Williamsburg Winery Bike Ride 3/31/2015

On Tuesday, March 31, 2015 the Tuesday Groupers assembled at Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County for the first bike ride of the year. The length of winter and the persistent cold finally lapsed and 26 eager bikers rallied for the inaugural spring ride. It was a perfect day and the route was as pleasant as Virginia can be—we headed east on the Capital-to-Capital Trail, stopping seven miles later at the Jamestown Settlement for those of us who drink coffee and had a need to stop. We then took off on the Colonial Parkway toward Williamsburg—the parkway is a “large” gravel based concrete road that many consider rough to ride a bike on, particularly the road bikers with the narrow high pressure tires. The Parkway lived up to its reputation. But it was a gorgeous day and the scenery along the parkway is unique. We passed Powhatan Creek, Mill Creek, and came into full view of the James River and the end of Jamestown Island off to the right. We then turned onto a path leading us through the woods onto Treasure Island Road up to the Winery and then Gabriel Archers Tavern. The manager of the tavern set us up with two long tables and allowed us to park in the no parking zone! What a thrill. The tavern had reasonable prices, good food, great service, and a pleasing view of the vine fields. The location allowed for an ample amount of loud conversation among the groupers. We noticed a few patrons asking to be seated away from the Tuesday Group. Alas, after lunch we put everything in reverse and headed home on the same route. It is funny how the same road looks so different when you are going the reverse direction. It was a good ride—no accidents, no injuries, great food, good friends, and a commitment to show up next Tuesday for a ride in the other direction.

Brian

Check out Bill's pictures by clicking on the link: https://plus.google.com/photos/117475145040031402609/albums/6134425719966027633?banner=pwa&authkey=CPv12pq6hvy5eQ