TOUR GUIDE

Hello and Welcome to 3 Day Bike About.

I’ll be posting a new entry every month to point out what is new on our website, things to see and do in the area, and provide more information about our tours, so check back often.

Oh, and feel free to send in questions via the Contact Me link. I’ll be answering some of those in the blog also because if you have a question, someone else probably has the same one.

April 29, 30 & May 1, 2022 - 3 Day Bike About the Historic Triangle - Williamsburg, VA '22

Benefitting The Arc of Greater Williamsburg

June 10, 11 & 12, 2022 - 3 Day Bike About the Shenandoah Valley - Strasburg, VA '22

Benefitting the Shenandoah Rail Trail

May Tour Guide

I know, I know. I’m two weeks late getting the May Tour Guide published. But hey! We’ve been kinda busy here. 😊 First off I want to thank EVERYONE who came to 3 Day Bike About the Historic Triangle here in Williamsburg a couple of weeks ago. It was awesome to see so many smiling faces and have so many people tell us what a great time they had.

Highlights: WILLIAMSBURG '22:

The weather was great. Not too hot during the day. Not to cold at night (ok, so it got down to about 40 degrees a couple of nights, but tent campers are a hardy bunch and they came prepared). Only the crew and I were complaining about how cold our feet were as we set up Main Street Friday morning.
The Saturday night dinner was really good…even I thought so and I’m a bit critical of catered dinners. Shout out to Jeff & Kristi at Custom Culinary Connections.
The number of cyclists who decided to ride from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to Chippokes Plantation State Park on Saturday. We honestly thought more people would drive over. Riding on to and off the ferry on a bike is pretty cool, huh? A special thanks to the eight people – you know who you are – who returned for their second 3 DBA – Williamsburg event. Keep coming! We love you!! So back to work. Our second tour of the year is less than four weeks away. Cynthia and I will both be in Strasburg next week (May 17 -19) to nail down a few things – we carry BIG hammers – so all those of you planning to join us next month will have a great time.

Highlights: STRASBURG '22

Indoor restrooms and shower for the tent campers.
“Shop the Farm Markets” on Friday during your ride. We’ve arranged package pickup from the markets for your purchases at 3 farm markets.
A live band (from Nashville – so they gotta be good, right?) on Friday night at Strasburg Square.
Saturday Night Dinner at Box Office Brewery.
Boxed Lunch from Queen Street Diner on Sunday. Ok, I need to get back to work on the tour.

Don’t forget to:

Read the “Know Be 4 You Go” notes,
Download the routes to your device and
Print cue sheets (if you want them – we will NOT be printing them on site in Strasburg) before you leave home.

ICYMI on 3 Day Bike About Riders Facebook page:

April 24: Friday Night in Strasburg…Front Porch Friday @ the Square. This is going to be such a fun evening in downtown Strasburg. After you pick up your purchases at our “Main Street” location in Strasburg Square between 3pm and 6:30 pm, get cleaned up and have dinner, wander back to the Square for Front Porch Friday. The Minks – Nashville’s “psychedelic-bloos” band – will be in town to entertain you starting at 7p,m.

April 15: NEWS FLASH!!! If you haven’t taken a look at our website recently, you really should do that today (or this weekend). LOTS of info about Williamsburg tour has been posted. Check out the ROUTES tab and under MORE you will find the KNOW B4 YOU Go details about each day’s ride.

April 10: While we have not yet held 3 Day Bike About Williamsburg, I’m going to move on to our June event in Strasburg. Friday is “Shopping Day” with stops at 3 Farm Markets. We are finalizing details, hoping we can provide you with a “shop ‘til you drop” experience with package pickup and delivery at the end of the day. Be sure to check our website for more details when we get closer.

April 3: Recap: applies to both tours: • Thursday night camping – please let us know ahead of time. • Check in at our Main Street before setting up your tent. • Packet Pickup & Check In – Thurs 5 – 7pm; Friday 7 – 11am • Routes open 8 am – 5pm (Fri & Sat); 8am – 4pm (Sun) • Bike Mechanics available on Friday & Saturday • Check on-site schedule DAILY for changes.

Find out more

April Tour Guide

April has arrived and we are just a few short (and busy) weeks away from 3 Day Bike About – Williamsburg ’22. I am SOOOOOO excited to a) see those of you who will be returning to our event and b) meet those of you who will be attending a 3 Day Bike About event for the first time. Have we got plans for you!!! For those of you who were with us on our first tour last year, we hope you will find the changes we have made an improvement to an already fun event. And for the first timers we hope you love our event so much you will plan to come back to see us year after year. If you have been following me on our 3 Day Bike About Riders Facebook page (it’s ONLY for those who are registered – and yes, I check) you already know the awesome Moto Crepes will be on site Saturday and Sunday from 7am – 1pm. They are so efficient. You place and pay for your order. They hand you this cute little pager which lets you know when your crepe is ready. No standing around while it’s being prepared….not that it takes that long, but you can finish packing up your bike for the day while you wait, shop at Mercantile, ask questions at Hospitality or chat with me. Whatever suits your fancy while you wait for that delicious crepe. To those who are not on Facebook – I totally understand. Check out the end of each month’s Tour Guide for all my FB postings – well, except for the pictures. Friday night you are On Your Own for dinner, but on the website and at Hospitality, I will have a list of local restaurants in the New Town and downtown Williamsburg area (right next to Colonial Williamsburg – which is always a great place for an after-dinner stroll). We have a catered dinner this year on Saturday night. Plan to attend. Billsburg Brewery will be selling beer. If you, like me, have been to an event that gives you a Welcome/Registration packet, you know you end up with “stuff” you don’t want. In an attempt to keep you from a) throwing something in the trash, or b) taking something home you don’t really want, we will have a “SwapMeet” basket in Hospitality. After you have rummaged through your packet, determined what you want and what you don’t want, please visit Hospitality. You can drop off the things you don’t want and maybe even pick up an extra something you DO want. Each day on our tour there will be a designated “Gathering Place.” This someplace along the routes we hope you will stop for a break, visit with friends old and new, and have some refreshment. These are not the only places you will find food, water 7 restrooms along the routes, but they are my favorites. • Friday – Cul’s Courthouse Grille – 14 miles from the start along the Virginia Capital Trail. Free brownies and a place to hang out in the new pavilion. Stick around or come back for lunch. • Saturday – Shelter 1 & 2 at Chippokes Plantation State Park is the hub of for 4 routes. Snacks, water and restrooms available – all for free. • Sunday – Spoke & Art Provisions Co – between mile makers 2 & 3 on the VCT (and less than 5 miles from the end of all the routes) you can pick up your boxed lunch. Stick around and chat with old and new friends from the tour or head back to Chickahominy Riverfront Park to pack up. When Williamsburg is done and you’ve had a great time, remember, there is still time to register for 3 Day Bike About – Strasburg’22 – June 10 – 12, 2022.

April 29, 2022-Williamsburg Friday

FRIDAY NIGHT - OUT ON THE TOWN

With a lot of cycling to do during the day and our catered dinner on Saturday night, we wanted to give you a chance to explore Williamsburg. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list of things to do or places to eat tonight, it’s a start. (Check with our Hospitality Team for more details and information.)

Here are a few of the places you may have passed on the VCT today and might want to return to for dinner (Chickahominy Riverfront Park is at MM 7 on the VCT.)

MM 20/21 - Cul’s Courthouse Grille offers salads, sandwiches, dessert and beer. Opens at 11am daily 11am - 9pm. Closes at 10pm on Friday & Saturday. www.culscourthousegrille.com (Staff favorite)

MM 22 - Indian Fields Tavern features American bistro fare and craft beer. Open Friday 11:30 am - 10 pm; Saturday 11am - 10pm;

www.indianfieldstavern.com

MM 30 - Upper Shirley Vineyards - located about 1 miles off the VCT - is a vineyard, tasting room and restaurant. Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm. Closed on Monday & Tuesday. (Staff favorite - worth traversing the gravel road and driveway to eat there.) www.uppershirley.com

The residential/commercial area called New Town is just 8 miles from Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Turn left out of the park and continue straight onto Monticello Avenue at the first traffic light. New Town is located on your left a couple of traffic lights after you go under Route 199 overpass.

Anatolia Bar & Grill
Baker’s Crust
Blaze Pizza
Bonefish Grill
Brass Tap
Buffalo Wild Wings
CAVA
Center Street Grill
Cogan’s Deli & Sports Pub
Corner Pocket
Pisco 51 - Peruvian
Ichiban’s (Chinese w/ sushi)
Jimmy John’s
K’Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar
King Fu Tea & TKK Fried Chicken
Opus 9 Steakhouse
Panera Bread
Paul’s Deli
Pho 79 Vietnamese Noodle Shop
Which Wich
First Watch (open for breakfast - closes at 2pm)
Masala Craft Indian Kitchen (across Monticello behind Starbucks)

In or Near Merchant Square in Williamsburg

Aromas Coffeehouse & Cafe
Amber Ox Public House
Blue Talon Bistro
Berrets Seafood Restaurant
Blackbird Bakery
DoG Street Pub
Fat Canary
Illy Cafe
Mellow Mushroom
Precarious Beer Project
Rick’s Cheese Steak Shop
SaladWorks
The Bake Shop
The Cheese Shop
The Hound’s Tale
Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
For dessert: Kilwins Fudge
Baskin-Robbins (ice cream)

Colonial Williamsburg

Josiah Chowning’s Tavern
King’s Arms Tavern
Shields Tavern
Christiana Campbell's Tavern

****Check respective websites for hours and menus.

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 ax 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. Jamestowne 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 and gardens (which are currently in bloom) 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 a 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. www.williamsburgva.gov

March Tour Guide

Additional Information

We are getting close to our first event in 2022 and are very excited about all the riders who will be coming to Williamsburg next month. It’s just a wonderful time of year to be in Williamsburg. I especially like walking around Colonial Williamsburg to visit all the beautiful gardens in bloom there. When you are Out on Your Own Friday evening after riding the Virginia Capital Trail, take a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street (DOG Street to the locals) then find a restaurant in the area to have dinner. If the weather is cooperating you can get take-out and sit in the middle of Merchant Square at the end of DOG Street. Look in one direction and you will see the College of William and Mary. In the other direction is Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets are needed to enter many of the colonial exhibits but there is also a lot to see just by strolling along DOG and adjacent streets in the colonial area. If you are looking for beer, there are LOTS of options and some of them are located right in the downtown Williamsburg area. DOG St. Pub, Amber Ox, Precarious Beer Company, just to name a few. Hospitality will have a list and maybe a recommendation or two.

ICYMI: last month’s postings on 3 Day Bike About Riders Facebook page:

Feb 6: What else ya got, you say? We've got Mercantile to sells 3DBA merchandise. We have local bike mechanics in case something goes wrong with your bike. We have Hospitality to answer all your questions about the area including restaurants, museums and other activities. Check the Daily Schedule (when it is posted) for hours of each shop.
Feb 13: Friday Route in Williamsburg: The Virginia Capital Trail, dedicated in 2014, is a 52 mile paved car-free trail between Jamestown and Richmond, VA.. It is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The day's starting point is Chickahominy Riverfront Park - Mile Marker 7, but you can go over to Jamestown and start at MM 0 if you wish. Wherever you start, you have the option of riding as many or as few miles as you want with SAG (Support & Gear) available from 8am - 5pm. ** Details on routes in Strasburg will be highlighted here in March.
Bonus Post: Feb 16 Just read this in the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation February newsletter. The place definitely worth considering for lunch when you ride the VCT on Friday at 3 Day Bike About - Williamsburg. Faces of the Trail There's something special about Ronnie's BBQ where the secret ingredient isn't so secret. "Our Smoked Meats and good eats are unmatched. Why? We do it with love or nothing at all!" Ronnie Logan, is the heart and soul behind Ronnie's BBQ located near MM 46. With his family by his side, four siblings and three offsprings, his mission is simple, to be the best country roadside (lucky for us also trailside) BBQ joint in the state of VA!. If the delicious smell of smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and cobbler doesn't draw you in, the smile and genuine southern charm will. And you can't forget about their signature rub. Swing by for authentic BBQ that leaves you satisfied and eager for more! Hours: Friday to Sunday from Noon to 7 pm.
Feb 20: When the day is done.... Friday evening on both tours is On Your Own Night. Hospitality and Mercantile will be open (check daily schedule at each event for exact hours) in case you have questions about where to eat or what to do or want to purchase 3 Day Bike About merchandise. There will also be hourly announcements about the Saturday routes. All this will take place at 3 Day Bike About "Main Street" located in Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg) and Strasburg Square (Strasburg). Hospitality in Williamsburg will be staffed by local cyclists. In Strasburg, local residents will be on hand.
Feb 26: Saturday Routes in Williamsburg give you LOTS of options. Our primary Gathering Place will be Shelters # 1 & 2 at Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County, VA, just across the river from Jamestown/Williamsburg.
How do you get there? Take the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, of course. You can ride from our Main Street at Chickahominy Riverfront Park or you can drive to Chippokes. From there, we have three routes, one of which goes into beautiful downtown Smithfield. We’re working on a setting up a Gathering Place in Smithfield and we hope many of you will stop at Just4Kicks in Surry – it serves ice cream and cupcakes so why would you not stop there, right? And finally, feel free to ask questions if you have them.
Email info@3daybikeabout.com. We answer them as quickly as we can Until then, Deana.

February Tour Guide

As I write this I am, for the second weekend in a row, looking out my window at a lovely snowy scene, just as I was a month ago when I sat down to write the January Tour Guide. If you read that entry, you know how much I love snow. But on to something else I love equally as much…cycling. A few days ago I received an email from PeopleForBikes. I loved the title: “There’s A Million Reasons To Ride.” Some of the ones they highlighted were: “…pedaling to get your morning cup of coffee, “ “..admiring your city’s public art on two wheels,” “to just getting out for a family bike ride.” They continued with “every bike ride is an adventure…bikes can take you on some incredible journeys, all you need to do is pedal.” I can’t agree more. PeopleForBikes strives to provide “…funding for new or improved bike paths, parks and trails,” ..and “…works with city leaders to transform their communities into better places for bikes…(their) mission is to make biking better for everyone.” 3 Day Bike About has a lot in common with PeopleForBikes, IMHO. We want everyone to have an opportunity to ride each day of our events so we provide routes of different lengths so both individuals and families can enjoy cycling. Coffee and tea, along with Stroopwafles, are ready for you each morning of the tour. The routes visit interesting places which are highlighted in the Know B4 U Go articles for each day. In addition to supporting the local economy, we also support a local non-profit. In Williamsburg we donated $4,000 to The Arc of Greater Williamsburg in 2021. We hope to do even more in 2022. In Strasburg our event will benefit the proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail. We hope you will join us for one or both of our tours this year and help us “make biking better for everyone.” Notes from the 3 Day Bike About Riders FB Group page: 1/16/22: Let’s start with Thurs (at both events): Thursday night camping on site IS available. Please contact us (info@3daybikeabout.com) to let us know you want to tent camp Thursday evening. Check-in between 5 & 7 pm at our Main Street. 1/23/22: Friday morning Pick (me???) Up: The parking lot at both 3DBA events opens at 6:30 am. Packet Pick Up opens at 7am. We will also have coffee and hot tea available with Stroopwafels to top off your cup..which reminds me to remind you to BRING YOUR OWN MUG!! That’s right…go through your cupboard right now and pick out your favorite mug and plan to bring it along. If you forget, there is a good chance we will have some very cool 3DBA mugs for sale at Mercantile. Oh, and the Snack Shack opens at 7am also. 1/30/22: What’s the Snack Shack you ask? We don’t have Rest Stops on our routes but we do have a morning Snack Shack and Gathering Places as well as a list of places where you can find food, water and restrooms along the routes. These places will all be listed on our website under each day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The Snack Shack is open each morning from 7 – 11am so you can stock up on fruit and snacks to take along on your ride. This gives you the option of stopping whenever and wherever you want on the routes.

January Tour Guide

January 3, 2022

As I sit here in my corner office (ok, so it’s just a small room on the second floor of my townhouse, but it is in the corner of the house and overlooks a walking trail and wooded area on one side and a courtyard between my building and the next building on the street out the other window), watching the snow fall while drinking a tea latte, I am happy. I like snow in winter, especially after having spent a good portion of my life living in the desert (both concrete and sand) of southern California.

Just a few days ago, January 1 to be specific, it was 70 degrees here, so now that the temperature has fallen to below 40 and the rain has stopped, it’s snowing. Lovely.

Some of you reading this probably live in the northern tier of the U. S. and therefore can still get out to cycle, having purchased the right type of bike with the right type of tires. I have two bicycles but neither are equipped to ride in these conditions. Having spent one winter living in Minnesota, I do appreciate a good walk in the snow.

While I do not wish to hasten winter along, (it is more than welcome to stick around until the end of February), I do look forward to spring (except for the part when my allergies nearly drive me crazy), when 3 Day Bike About – Williamsburg ’22 will take place at the end of April. There are so many beautiful gardens in Colonial Williamsburg and parks in surrounding counties to enjoy in the spring time and of course the weather is nice (warms days, but not humid, and cool nights, but not cold).

And just in from AAA…. “Best of Virginia: 22 must-see places to visit this year” includes:

· Williamsburg

· Canal Walk – Richmond

· Va Museum of Fine Arts – Richmond

· Edgar Allen Poe Museum – Richmond

· Isle of Wight County Museum – Smithfield

· Shenandoah National Park

· Luray Caverns

And you can see the first five while on 3 Day Bike About – Williamsburg, then visit the last two while in Strasburg. Cool, huh? 😊

So here’s hoping to see you in a couple of months….like end of April in Williamsburg or mid-June in Strasburg where the weather is going to be pretty nice also.

Keep Smilin’

Deana

December Tour Guide

December Tour Guide

Good heavens! Time is flying by. It’s nearly Christmas!

Have you bought yourself a present yet? Like a registration to one of the most fun cycling tours on the planet? How about one for that special someone in your life?

Yes, I’m talking about registering for one (or both) of the 3 Day Bike About cycling tours in 2022…Williamsburg – home of so many historic moments in our nation’s past (and lovely spring gardens also) or Strasburg – birthplace of the Shenandoah Rail Trail. Do something nice for yourself, or someone else, and register so we can donate even more money towards getting this trail built asap!

Since my November tour guide was published, we have signed on two more sponsors: Sentara Regional Hospital and my dear friend Kathy Chambers, a realtor with Coldwell Banker – Williamsburg. (She helped me find my current residence.)

We have secured contracts for our Sunday boxed lunches and Saturday night catered dinners at both locations, are reviewing the routes and making decisions about Gathering Places….speaking of which (drum roll, please).

In Strasburg, on Friday (at least I think it’s going to be on Friday), we are planning a Shop by Bike Tour. “What is that?” you say. Off you go on your ride Friday morning and along the way we are highlighting markets and wineries where you can shop. Purchases will be held until the end of the day when one of our drivers will pick them up and return them to “Main Street” at Strasburg Square, where you can retrieve them. How about that for service!

Our world-famous Signage Crew is back, and we have recruited a new (but experienced) SAG Crew Chief.

From the Info Line:

· Want to pitch your tent Thursday night? Send us an email and we’ll do our best to make those arrangements for you.

· E-bikes: I was wondering when someone would ask about e-bikes. I personally would be getting one to do the Shenandoah tour (I am TERRIBLE on hills.)

o So yes, by all means feel free to bring your Class 1 E-bike if you so desire, even if you are coming to Williamsburg as they are allowed on the Virginia Capital Trail as well as local roads. (The VCT is paved, btw.)

Keep sending us any questions you have about our tours. We answer as quickly as we can. And don’t forget to register!!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all Happy Trails!

November Tour Guide

“What’s going on at 3 Day Bike About?” That was the question a friend asked me the other day. My reply? “Where do I even begin?”

So I shall try to bring you up to date, but please keep in mind the planning is like rafting down a river. The water is always moving. 😊

We’re returning to Williamsburg (so convenient since I live here 😊). 3 Day Bike About the Historic Triangle will be April 29 – May 1, 2022.

We’re going to Strasburg!!!!! 3 Day Bike About the Shenandoah Valley will be June 10, 11, 12, 2022. We reached out to people we know there about the proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail, and they put us in contact with the town officials…and we have just been so excited about this event ever since. The town of Strasburg has rolled out the red carpet for us and so many people have offered to help. It’s going to be a great tour!!!

Just like in Williamsburg where we raise money for The Arc of Greater Williamsburg which provides support and activities for adults with disabilities, we are raising money at the Strasburg tour for the Shenandoah Rail Trail – and we really want to raise a lot because WE want to get that baby done and go ride it!!!

(Ok, I’ll try to hold off on the exclamation points, but it’s hard.)

While we don’t have “traditional” cycling event rest stops, in 2022 we will have “Gathering Places.” These are locations along our routes where we want our riders to stop, have a snack (or lunch) and mingle with other cyclists. I have been driving all the routes to identify these special spots and I think you are going to really enjoy this opportunity to get to know your fellow 3 Day Bike About cyclists.

One Gathering Place for Friday in Williamsburg is Cul’s Courthouse Grille. If you were on the 2021 Williamsburg tour you may remember the (awesome) brownies my friend Cullen at Cul’s Courthouse Grille gave all the cyclists. Well Cullen has upped his game and built (yes, BUILT) a pavilion behind the Grille as the Friday Gathering Place for us. There will be tables to sit at, heaters if it happens to be a bit chilly that day, a bar to get a beer, wait staff available for ordering lunch and of course, free brownies. (Gathering Place will be open from 9am – 4pm; lunch service begins at 11am.)

Check your tour guide for more Gathering Places on both tours.

New also for 2022 is a catered dinner Saturday night at both tours. The Williamsburg dinner will be at our Main Street tents at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The dinner in Strasburg will be at Box Office Brewery right across the street from the 3 Day Bike About “Main Street” at Strasburg Square. A huge shout out to Mary Beth & Tom Price of Box Office Brewery for hosting the dinner.

I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to our wonderful sponsors:

TOWNE BANK in Williamsburg is our Presenting Sponsor.

Williamsburg Financial Group for continuing their support.

Pendleton Bank, United Bank & F&M Bank in the Shenandoah Valley

Mechanical Support:

· Element Sport of Winchester in Strasburg

· Contes Bike Shop in Williamsburg.

Snacks:

Virginia Peanut Growers Association

Daelmans Stroopwafels

Sqwincher

October Tour Guide

You Spoke, We Listened.

This latest Tour Guide must start with a Thank You to everyone who had enough faith in us to register for our first 3 Day Bike About in Williamsburg, VA. You gave us such courage to “carry on” along with the joy of making new friends.

We will admit not everything went off as planned and there were a few “hiccups” over the weekend. Most of those we noticed, and you very nicely pointed out a few more. With that in mind, we’ve made some changes we hope will make the 2022 tours even better.

1. Cue sheets – We are doing our best to produce a “as green as possible” tour so did not and will not be printing cue sheets for everyone. Most of you used Ride with GPS navigation, but a few asked for paper cue sheets.

* Individual route cue sheets will be printed upon request at our 2022 tours. If you would like one, please go to Hospitality when it is open (check the schedule as they will only be there in the morning and evening, not all day) and ask the volunteer for the specific cue sheet you want. A copy will be printed for you on the spot.

* We only ask that you please consider donating $1.00 per route cue sheet to The Arc of Greater Williamsburg or the Shenandoah Rail Trail. A donation jar will be on hand at Hospitality.

2. “Never saw a SAG vehicle.” Here again we are trying to “be green” so our SAG vehicles do not cruise the routes. They are positioned at key points in the area which provides them with access to all the routes and riders within a reasonable time after receiving a call. The SAG Chief’s number is on your wristband.

3. “No info on camping Thursday night” before the tour begins Friday morning. We did not have permission from the campground to allow campers in the Group Camping area on Thursday.

* Anyone who inquired about Thursday evening camping this year was informed the Group Camping site was not available but individual camp sites at Chickahominy Riverfront Park were and we provided the contact information to make those arrangements.

* We may or may not be able to remedy this in 2022, so if you are interested in camping Thursday night, please reach out to us info@3daybikeabout.com

4. No breakfast. – Unfortunately, for several reasons, we were unable to secure a vendor who would provide breakfast onsite for the limited number of riders we had this year.

* We are working on resolving this for 2022.

"Bring Your Own Mug" coffee, tea and hot water will be available at both events.

5. Too expensive – We admit this was/is a no-frills tour. We are hoping to add amenities as our registrations increase. Just putting on a tour in early 2021 was a challenge.

* Both 2022 tours will have a catered Saturday night dinner as well as a boxed lunch on Sunday.

6. Lack of water on Saturday Gold Route…Unfortunately there are only so many roads and even fewer places to get water in Surry County. Water is always available at the start and we listed as many places along the route as were available. Please carry more water than you think you will need especially if it is going to be a warm/hot day.

p.s. We are working to improve our Hydration Station to produce colder water.

7. Why include the Virginia Capital Trail? “I can ride it without being part of an event.”

The VCT is the pride and joy of the local cycling community, and we like to showcase it as much as possible. The vast majority of our attendees were from outside the immediate area – coming from Oregon, Alabama, Florida, North & South Carolina.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US

3 DBA Team Leader - Deana Sun

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?

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 49 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).