) between Jamestown and Richmond:
- Sherwood Forest Plantation– between MM 16/17 – was the home of John Tyler, 10th President of the United States, from 1842 until his death in 1862. It has been continuously occupied by his descendants since that time. www.sherwoodforest.org
- Belle Air Plantation – between MM 19/20 – was built ca1670 and is one of America’s oldest frame dwellings. www.virginia.org
- Charles City County Visitor Center & Courthouse – MM 20 – the Visitor’s Center is in the historic 1901 Clerk’s Office adjacent to the 3rd oldest courthouse in the country. www.virginia.org
- Nance-Major House – MM 20 - located across the street from the Charles City Visitor’s Center and next door to Cul’s Courthouse Grille (See Places to Eat) was built in 1869 and is a two-story, three-bay, gabled-front frame building, supported by a brick pier foundation. It is now a bed and breakfast establishment. www.nance-majorhouse.com
- Westover Church – MM 25 – is located a short gravel ride off the VCT. It was established in the 1630s and originally located on Westover Plantation. A new church was built on the current site in 1731. www.westoverepiscopalchurch.org
- Berkeley Plantation, located a short distance off the VCT near MM 27, is one of Virginia’s most historic plantations as it is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V (signer of the Declaration of Independence), and Williams Henry Harrison (9th President of the United States). Additionally, the first official Thanksgiving was held here in 1619 and “Taps” was composed here in 1862 while the plantation served as the Civil War Headquarters of General McClellan. www.berkeleyplantation.com
- Edgewood Plantation – MM 28-29 - was built around 1849 in the Gothic Revival Style. It is now a bed and breakfast establishment. www.edgewoodplantation.com
- Shirley Plantation, located about 1 mile off the VCT at MM 30, was Virginia’s first plantation, founded in 1613, and is the most intact colonial estate in America. It remains a private family home as well as a working farm. www.shirleyplantation.com (Upper Shirley Vineyards is located next door. See Places to Eat for details)
SATURDAY in SURRY
Take the Jamestown-Scotland ferry across the James River to Surry County for a remote start in Chippokes Plantation State Park, one of the oldest continuously operated plantations in the nation. Established in 1619 by English Captain William Powell, the plantation changed hands many times but was eventually owned by Mr. & Mrs. Victor Steward who willed it to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1967 for the establishment of a museum of Virginia’s agricultural history. They are buried on the property. www.dcr.virginia.gov
- The farm museum, along with the plantation house and various farm buildings, may be open for tours during our visit on Saturday, June 19.
Smithfield – while perhaps best know for its namesake ham, is also noted for its historic architecture from Colonial to Victorian gingerbread and Federal to Gothic cottages. www.smithfieldva.gov
- Smithfield Farmers Market – 115 Main St. - will be open on Saturday, June 19, from 9am – 12:30pm. Vendors are local farmers, ranchers, home cooks, crafters, artisans, and craftsmen within 100 miles of Smithfield
- St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum – 14477 Benns Church Blvd. The church was built in the 17th century and is a National Historic Landmark. www.stlukesmuseum.org (St. Luke’s is not on the tour routes but worth a visit if you decide to drive to Smithfield.
Bacon’s Castle – the oldest brick dwelling (1667) and site of Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676. The house is an example of High Jacobean architecture. The home also features a reconstructed 17th century English formal garden. www.preservationvirginia.org
- Located along the Smithfield Bakery routes at approximately MM 38-39.
- A short 9 mile drive from Chippokes Plantation State Park.
Staff Note: College Run Farm, located on Alliance Road a few miles outside of Chippokes Plantation State Park, has wonderful homemade ice cream. The flavor varies depending on the fruit they make it with…could be blueberry, strawberry, pumpkin or something else. A favorite stop of local cyclists each summer.
SUNDAY in the PARKs
Sunday’s routes visit the following local parks:
- All routes start at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
- Unless otherwise noted, more information about each of the parks can be found at www.jamescitycountyva.gov .
- Freedom Park – first stop on the 60-mile route (MM 9) and second stop on the 30-mile route (MM 18), is 600 acres of forested fun. It is home to Go Ape, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, and 20 miles of mountain bike trails (built and maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association). The park is also the site of an 18th century cemetery, the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary and a 17th century domicile, as well as one of the nation’s earliest Free Black Settlements (1803-1850).
- The following four parks are all on the 60-mile route:
- Little Creek Reservoir Park (MM 17) - is a 996-acre park, offering year-round fishing, boating, and picnicking.
- Upper County Park (MM 26) – is a 56-acre park in northern portion of James City County. The park has mountain bike trails in addition to other amenities.
- York River State Park (MM36) – has more than 30 miles of hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trails. www.dcr.virginia.gov
- Waller Mill Park (MM 45) is the only City of Williamsburg park we visit. The 2705-acre park overlooks a 360-acre lake and offers kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats for rent. www.williamsburgva.gov
- Unless otherwise noted, more information about each of the parks can be found at www.jamescitycountyva.gov .
Veteran’s Park – first stop on the 30-mile route (MM 10) and the only park on the 18-mile route (MM 10) is home to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial monument donated by a local resident in 1993.
- Staff Note to those taking the 18-mile route:
- While you will not be visiting other parks,
- you WILL get to ride the Powhatan Creek Trail, which is NOT on the other routes, and
- While you will not be visiting other parks,
you will probably get to lunch first. 😊
- We hope you enjoy visiting our parks and a wonderful lunch at Spoke & Art afterwards.
APRIL UPDATES
3 DBA Team Leader - Deana Sun
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
That’s me. I’m the writer, bookkeeper, list maker, idea person, “no, Cynthia, there is no need to panic,” and road cyclist. I was raised in Virginia but spent the middle half of my life in Southern California. I have two adult sons, only one of which shares my passion for cycling. (Very likely you will also meet them at 3 Day Bike About as I “encourage” them to volunteer a lot.) I met Cynthia in 2015 when I first started volunteering at Bike Virginia. It was clear to me she could use some help, so I pitched in and never looked back.
In my former life: Worked for “the man.” Yes, I was a bona fide Special Agent with the U. S. Secret Service, among other agencies in the U. S. government. I’d tell you all about it, but well, you know what happens then……After that illustrious career, I raised my sons and became a Professional Volunteer – long list there. And now I’m here…..with Cynthia and friends.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
The title of this article may have led you to believe I was going to get all philosophical on you. Not gonna happen in this Tour Guide.
Instead I’m going to introduce you to some of the people you will meet at 3 Day Bike About. You ARE registered, aren’t you? If not, jump over to registration, get signed up, and then come back here.
Welcome back. Now for the Who’s Who at 3 Day Bike About, the brainchild of Deana Sun and Cynthia Bashton.
3 DBA Team Partner - Cynthia Bashton
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
3 DBA Team Partner - Cynthia Bashton
Cynthia is a diehard mountain biker and self-supported bike camping enthusiast. And where she goes, oftentimes you will find her immediate family, consisting of her husband of 48 years, two adult daughters and their respective husbands as well. They love traveling, camping, and biking together. They also like karaoke. I speak from personal experience when I say they are a blast to be around. You will meet the entire Bashton clan at 3 Day Bike About. (I told you they travel together. 😊 )
She is also the designer of the website, the jerseys, social media, and anything else that is beyond my comprehension and ability.
In her former life: That list is pretty long and diverse so let’s just say she’s originally from Texas and spent 7 years with Bike Virginia as the Health and Safety Coordinator until last year (you know, 2020, when everything got canceled).
The Route Master: Charlie Hart
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
3 DBA Team Partner - Cynthia Bashton
The Route Master: Charlie Hart
Charlie takes care of the routes. I tell him where I would like the riders to ride, he designs the routes, makes sure they are accurate and he puts them in Ride with GPS. (It’s really a lot more complicated than it sounds.)
I first met Charlie in early 2007, shortly after taking up road cycling. He taught me just about everything I know about cycling, including how to change a flat tire. He has a wealth of information; and if he doesn’t know the answer, he will research the question and get back to you with the answer.)
In a former life: Charlie was career U. S. Navy, and so traveled the world. He’s also a former runner. And in one of those crazy coincidences in life, his mother lived just a few blocks away in the same small town I did in California while I was in college.
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
Our Beta Testers….Source of Encouragement … My Personal Sounding Boards and Keeping Us on the Right Track Team: Jim and Martha Gullo
Jim and Martha are originally from New Jersey. They moved to Virginia after retiring because they had spent a lot of time cycling and running here….which they continue to do. Jim is currently on a quest to run a marathon in each of the 50 United States…22 down, 28 to go. They also did the Bike the US for MS event in 2019…on a tandem.
During the couple of times a week we see each other, I bounce (sometimes crazy) ideas off them to get feedback. Jim also keeps me apprised of what is going on with various cycling and running events both near and far. Jim is MY “don’t panic. Be patient” Person.
In a former life: Jim and Martha both worked for the State of New Jersey, 31 and 15 years respectively. Jim as the Developmental Disabilities Assistant Regional Administrator for Community Services and Martha was a Licensing Inspector for the same Division. They are glad they landed in Virginia where some of the best bicycling exists!
Marketing: Fran Wenbert
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
Our Beta Testers: Jim and Martha Gullo
Marketing…or as I prefer to call her...The Queen of the VCT: Fran Wenbert
Fran has been promoting our event with local merchants, arranging for donations, and encouraging them to be sponsors, which is really hard to do when it’s a new event and you have no matrix of past performance.
So how did she get the title of Queen of the VCT (Virginia Capital Trail). I mean what else would you call a person who spent 2017, 2018, and 2019 riding the VCT so much she logged 36,000 miles and 40 centuries in those three years…mostly on the VCT. You will have a chance to meet Fran at 3 Day Bike About. Feel free to ask her any questions about the VCT or Surry. She leads regular club rides on those routes.
In a former life: Fran is a former New Yorker and has also lived in Georgia. She’s been in Virginia for a few years but every winter threatens to leave us for Florida.
MARCH NOTES
ROUTES
Here is a look at the great ROUTES for you on 3 Day Bike About the Historic Triangle.
· Snacks available on Main Street at the Snack Shack before you head out to ride. We will provide information on the best places to get water, food and a little History for each day!
· Ride With GPS turn by turn directions will be made available with the free trial app on your phone and Signs will be posted with directional arrows.
· SAG will be available each day.
Friday we will begin with the Virginia Capital Trail, a 51.2 mile multi-use trail. We begin at Chickahominy Riverfront Park which is between mm 6-7. Riders wanting to complete 100+ miles can ride into Jamestown from the start and back to make the full 100+mile circuit. Riders will be able to turn around at any point to manage their mileage. There are many places to get water, food and to stretch along the trail. At Cul's Courthouse Grille (mm20) they are serving up BROWNIES to all participants.
https://vctf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=e6e8a7a48ace4906880857508845a4be
Saturday takes all riders across the James River by Ferry. We offer many choices for riding.
· Drive to the Jamestown parking lot and board the Ferry on your bike and ride to Chippokes Plantation State Park (10miles)
· Drive to the Ferry and cross in your car then drive the short distance to Chippokes Plantation State Park
Once at the Park we offer 3 loop rides, all different. Riders may choose to ride all 3 and the 10 miles to and from the Ferry completing just shy of 111 miles. Two Surry Routes (20 & 28miles) will offer lightly traveled rural roads that are fairly flat and have good sight-lines. Perfect for getting up a little speed and working the legs! A third loop (43miles) takes you to the charming Main Street of Smithfield, VA. Stop for lunch and relaxation.
WE will also have cue sheets for riding from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to Chippokes (29miles). We are not encouraging this route which is partly on the Capital Trail because there is a Triathlon that will be racing on that section in the morning.
Sunday takes us out and about Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.
We have a 60 mile, 5 park ride with the parks all within 10 miles from each other. Water and restrooms will be available at all the parks. Each unique park is a good place to stretch and enjoy the scenery.
This will be a more urban route in some places. We also offer 1 park (18miles) and 2 park (30miles) routes. All routes end with a stop at the Spoke and Art on the VCT to pick up your box lunch included in your registration and the short 7 miles back to camp. Or you may finish your ride and then drive back to pick up your box lunch!
GOT BEER?
Have we got beer?!?!? Of course we have beer. We have enough microbreweries in town to put together an impressive pub crawl. But we’re going to leave that up to you and your own taste buds.
First off… Billsburg Brewery…get it? Williams-burg…Bills-burg. Right. Billsburg Brewery is located a short 7 or so mile bike ride from our “village” at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Or, you can drive there. Plenty of parking. From the deck, you have a lovely view of the local marina while sipping on Tourist Trap, Driftin, Foggy Hollow, Pandemic Fatigue, and many other lagers, pilsners and ales.
In downtown Williamsburg, you can visit the Precarious Beer Project and Amber Ox Public House. Precarious’ claim to fame is their Electric Circus Taco Bar. Amber Ox Public House, just a couple blocks away, has a more extensive menu along with Precarious Beer Project beer like The Meadows Incident, Full Nuclear, Hip Hoppy Wheat and Happy Little Trees.
Also on Merchant Square is DoG Street Pub(DoG stands for Duke of Gloucester, but since that’s quite a mouthful, the locals call it DoG Street). A decade ago, the owners of DoG St Pub transformed an 80-year-old bank into this lovely pub.
In New Town you will find the Brass Tap that has over 150 craft beers from around the globe, plus flatbreads, tacos, nachos and sliders to munch on.
Close by is Craft 31 which has a extensive menu (burgers, pizza, salads, a raw bar and desserts) in addition to serving up American IPAs, Ales, Lagers, Stouts and Wheat Beer.
Just west of town you will find the Brass Cannon Brewing and Alewerks Brewing Company which has two locations, one at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets so you can do some shopping while you are there.
Alewerks is a “microbrewery with an ale focus and regionally themed beers, plus tours, a taproom and growler fills” per their website. Love their names: Spring Seasonal Shortcake, Bitter Valentine, Secret Admirer, Weekend Lager, Tavern Brown Ale, among others.
TAKE A HIKE
If you are like me an enjoy hiking or just want to walk a bit after a ride, here are a few suggestions while in Williamsburg for 3 Day Bike About:
The Virginia Capital Trail (VDT) is NOT a bike trail. It’s a multi-use trail, used by walkers, moms with kids in strollers, birdwatchers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, runners and bicyclists of all ages. From
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, it is a (relatively) short 4-mile walk east on the trial to Spoke & Art Provision Company where you can take a break and enjoy a mid-afternoon snack.
Just a short distance a little further east on the VCT is the entrance to the Greensprings Interpretive Trail – a 3-mile hard-packed trail through the woods. (A downloadable map can be found on the James City County website)
A little know trail in Colonial Williamsburg is the Basset Trace Nature Trail. The trailhead is located behind the King’s Arm Tavern parking lot and across from The Griffin Hotel. While the trail is well-maintained by volunteers and only about 1.5 miles in length (each way), it is not for the faint of heart. The trail is both steep and narrow in parts, but wonderfully shaded from the summer sun.
Several of the local parks also have hiking trails, including York River State Park, Waller Mill Park Freedom Park