Capital Trail Bike Ride 12/8/2015

On 8 Dec, 24 cyclists gathered at Charles City Courthouse to travel the new section of trail out to Four-Mile Run Park. From Charles City the distance was 20 miles one way. About half the group decided to travel by auto to Herring Creek near Berkeley Plantation to start the ride as we have travelled the seven mile stretch between Charles City and Herring Creek on prior rides.

For the second week in December, the weather decided to really cooperate. Starting out it was cool, but it was sunny from start to finish. The temperature eventually reached at least to 60 degrees. The ride was uneventful except for our interruptions caused by VDOT crews forcing us to detour around them. No big deal for the Tuesday Group, they smelled ice cream at Four-Mile Run—the Dairy Queen is across Route 60. The route is relatively flat although some felt it was more hilly. I think it mattered whether you were on a road bike or a fat tire bike. The group stretched out to accommodate every cycling interest. Some were on a bike race, some were enjoying the day, some were daydreaming, ...cool!

Ed Welp decided to be the days fanatic and ride from Chickahominy Riverfront Park—that would make his round trip mileage to be 68 miles. I should have done that with him as a “ride-your-age” ride, but I easily shrugged off that idea. Did anyone see Ed at the end?! No? We blew by Chickahominy on out way home. Hope Ed is alright.

The mid-way point, a stop at the Dairy Queen found two-thirds of the group eating outside at the picnic tables—the weather really, really cooperated! Much like we arrived though we departed in waves of people and kept stretched out along the trail. The Tuesday Group has now travelled the trail for all by the last 13 mile stretch into Richmond from Four-Mile Run Park. Saved for another day, we left knowing the last section promises some steep and long hills. We might keep that ride in the bank for a while. On this day, we just enjoyed being outside with friends. It was like cheating (great weather in December) and getting away with it—better yet with a like minded group.

Thanks for the Tuesday Group.

Brian

View Jim's pictures: https://jimarendphotography.smugmug.com/Sports/Tuesday-Group-Biking/20151208-Capital-Trail/

View Bill's pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/117475145040031402609/TuesVCTCharlesCityBike40MilesBrianDec82015?authkey=Gv1sRgCJDu76mQ4sPskgE&feat=email