High Bridge State Park 4/23-4/24/24

We've talked about returning to the High Bridge Trail for years. I believe our last bike ride there was twelve years ago, in 2012. High Bridge State Park (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/high-bridge-trail) is a roughly 30-mile trail that runs through Farmville, Virginia. Farmville is about a three-hour drive from Tidewater. The trailbed is a historic, converted railroad trail. It is constructed of very fine rock, it's suitable for most any type of bicycle. The trail has a very slight downhill grade, running west to east through green forests and rolling countryside.  

On Tuesday, April 23rd, we had thirteen riders signed up for our ride: Bill B, Melissa, Allen, Jody, Judy, Ed, Phyllis, KAO, Sherri, Sandy, Steve, Marti, and Ellis. Most of us arrived at the Farmville trailhead at 10:00 AM ready for our ride. Steve had to make a stop, so he joined us later on Wednesday. The weather was perfect with blue skies and temperatures in the sixties. We headed West on the trail passing Tuggle, turning around at Prospect. Picnic tables and vault toilets are conveniently located along the trail. The toilets were clean and well-supplied. Retracing our route, we biked past Farmville to the High Bridge. The bridge is amazing. We could have spent all day there taking in the vistas and Camp Paradise. After a while we then rode back to Farmville for a total of  approximately thirty miles for the day. Upon arriving at the Farmville trailhead, we had our happy hour with snacks next to the caboose. Later we met at Charlie's restaurant for a group meal. Some of us even had a well earned dessert.

Most of us stayed at the Hampton Inn. However; Sherri and KAO stayed in their van and Steve camped at Twin Lakes SP. After Breakfast the next morning we drove the seven miles to the Paradise Parking Lot where we took another quick look at the bridge then rode the  approximately ten miles to the Burkeville end of the trail. After lunch, we biked back to the Paradise parking lot and headed for home.

Our total mileage for the trip was about fifty miles (30 on Tuesday; 20 on Wednesday). Jody, Allen, and Judy had ebikes. Some of us were longingly watching them as they zoomed by. Maybe a couple of those will end up at our house one day!

In summary I think everyone had a great time. I can see us making this an annual event.

Ellis

Kudos to our amazing photographers. Top picture by Bill Billings, Middle photo by Phyllis, Bottom by Sherri.  

To view Bill's pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ntu6RJWnS9UevuqKA

View Sherri's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/w2RXTwwWhaZ1TCwH7