We had a pretty amazing day today for our ride on the Capital Trail. The weather was perfect-sunny, almost no breeze and cool enough to test your layers but not so cold to be uncomfortable. We left Jamestown Settlement a little later than planned due to late arrivals-traffic and wrecks on the interstate. We had mostly the usual crew but also some newer faces as well as some that we hadn't seen in awhile. Riding today were Jim, Jack, Ellis, Sandy, Ned, Bruce G (from Williamsburg), Ken, Katrina, Kathy, Marti, Carl,Pete, Bob, Maureen, JP, Bill and me, Phyllis. Brian was not able to come because of a cold and he was missed. We headed out onto the trail eager to start the day and pedaled to the Powhatan Creek Trail which we decided to follow today. This was an in and out route with lots of fun bridges, sharp turns, daredevil squirrels and tight curves. We came back out to the Capital Trail and continued on past Chickahominy Riverfront Park, up and over the bridge (taking a short break at the summit and were treated to a bald eagle diving towards the water for a fish!) and on to milepost 10 which was our turnaround point. We took a short break here (having a brief conversation with a Capital Trail Ambassador) and then headed back to the Park where we took another short break (hey, it's the Tuesday Group!) Then we headed back towards Jamestown stopping at a new kitschy shop called Spoke N Art. They had all sorts of stuff-much of it related to biking and the Capital Trail. They also have a big cooler full of ice cream! For now they are only open from noon until 4 pm but will be open longer starting in the spring. They have plans for a lunch counter, bike repair shop and outdoor seating-eventually serving beer and wine. The Tuesday Group will need to include a stop here on future rides. We headed back to Jamestown Settlement where some decided to head home, others opted for lunch and the rest of us decided to do the Jamestown Island Loop. We enjoyed a very smooth ride on the repaved park road which echoed the perfect ride we'd had on the Capital Trail which has also recently been repaved. It was delightful. We made a brief stop at Black Point. going out to admire the river and wondering where the new power lines may someday cross. Then we reluctantly headed back to the Settlement where we ate our lunches, shared stories and finished up our day together. Mileage (give or take) 32.8 miles.
Another great day for the Tuesday Group.
Phyllis
View Jim's photos: https://imagesbyjimarend.smugmug.com/Sports/Tuesday-Group-Biking/20171128-Capital-TrailJamestown-Island
View Bob's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/keJ8dtVJxG0DrMHd2
View Bill's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/T36akNqdlS8Yw7M02