Yorktown Bike Ride 6/3/14

What a spectacular day for one of our very favorite bike rides! Temperatures in the 80s and cool breezes (mostly at our backs) were the order of the day. 17 Tuesday Groupers met at Newport News Park for the ride today. Pedalers included: Steve R, Bill M, Claire, Jack, Dave, Sue, Bill B, Mark C, Sandy C, Bob S, JP, Brian, Jim N, John, Lance, Katrina and Phyllis. Bill blew his conch (I think he broke his previous record), we had our safety talk and we were off. The ride was casual and we talked of recent adventures and upcoming trips. Along the way we were serenaded by song birds and breathed in the sweet smells of honeysuckle and ....lilac? We stopped at the Yorktown Visitor Center for our NP stickers and then proceeded to the Victory Monument where we posed for the requisite picture. This time taken by a very smart Labrador Retriever named Duff-who instructed his humans how to operate Bill's camera. We looked at the wreath left at the monument by the visiting French Frigate La Fayette. We continued our ride to the water front and on to the French Battery where we greeted the infamous cannon. After this it was time for lunch at the Yorktown Pub where we feasted on burgers, salads, grilled fish, po' boys and rich clam chowder. Tummies full we laboriously made the climb back up the hill and began the return journey. We encountered a lot of traffic while crossing Ballard Street but were soon back on less traveled park roads. A short stop was made at "Surrender Field" where we partly listened to the narration of the great event and mostly watched the Barn Swallows flitting in and out of the structure. Their half-cup nests in the cupboard like ceiling were full of little chicks peeking out waiting to be fed. Soooo cute! Our ride back to NN Park was as good as the beginning, with sunny blue skies and happy faces. Another great day for the Tuesday Group!

Phyllis

View Bill's Pictures! https://plus.google.com/photos/117475145040031402609/albums/6021745623153119713?banner=pwa&authkey=CMXN6PbziNvDIA