Surry Ride to Chippokes and Strawberry Picking 5/15/12

The weatherman had his worst forecast of the month so far for Tuesday, 15 May 2012. That did not deter the Tuesday Group. Brian awoke with a feeling he would cancel. It wasn’t raining, so he didn’t. Well, it wasn’t raining in Williamsburg. It was pouring in Newport News where Jean lives, and it was raining sheets in Norfolk where Stephanie and Steve live. It was still raining hard when they went out to put their bikes on their cars. They are hard core. Phyllis, Page, and Brian were as eager to prove the weatherman wrong, again, but they put dry bikes on dry cars and headed out for the ferry ride. All arrived ready to ride at 0930 and noticed that the clouds were starting to form. False alarm. The clouds came and went all day. We set out on a Williamsburg Area Bicyclists route to Chippokes Plantation Park, but rode in reverse so we would have most of the ride completed before stopping to pick strawberries at College Run Farms. We did an inspection of the orchard at the Plantation—which the Tuesday Group planted a few years ago. The surviving peach trees looked vibrant, the apple trees looked a little more stressed. But we did not linger long at Chippokes. Strawberries were a draw and we set out on the return route. College Run Farms was in the middle of prime “pick your own” season. One of the groupers was a little too perfectionistic in picking and held up the group, but not to worry, they idled away their time munching on homemade Strawberry ice cream. It occurred to all of us that the sun had come out and it was really warming up. So there, Mr. weatherman. We finished our ride under overcast sides and most made their way to the Surry House for lunch. Peanut Soup for Brian and Page. Apple Raisin Fritters for Steve, Stephanie ( with Ice Cream!!), Page, and Jean. They all said the Fritter was worth it. A good end to a good ride and great riding weather—despite the forecast—with good friends.

Page and Brian visited the nearby Edwards Ham Shoppe of Surry to pick up a few items. Page inquired about a tour. They said yes. They also have a Deli with their homemade sandwiches. So next ride, we may go to Edwards for lunch and tour their ham processing plant—then go to the Surry House for Apple Fritters!! For the hard core, Two Fritters come with ice cream.

Brian

View Phyllis' photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/crashneumann/SurryChippokesStrawberryRide?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOzBw9HJz-Gm8wE&feat=directlink