Surry Blueberry Ride 7-1-14

On Tuesday, 1 July, 16 Groupers met at the Surry County Governmental Center in Surry County and headed off on what was billed as the Surry Blueberry Ride—the goal was eventually to pick berries at College Run Farms. It was a perfect day for riding and the lack of traffic helped us on our way to discover a new route. Instead of a more direct route to Chippokes Plantation State Park. We added on an 8 mile loop further East and then visited the grounds of Bacon’s Castle—The oldest datable house in the commonwealth of VA, it was built in 1665 by the Allen family. Nathaniel Bacon of Bacon’s rebellion fame drove the Allen family off the land and gave the estate his name, but never lived there. (note for Mark C: Bacon’s Castle is one of only three high style Jacobean structures in the western hemisphere—man am I glad we cleared that up) After soaking up the history we headed on toward Chippokes where we met up with Bruce M who had been on a late ferry ride. We munched our lunches but our minds were really on the next stop, College Run Farms, where ice cream awaited. We were disappointed that there was no blueberry ice cream, so we pouted with vanilla and chocolate and nobody picked berries—it was getting pretty hot by this time. After the ice cream, we sluggishly pushed off toward the finish line. The breeze was still with us, the sun was bright, but the heat was still rising—it reached 93 degrees. The hardy group all made it back without collapse. Some headed to Anna’s Pizza, some to the ferry, some headed other directions. It was a good day with friends. 27 miles.

Brian

To view Bill B's great pictures click on the link: https://plus.google.com/photos/117475145040031402609/albums/6031611983533230161?banner=pwa&authkey=CNah4JGYvoedXw