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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
FRIDAY - Know before you go.
The Virginia Capital Trail (VCT for short) is a (almost) 52-mile multi-use paved trail from Jamestown to Richmond, or the first and current capitals of the state of Virginia, which is how it got its name. I say “almost” 52-miles because depending on one’s source of information it is listed as either 51.2 (the mile marker at Great Shiplock Park) or 51.7 (the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation website). The trail is used predominantly by bicyclists and walkers/runners, but one often finds skateboarders and parents with strollers along the way also.
The trail starts in Jamestown, across from Jamestown Settlement and a short distance from the Colonial Parkway which leads to Historic Jamestowne Island, approximately 7 miles from Chickahominy Riverfront Park (CRP).
You have Options:
1. Start at the beginning (MM 0).
Pedal the whole enchilada from start to finish and back (about 103 miles).
* Park your car at Jamestown Settlement across from the MM 0 trailhead kiosk, OR
* Ride the portion between CRP and MM 0 either before or after you go to Richmond.
2. Start at CRP (MM 7 is at the top of the bridge) –
* Pedal to Richmond and back (90 miles),
** You can always tack on the part between CRP and Jamestown if you really want the century when you get back.
3. SHUTTLE AT FOUR MILE CREEK-RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. $20.00 per person
* Ride from CRP to Four Mile Creek and take the Shuttle back to CRP (33 miles). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
The Friday Route is an out and back, so you can choose exactly how many miles you want to ride that day. Open the FOOD tab to view Lunch stops along the way.
Points of Interest and the Tricky Parts (crossings)
Note: For simplicity sake, I have started the route at MM 0).
While the trail is free of motorized traffic, it is necessary from time to time to cross a road, and yes, you are required by law to stop at the stop signs along the way.
MM 0 kiosk is located across from Jamestown Settlement at the corner of Jamestown Road and the Colonial Parkway. As you head away from the Settlement on the VCT, you will need to cross Jamestown Road to continue on the VCT alongside Greensprings Road.
** Cross with caution as this is the only road from the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry dock and drivers can, at times, be in a hurry to either catch the ferry or get to where they are going on this side of the river.
MM 6 – The VCT crosses Route 5 a short distance east of Chickahominy Riverfront Park and the bridge over the Chickahominy River.
**Cross with caution. There is a flashing light which should engage once you approach the crossing (but it doesn’t always work) which instructs motorists to slow to 45mph – which they don’t always do. Otherwise, the speed limit is 55mph.
Point of Interest: The kiosk just east of the bridge was built by the local cycling club (Williamsburg Area Bicyclists – one of our sponsors I might add) in honor of Larry Skalak, a member who died in 2014. Take a few moments to read the inscription on the plaque attached to the large stone near the kiosk.
MM 20 – As you approach Charles City Courthouse, the trail makes a sharp left-hand turn and heads uphill at the intersection of Route 5 and Courthouse Road (blinking amber light). About halfway up the hill it is necessary to transition from the trail to the road. Continue west on this road to where the trail commences in front of the Methodist Church.
Point of Interest: Charles City Courthouse area is a popular rest area for cyclists. Bathrooms are located in a building between the old Clerk’s Office (now the Visitor’s Center) and the new courthouse off Watermelon Fields Road and also inside Cul’s Courthouse Grille (opens at 11 am) – and a favorite among cyclists for lunch. Cul will be serving brownies to 3 Day Bike About cyclists so make sure you stop by and have your wristband on your wrist.
Proceeding west on the VCT –
Note: At the county line the name of the road that runs alongside the VCT changes from John Tyler Memorial Highway to New Market Road .
MM 40 – Four Mile Creek was specifically built for the VCT and provides parking and a rest area for trail users. Pedal through the park either on the circular driveway – going counter clockwise – or on the path through the middle.
Point of Interest: a short distance west of Four Mile Creek, the VCT crosses under (yes, under) Interstate 295. You might not even notice.
Continuing west on the VCT, cross Doran Road, and continue to Kinvan Road. The trail appears to stop here but it does not. Follow the signs by turning left on Kinvan for about 100 yards, then turn right to return to the trail. (I honestly don’t know why it does this. Probably something about property ownership.) After a short ride through the woods and fields, you will be back alongside New Market Road and in a commercial area.
As you approach the city of Richmond, the road alongside the VCT changes its name again to Osborne Turnpike. Be particularly cautious at the various crossings. Some are a bit trickier than others.
Also, there is a spectacular view of the city from the top of the hill followed by a ride along the James River near the end of the trail. As you enjoy a long downhill, be aware of oncoming cyclists and walkers especially around corners; and try to keep in mind how much fun that long downhill was on your way back up it on the return. 😊
SATURDAY'S Remote Start - Know Before You Go
Chippokes Plantation State Park - 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, VA 23883 follow the signs to the Conference Center Shelter.
You’ve got options: Long option, short option, in-between option.
1. Decide whether to RIDE or DRIVE to Surry County – which is located across the James River. Either way you will be taking the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry which crosses every half-hour. BTW, the ferry is FREE!!! Entrance to Chippokes is included with your wristband. Follow the signs to the Conference Shelter on Plantation Road.
Riding to Surry
***We do not recommend riding your bike from Chickahominy to the ferry as the Jamestown Triathlon will be taking place Saturday morning with runners on portions of the VCT and racing cyclists on the road.
Ride Distance from Chickahominy to Chippokes: 15 miles (not counting the width of the James River) – [Keep your Garmin on to log more miles! – just kidding, or am I?] So, if you ride there and back, that’s 30.
Driving to Surry
** Tent campers – law enforcement will be on hand to direct you safely out of CRP. Proceed east on Route 5, continue straight at the light onto Route 5000 (Monticello Avenue), past New Town. The entrance to Route 199 is on the right just before the overpass. The next traffic light is Route 5 - Jamestown Road. Turn right and continue on Jamestown Road until you reach the ferry dock.
Address is 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, VA 23883, or just ask your navigation system for Chippokes Plantation State Park.
Once in Chippokes Plantation State Park, follow the signs to the Conference Center Shelter – NOT the Visitors Center. (Turn right off Chippokes Park Road onto Plantation Road and you’re there.) CPSP which has bathrooms, a Visitor’s Center, a beautiful view of the river, and hiking/walking trails.
Now that you are parked, have unloaded your bike and picked up your snacks, you have more decisions to make. Described below are three loop options from our remote start location in
Off to the Town of Surry. 20 miles round trip. 12 miles into the ride and you are in beautiful downtown Surry which is only slightly larger than a postage stamp (just kidding).
Staff Notes: Just for Kicks Cupcakes & More – (the more means “ice cream”)
Public restrooms are open inside the Sheriff's Office located on the back side of the Government Center. 45 School Street, Surry, VA.
Cruising around Surry County. 31 miles round trip. This route takes a short cut into the town of Surry but the long way back to Chippokes via Alliance Road.
Staff Notes: Just for Kicks Cupcakes & More – (the more means “ice cream”)
Public restrooms are open inside the Sheriff's Office located on the back side of the Government Center. 45 School Street, Surry, VA.
And finally, the Smithfield Bakery Ride. 43 miles round trip, but definitely worth it if you are looking for an excellent bakery or lunch. Cruise around town to see all the different architectural styles on display here (Georgian, Romanesque, Federal). There are over 50 buildings in the Historic District. Restrooms are open and you can pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center on Main Street to take a self-guided tour if you are so inclined. The Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and Café is located at 218 Main Street. For a more substantial meal, and a view of the water, try The Restaurant at Smithfield Station. A few more options are offered in “Let’s Do Lunch” on the FOOD tab.
If you are not up for the long route, take one (or two) of the shorter ones then drive into Smithfield. The area makes for a wonderful day trip.
**See Places to Go and Things to See in the May Tour Guide for more suggestions.
SUNDAY in the Parks - Know Before You Go
The parks were all described in the May issue of the Tour Guide but for safety reasons we have made some changes, so here is the NEW & IMPROVED version (changes highlighted):
Sunday’s routes visit the following local parks:
· All routes start and end at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
oUnless 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 on the 30-mile route (MM 9), 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).
oThe following five parks are all on the 60-mile route, now the SIX Park Tour:
§ 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 the 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
§ Veterans Park (MM 54 for 60 mile route and MM 17 for 30 mile route) is the final stop on both the 30 & 60 miles routes and the only stop on the 1 Park Tour (18 miles) the midpoint. It is home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial monument donated by a local resident in 1993.
· Staff Note: All routes will traverse the Powhatan Creek Trail which begins near Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School off Ironbound Road and returns riders to the Virginia Capital Trail at approximately the 1.5 mile mark.
Also, you should find restrooms, water and snacks for sale at all the parks. Some even sell ice cream. 😊
· We hope you enjoy visiting our parks and have a wonderful lunch at Spoke & Art afterwards. Box lunches may be picked up anytime between 11:30 am and 5:30pm on Sunday.
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.
Smith’s Fort is the site of Captain John Smith’s proposed “New Fort” and is located directly across the James River from Jamestown. The site still has earthworks that mark the spot of the unfinished fort site partially completed in 1609 before being abandoned. The current house is situated on land given by Chief Wahunsenacawh (Powhatan) as a dowry for his daughter Pocahontas’ marriage to John Rolfe in 1614.
The manor house on the property was built for Jacob Faulcon circa 1761 and retains much of its original pine woodwork.
In 1886 Smith’s Fort was purchased by a collective group of Black families including Bolling Morris, John and Carter Hardy and Robertson Simmons.
Smith’s Fort was acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1933 after it was restored by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Location: 217 Smith Fort Lane. Just off Route 31 about halfway between the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and downtown Surry.
http://preservationvirginia.org
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: "Just for Kicks...cupcakes and more" will be serving up ice-cream in Surry and "cupcakes" too.
SUNDAY in the PARKs
Sunday’s routes visit the following local parks:
- All routes start at Chickahominy Riverfront Park each route takes riders on the Powhatan Creek Trail. Enjoy!
- Unless otherwise noted, more information about each of the parks can be found at www.jamescitycountyva.gov .
- Freedom Park – 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).
- Little Creek Reservoir Park - A 996-acre park, offering year-round fishing, boating, and picnicking.
- Upper County Park – 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 – Has more than 30 miles of hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trails. www.dcr.virginia.gov
- Waller Mill Park - 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
- Veteran’s Park – Is home to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial monument donated by a local resident in 1993.
- Unless otherwise noted, more information about each of the parks can be found at www.jamescitycountyva.gov .
- 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