Category Archives: Cycling

Love Sport? Love Art? Love music?

. Cycling

The City of Williamsburg, a known “bicycling community” and a designated “Bike Friendly Community” by The League of American Bicyclists, is a perfect location for Spoke & Art, a one-week long combination sport, art and culinary event that will take place on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on Francis Street (formerly the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum) beginning today through Sunday, September 27, 2015. 326 West Francis Street in Colonial Williamsburg. image

Under the Spoke & Art tent you will find a pop-up sports bar, The HandleBar, with a big screen TV to watch the races in real-time; fresh, local restaurant food and beverage for purchase and a gallery of sports paintings, sculptures and photography curated by John Lee Matney, owner of Linda Matney Art Gallery, plus a large display of Las Bicicletas bicycle sculptures in three sizes to purchase and enjoy.

Come out for lunch everyday and watch the race LIVE.

There are many more events like morning yoga sessions, business night, and the Williamsburg Celebrates Art Contemporary Artisans Show. A list of all the events can be found at www.spoke-n-art.com.

 

Spoke & art kickoff night

Monday 9/21 from 5-9 PM

 

imageCome on out to kickoff this week of fun and excitement.  The DOG Street Pub Running Club will be ending their weekly 5K run under the tent. Legend has it that they love to drink a beer or two when they’re done, so why not join them?

Live music by The Hark.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Dog Street Pub.

More events here

Colonial Fondo Features Pro Rider Ted King Leading Scenic Bike Ride

. Cycling

Colonial Williamsburg hosts a recreational bike ride this fall when the Colonial Fondo comes to town. Cannondale-Garmin professional rider Ted King leads the September 26 ride, which begins at 7 a.m. and follows a course of either 50 or 70 miles through America’s oldest counties, finishing on the Colonial Parkway along the James River about 11 a.m.
Inspired by popular Gran Fondo rides created in Europe in the 1970s, the event is not a race and is not timed. It is part of a bicycle-themed weekend that includes a hotel package with rooms available at the bike-friendly Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites and a Friday night party, “Beer, Bikes and BBQ” at Chowning’s Tavern, with live music and open exclusively to ride registrants.
The Colonial Fondo takes place during the week Richmond hosts the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, with bike races expected to bring thousands of professional riders and their followers from all around the world to the area Sept. 19-27. Race enthusiasts who participate in the Colonial Fondo can avoid the crowds and take a scenic drive via Route 5 to Richmond to see the competition with women’s elite riders Saturday afternoon and the men’s elite riders Sunday morning. Hardy cyclists can also take the Virginia Capital Trail bike path that connects Williamsburg to Richmond and is scheduled for completion by September.
Friday afternoon at 4:45 and 6:30 p.m., the Kimball Theatre presents the classic bicycling film, “Breaking Away,” (1979) starring Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid and Daniel Stern. Saturday afternoon at 12 and 4 p.m., the Kimball will show “American Flyers” (1985) starring Kevin Costner and at 2:15 and 6:15 p.m. the Italian classic “The Bicycle Thief” (1948). The cost of the fondo is $95 for riders who register prior to July 31 and includes the bike ride, swag, free parking and admission to “Beer, Bikes and BBQ.” The hotel package starts at $150 per rider per night and includes ride registration, lodging, swag, “Beer, Bikes and BBQ,” free parking, breakfast, admission to the film series and a daily Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.
The City of Williamsburg is showing its support for bicycling with a traveling exhibit of outdoor sculptures called “Las Bicicletas,” a series of 40 brightly colored abstract steel sculptures of bicycles by Mexican artist Gilberto Aceves Navarro placed at various landmarks around the city through October.
Route segments, registration and information are available at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/fondo. Enthusiasts are invited to join the conversation about the fondo on social media using the hashtag #colonialfondo. Information is also available at 855-296-6627.

Virginia Capital Trail ribbon cutting in Charles City Oct 15th

. Cycling

On Oct. 15, 2014 cyclists will gather at the Charles City Courthouse complex to officially cut the ribbon on the 13-mile Sherwood Forest section of the Virginia Capital Trail. Charles City County officials are planning to help celebrate the addition of 13 more miles (and 29 contiguous miles) of the trail. That would leave work still to completed in Richmond, Varina and New Market Heights in eastern Henrico County, all scheduled to be completed by summer 2015.

This is another opportunity to gather in huge numbers, sending a message to First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, our keynote speaker, and officials from Richmond to Williamsburg that this trail is important to a lot of people throughout the whole region. 

Hope to see you there!

Sherwood Forest Ribbon Cutting

Please join us to celebrate the opening of the 13-mile Sherwood Forest phase of the Virginia Capital Trail!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

11:00 am

Location: Charles City County Courthouse Complex, 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030

Keynote Speaker: Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe

image

The Virginia Capital Trail is a dedicated, paved pedestrian and bicycle trail that will connect the Commonwealth’s past and present capitals of Jamestown and Richmond along the Scenic Route 5 corridor.

Once complete, the Trail will traverse 50+ miles, four jurisdictions, and more than 400 years of history along one of the first inland routes in North America.

View the trail route and plan your visit.

Construction Progress for the VA Capital Trail

City of Richmond:

Rails have been pulled up just east of Lehigh Cement. City officials assure us they’re still on target for completion of this section by the spring of 2015.

Bridge over Gillies Creek

Varina:
V-DOT confirms that the Varina phase will be complete by summer 2015.

New Market Heights:

Scheduled to be complete by summer 2015

NEW QUARTER PARK YOUTH BIKE SERIES STARTS SEPT 10th, 2014 in WILLIAMSBURG Va

. Cycling, Mountain Biking

imageBack by popular demand! Race in a series of mountain bike trails designed especially for youth cyclists. Sign up now for Wednesdays On Your Wheels (WOW), a series of youth mountain bike races at New Quarter Park designed especially for children and families. The WOW series is for kids ages 3 to 18 to develop confidence on their bikes.

Races will be staged on three courses. The short course is for children ages 6 and under who ride push, balance, or strider bikes and elementary novice riders who do not use training wheels. The medium course is designed for elementary/intermediate and middle school riders ages 11 to 14. The long course is available for high school-aged riders from 14 to 18 as well as riders in the open advanced class. The open advanced class includes advanced riders aged 13 and under. Participants with clipless pedals are considered advanced. Registration starts September 4. Call 890-3513 for additional information.

ALL RACES HELD FROM 5:30 – 7 PM Pre-Ride: September 10 Free Race 1: September 17 $10 Race 2: September 24 $10 Race 3: October 1 $10 All 3 Races (1st family member) $25 All 3 Races (Additional Family member) $20

Click HERE for online registration form.

Read more about New Quarter Park here

Bicycle, jog or walk along the Colonial Parkway on Saturday May 3rd 2014!

. Cycling

Bicycle, jog or walk along the Colonial Parkway on Saturday May 3rd 2014! at the 17th Annual Pedal the Parkway Pedal the Parkway will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The National Park Service closes the Colonial Parkway to motor vehicles from Williamsburg to Jamestown for cyclists, runners and walkers of all ages to enjoy a car free Parkway. In 2012, over 1000 people enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the Parkway during this event. New in 2014, an Outdoor Activity Expo located at the ECO Discovery Park will be held to promote outdoor recreation and healthy living activities.

When: Saturday, May 3rd 2014 from 8 AM to 1 PM.

Where: Pedal the Parkway is held on the Colonial Parkway section running from Williamsburg’s Newport Ave entrance to Jamestown.

What: Pedal the Parkway will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The National Park Service closes the Colonial Parkway to motor vehicles from Williamsburg to Jamestown for cyclists, runners and walkers of all ages to enjoy a car free Parkway. In 2012, over 1000 people enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the Parkway during this event. New in 2014, an Outdoor Activity Expo located at the ECO Discovery Park will be held to promote outdoor recreation and healthy living activities.

Who: Your local bicycling club, Williamsburg Area Bicyclists (WAB) is once again organizing the 17th Annual Pedal the Parkway to provide an enjoyable experience along the historic and temporarily car-free Colonial Parkway.

Why: Fun, free, and family-friendly alongside the beautiful James River. Non-competitive, start at your own time, go at your own pace.

Free bicycle helmets for children at the ECO Discovery Park while they last. Suitable for young families, special-needs athletes.

Need more Info? www.williamsburgbikemonth.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pedal-the-Parkway/117268508285310 Contact: Nancy Carter, njcarter@starpower.net, 757-229-4907

 

image

Williamsburg VA Named a Bicycle Friendly Community

. Cycling

The League of American Bicyclists announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) awards, and Williamsburg has been named a Bronze Level BFC.  The award recognizes the City’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

Williamsburg is the first community in Hampton Roads to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community. It joins only seven other cities in Virginia: Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Arlington, Alexandria, Roanoke, Reston and Richmond. (View complete list here)

“imageBecoming a Bicycle Friendly Community is the result of more than 40 years of partnerships and collaboration — by local and regional governments, the private sector, and enthusiastic, determined citizens,” said Williamsburg Mayor Clyde Haulman. “Receiving this designation not only fulfills one of Council’s longtime goals, but most importantly, inspires us to continue to make improvements to our bicycle infrastructure in the future.”
The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community, and the application itself has become a rigorous and an educational tool in itself.  Planning Director Reed Nester and Zoning Administrator Rodney Rhodes spearheaded the application effort for the City.

The first Regional Bikeway Plan was adopted in 1993 by Williamsburg, James City and York County. There are now 11 miles of bike lanes and paths in the City (68% of those planned), a total of 69 miles of bicycle facilities for the three jurisdictions, plus 40 additional miles of shared roadway facilities on roads maintained by the National Park Service. 
Since its inception, more then 500 distinct communities have applied to be a BFE, and the five levels of the award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve. To learn more about the program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

 

Read more about cycling in the Williamsburg VA area here

Cap2Cap Ride Saturday May 11. 2013

. Cycling . ,

Next weekend on Saturday, May 11, you can join over 2000 bike riders for one of Virginia’s largest cycling events — the Capital to Capital ride, aka Cap2Cap — a fundraiser for the Virginia Capital Trail FoundationNext weekend  on Saturday, May 11, you can join over 2000 bike riders for one of Virginia’s largest cycling events — the Capital to Capital ride, aka Cap2Cap — a fundraiser for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Cap2Cap is a unique in having starts at both ends — Richmond and Williamsburg — with 15, 25, 50, and 100 mile out-and-back options. Pedal through 400 years of Virginia history, and help raise funds to make the Virginia Capital Trail a world-class experience.

When completed, the 55 mile Virginia Capital Trail will connect past and present capitals of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Richmond along the scenic Route 5 corridor.

For more information and to register, see the event page at the Foundation website.

2013 Schedule

Friday, May 10, 2013
4:00-8:00 pm   Packet Pick Up, Ride Day Registration at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for Richmond riders

5:00-8:00 pm   Packet Pick Up, Ride Day Registration at American Family Fitness for Williamsburg riders

Saturday, May 11, 2013
Ride Day Schedule
6:30-8:45 am     Check-In for 25, 50 and 100 mile routes
8:45-9:15             Check-In for 15-Mile ride (Williamsburg Only)
7:30                       SyCom Century Start.  Course Support Begins
8:30                       Sands Anderson Half-Century Start
9:00                       Busch Gardens 25-Miler Start
9:30                       Eco Discovery Park 15-Mile Fun Ride (Williamsburg Only)  on the Virginia Capital Trail
11:00                     Vendor Expo Opens
11:30                     Lunch and Musical Entertainment Begins
3:30                      Vendor Expo Ends
4:00                      Lunch Ends
4:30                      Course Support Ends

Kids biking race series at Freedom Park

. Cycling, Mountain Biking, Uncategorized

A new bike series designed  for ages 3-17 is being offered at Freedom Park. Wednesdays on Your Wheel off-road bicycle racing series was created for youths to build confidence
in riding a dirt course. Off road bicycle “racing” in a casual spirit, designed to bring smiles and confidence to youth! Get the kids outside for this fun and short dirt loop (less than one mile) course. Parents must be present. Medals/ribbons awarded. Helmets required.

Sessions will be held 5:30-7 p.m. April 24, May 1 and May 15 on the new Bunny Trail mountain bike course designed for beginner riders.

Cost is $5/session for James City and Williamsburg residents
Call 259-4200.

Location   5537 CENTERVILLE ROAD, WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23188

Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series in Williamsburg

. Cycling, Mountain Biking
Round 3 of the  Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series (VAHS MTB) happens in Williamsburg VA  Today at high noon at New Quarter Park  Riders will be challenged by some of the fastest and flattest trails of the season!  With current Varsity race leader out of own at Sea Otter, the leader’s jersey is up for grabs.  It is going to be an exciting day of interscholastic mountain bike racing in Virginia!

The series consists of five races, held in Williamsburg, Harrisonburg, Richmond and Charlottesville, and is open to all competitors from elementary to high school.  Competitors will come to Williamsburg from all over the state, but most are private-school mountain bike teams, such as the Miller School and the Blue Ridge School

Most of the races this year have been based around a three to four mile course loop, New Quarter Park will be no different. Cyclists will race laps around the park’s 3.5-mile
loop, built and designed by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association.

J.V. and Elementary (beginner) categories continue to grow and are highly competitive.  Like the Varsity races, J.V. riders and Elementary School riders compete in both an individual points series with their own leader’s jerseys as well as separate team competitions.  J.V. is ideal for beginners, and Elementary is ideal for young riders.

All events are open for registration on BikeReg. Racers can save by purchasing a season pass for the entire series.  A season pass includes a free VAHS MTB t-shirt.

The minimum number of riders for a team to be eligible to score is 3 riders.  The scoring system is similiar to a high school cross country meet.   J.V. and Elementary scoring is the same as varsity. Teams are welcome to race with fewer riders, but they will not be eligible for team scoring.  Individual riders will still be eligible for individual points series.

Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series (VAHS MTB) is an interscholastic high school mountain bike race series that is coordinated by Miller School of Albemarle and sanctioned by USA Cycling. The 5-race series is open to ANY high school, middle school, or elementary school student in Virginia.

VAHS MTB Series‘ mission is to grow the sport of cycling while promoting active and healthy lifestyles for high school students.  We want students to enjoy the outdoors and and beautiful trails in Virginia.  At the same time, we hope to encourage more students to race bicycles. Considering Virginia has some of the best mountain biking in the country, if not the world, it makes sense to provide a series for students to compete while enjoying the outdoors and Virginia’s landscape.

Want to go? Saturday’s mountain
bike event at New Quarter Park
kicks off at 12 p.m.

East Coast Greenway Virginia Guide Now Available

. Cycling

So what is the  East Coast Greenway? Imagine a mostly flat, 3000 mile Appalachian Trail system starting in Calais, Maine and ending in Key West, Florida, when completed, the ECG will be nearly 3000 miles long and connect the major cities along the Atlantic Coast.  Plans call for 90% of the trail to be off road.

image

The East Coast Greenway is routed on 400 miles of Virginia trails and roads—over 270 miles of spine routing plus about 130 miles of alternate routing. The routes connect urban, suburban, and rural areas from Arlington through Fredericksburg, Richmond, Petersburg, South Hill, and Clarksville, and (via the alternate Historic Coastal Route) Richmond to Jamestown to Chesapeake. The Historic Coastal Route follows the Virginia Capital Trail, a 50-mile route that closely follows Virginia’s Hwy. 5 along a mostly traffic-separated path and traverses a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Historic Coastal Route will connect with the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail which, will bring travelers over the border into North Carolina.

While about 14% of the spine route is on completed multi-use trail, an additional 20% of the route is in development and headed toward becoming firm-surface, multi-use trail.

Currently open trails include the Mount Vernon Trail, Virginia Capital Trail, Tobacco Heritage Trail, and Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. In  the coming years you should see quite a bit more trails built in Southside, Greater Richmond, and elsewhere.

The Virginia Bicycling Federation. has worked with the East Coast Greenway and VA Department of Conservation and Recreation to publish the  East Coast Greenway Virginia: A Guide To Bicycling and Walking the ECG in Virginia, an informative and easy to use guide offers maps and turn-by-turn directions of the ECG route through Virginia.

You can get your guide free of charge at any of Virginia’s 12 Welcome Centers or you can order a copy  by mail (the cost is $5 for shipping and handling), or download the pdf for free.

Download your free copy here here in PDF form, or order a hardcopy here (cost is $5 for shipping and handling).

Trail Status and Plans
More information on trails and greenways in Virginia

Come out and enjoy a variety of bike racing at the Williamsburg Dirt Fest this weekend

. Cycling . ,

Two types of cycling events converge this weekend with the aptly named Williamsburg Dirt Festival.

James City County Parks & Recreation, James River Velo Sport, William & Mary Cycling Team and Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association are hosting the first local event of its kind.

clip_image001"Williamsburg was chosen as the host town to both "support our local tourism industry and the great area we have locally to go bicycling both on the road and off," said Dexter Klock, president of Velo Sport.

Bikers hail mostly from Tidewater and Richmond, but they extend to Northern Virginia and Washington as well. "Most competitors are mountain bikers and road cyclists who also enjoy cyclocross," Klock explained

imageOn Saturday, cyclocross races will be held throughout greater Williamsburg. Cyclocross combines dirt and road races with various obstacles. Saturday’s event will feature a full card of races, as well as beginner and mountain bike classes for cyclocross novices.

"[It’s] an up-and-coming sport among both mountain and road cyclists and racers," said Klock. "[It’s] great for the spectators, and is an action packed event for both the racer and spectator."

More of the story here

Want to go?

The public is invited. Anyone interested in cycling can take classes from expert racers. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday with many events at Freedom Park and Jamestown Beach Park. Here the Facebook page for the Dirt Fest.

http://tinyurl.com/9t966cu

Williamsburg Dirt Fest is a two day race event with Cyclocross and Mountain Bike Races, and a family friendly Bike Festival. There are spectator friendly races at two venues to compete in or watch all weekend, and loads of activities to enjoy.

CYCLOCROSS RACES

> Saturday 10:00 AM Cyclocross James Town Beach Park 2205 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17106

CROSS COUNTRY RACES
> Saturday 4:00 PM Twilight Dirt Criterium Freedom Park 5537 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17103
***please note there is an error on the BikeReg site that shows the Crit on Sunday. SATURDAY is correct***
> Sunday 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM Cross Country Races at Freedom Park 5537 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17103
Additional Information & Details for Mountain Bike Races
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9YNouVuhsSJbnZRaFdMZkoyX1E/edit

https://www.jccegov.com/recreation/parks/chickahominy-park.html

TREK Test Ride Demo Sunday 9/23 From 10:00 AM-3:00PM
Road and Mountain Bikes Available. Test rides are free. Bring your cycling shoes, helmet, picture ID and a credit card to check out the bike of your choice. See more Test Ride info at http://bikebeatonline.com/events/trek-demo-test-ride-event-details-pg556.htm

Festival activities include a Mountain Bike Skills Clinic, a Freeride Demonstration, Guided Night Trail Ride, BikeBeat Bike Maintenance Classes, Kids Bike Parade, Scavenger Hunt and Face Painting, Bunny-hop and Long Jump Contests, plenty of food, and limitless fun.
See the complete schedule of events at:
http://bikebeatonline.com/merchant/437/files/WilliamsburgDirtFestInfoPages.pdf

Thank you to these GREAT organizations for making this event possible!
~ Cyclocross Races by James River Velo Sport
http://www.jrvs.org/
~ Cross Country Races sponsored by the College of William & Mary Cycling Team
http://wmpeople.wm.edu/site/page/cyclingclub
~ Bike Festival by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association
http://evma.org/
~ Race Venues and Festival Grounds by the James City County Department of Parks and Recreation
http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/RECREATION/
~ Test Rides & Maintenance Classes by BikeBeat
http://bikebeatonline.com/

Martins Tour of Richmond-Cycling Event

. Cycling

imageThe first annual Martin’s Tour of Richmond is just that — a cycling tour of Richmond. This fully-timed Gran Fondo event has distance options for both the serious rider and the weekend warrior.

What is a Gran Fondo? “Gran Fondo” means “Big Ride” in Italian. Gran Fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that are immensely popular in Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists. All abilities are welcome! Some cyclists enter for the challenge and satisfaction of making it to the finish line; others want to push themselves and their friends!

Choose the full 102-mile Gran Fondo or the shorter 59-mile or 29-mile distances. Plan on joining us for the entire day because we’ll celebrate your accomplishment with a big ol’ feast (including BEER!) at the Richmond Raceway Complex afterwards! Sign up now and beat the August 16th price increase!

Find out more here

 
 
 
WHEN

Sat, October 06, 2012

WHERE

Richmond Raceway Complex
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222

Sports Backers announces first-ever Tour of Richmond cycling event to be held October 2012

. Cycling .

The Martin’s Tour of Richmond, a 102-mile race through eight local jurisdictions, will be Oct. 6, 2012. The ride will mimic a single stage of an elite bike race like the Tour de France.

The ride will be Sports Backers’ 11th fitness-related event of 2012. Sports Backers also hosts the Anthem Richmond Marathon, the Patrick Henry Half Marathon and the Connects Federal Credit Union Corporate 4-Miler.

This Gran Fondo Race will also include a 58-mile option and a 29-mile option.

“MARTIN’s was quick to jump on the opportunity to serve as the title sponsor for this new community event,” said Jim Scanlon, Regional Vice President of MARTIN’S. “Being a part of major events like the Tour of Richmond gives us an opportunity to emphasize our commitment and dedication to our community and its quality of life.”

The full 102-mile course starts and finishes at the Richmond International Raceway complex, which is the site of the post-ride party for all three distances. The 58-mile course is projected to start at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Goochland Campus, and the 29-mile course is projected to start at Poor Farm Park in Hanover. The post-ride celebration will feature live entertainment, beer, and dinner for all participants.

The full course passes through eight jurisdictions in and around Richmond including:

  • City of Richmond
  • Chesterfield
  • Powhatan
  • Goochland
  • Louisa
  • Hanover
  • Ashland
  • Henrico

All riders must finish before 6 p.m. Any riders still on the course after 6 p.m. will be asked to ride in the SAG vehicle to the finish line or may choose to finish the route, no longer receiving any course support. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Additional awards will be distributed to the top three male and top three female finishers, and age group awards will be mailed out after the event.

Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbill said, “This event has the potential to really grow the pool of active cyclists in the community and make Richmond a more bike-friendly community at the same time.”

Wednesday’s announcement comes nine months after Richmond was chosen to host the 2015 World Biking Championships, which planners hope will draw thousands of participants and spectators to the region.

The event also coincides with the launch of Bike Walk RVA, a subdivision of Sports Backers’ Active RVA initiative. Bike Walk RVA will focus on making Richmond more bicycle-friendly by adding paved trials, sidewalks and bike lanes.

Registration for the first annual MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond is now open. Please visit www.sportsbackers.org for more information or to register for the event.

May is Bike month in Williamsburg Virginia

. Cycling

imageSaturday, May 5
8 am to 1 pm
Come bike the Colonial Parkway, which will be closed to motorized vehicles from the Newport Avenue exit in Williamsburg to the Jamestown exit (about 10 miles, one way). A rest stop serving free refreshments will be located at the College Creek pull off. A children’s Bike Skills rodeo will held at the Parkway’s Jamestown end; participants will receive free helmets donated by the Active Williamsburg Alliance (AWA), a chapter of BikeWalk Virginia.

Check out the May calendar of the Williamsburg Area Bicycling Association for a variety of bike rides in the Williamsburg Virginia area. There are rides for all skill levels on an almost daily

May 2012 Rides

May 2, Wednesday
New Kent Visitors Center Ride
53 mile C+ ride at 8:30 AM meeting at the New Kent Visitors Center. Call the Deana Sun at (804) 690-6018.
May 3, Thursday
Yorktown Battlefield Ride
Meet at the parking lot behind York Hall for a 14 mile casual ride on the Yorktown Tour Roads at 10:00 AM. Optional lunch will follow the ride at the Carrot Tree Restaurant. Call Jim and Mary Osborn at 229-0655 or email (osbornva@cox.net).
May 4, Friday
Dunbar Ride
25 to 35 miles C+ pace. Meet at Williamsburg Community Chapel Parking lot (Section S) at 9:30 am. POC Charlie Hart 566-0090.
May 5, Saturday
Pedal the Parkway
16th Anniversary of Pedal the Parkway
Bike the Colonial Parkway for 8.2 miles (between Jamestown and Williamsburg) with no cars from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. FREE to the public! Avoid most of the hills by starting at the Jamestown end of the Parkway. A rest stop with free refreshments will be located at the Archer’s Hope pull-off (3.8 miles from the Jamestown entrance). FREE helmets available for children at the Jamestown and Williamsburg entrances. Child must be present to be fitted with a helmet.
May 6, Sunday
Civil War Ride
16-20 mile casual ride visiting local sites of Civil War action and interest commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Williamsburg. Meet at 4 PM at the Jefferson Statue in Merchants Square. POC Nancy Carter, 229-4907 or njcarter@starpower.net.

Continue reading →

Powhatan Creek Trail Opens in James City County

. Cycling, Hiking

Construction crews have put the finishing touches on the Powhatan Creek multi- use trail. A new asphalt now connects the Virginia Capital Trail to, The Greensprings Interpretive Trail , the neighborhoods of Pointe At Jamestowne, St Georges Hundred, Chancos Grant, and Clara Byrd Elementary.

The trailhead begins and parking is available behind Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, 3131 Ironbound Road. Users can walk, ride or run on the paved 2-mile, 8-foot wide multiuse trail which connects to nearby neighborhoods as well as the Greensprings Interpretive Trail, the historic site known as Church on the Main, Mainland Farm (considered to be the oldest continuously cultivated farm in America’s first English settlement) and the Virginia Capital Trail.

This segment of trail utilized several previously constructed trail segments for interconnection and is partially funded by a matching grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The trail crosses the main stem of Powhatan Creek and has been designed to replace a deteriorating sewer bridge and will support an existing sewer main between the Chanco’s Grant Subdivision and St. George’s Hundred Subdivision.

 

 060Construction of the Powhatan Creek Trail is part James City Greenways Master Plan.  The goal of the Greenways plan is to link, neighborhoods, parks and schools together in a network of trails allowing residents to traverse the area without having to ride on the roadway.

History of the Greenways Master Plan in James City County

061Greenways were first introduced to JCC in the 1991 Comprehensive Plan and subsequently in the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. 

In March of 1997, a conceptual greenway plan was produced and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.The County’s pilot greenway project, the Greensprings Greenway, located behind Jamestown High School  was completed in June 2001.

The benefits associated with greenways are overwhelmingly positive. Communities investing substantial resources to this effort enjoy widespread citizen support and the realization of healthier lifestyles, a more diverse economy, a beautiful environment, and a more enjoyable quality of life.

Initial trail projects in 2003-2007 were located primarily on existing parks because they are already in public ownership.

Future trail projects in 2012-2020 will provide connections between parks through primary/secondary/regional trail corridors and loop trail systems.

 

Download a trail map here

image

 

 

Like what you are reading ? Want to receive updates by email in the future ? Sign up here  banner psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com  and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to  Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the  surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities,   condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent,  Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton,  Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth  Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry,  Va Beach, Yorktown  and York County Virginia You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @  757-254-8136

Virginia Capital Trail

. Cycling
The Trail

The Virginia Capital Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle trail that will connect the Commonwealth’s past and present capitals of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond along the Scenic Route 5 corridor. The Trail will traverse 50+ miles, four jurisdictions and 400 years rich in history along one of the first inland routes in North America.  The Virginia Capital Trail is still under construction, with an estimated completion date of 2014

 

imageCurrently, there are four open sections of the Virginia Capital Trail:

  • Richmond Riverfront – .5 miles – open

Parking at Shiplock Park in downtown Richmond along Dock Street. Trail to the west for ½ mile.

Get directions

  • Charles City Courthouse, 7.5 miles – open

Parking at Charles City Courthouse Visitors Center, just off of Rt. 5. Trail to the west for 7.5 miles.

Get directions

  • Chickahominy Riverfront, 5 miles – open (connected to completed Greensprings section)

    Parking at Chickahominy Riverfront Park or Jamestown High School. Trail to the east (or west if parking at JHS) 5 miles.

    Get directions

    • Greensprings, 2 miles — open (connected to completed Chickahominy section)

      Parking at Jamestown Settlement. Trailhead across Rt. 31.

      Get directions

       

       

      Construction Update:

      • Sherwood Forest Phase, 13 miles — open June 2013 (Beginning at the western bank of the Chickahominy River to the Charles City Courthouse
      • Varina Phase, 10 miles — open October of 2014 (From Longbridge Road to downtown Richmond)
      • New Market Heights Phase, 9 miles — open October of 2014 (From western end of Charles City Courthouse phase to Longbridge Road)
      • Downtown Richmond Phase — .75 miles –open TBD (From Shiplock Park at Dock/Pear streets, to the Henrico County line.)

      Williamsburg Area Bicyclists

      . Cycling

      Williamsburg Va is a great place to bicycle! Plenty of local roads with bicycle lanes, the nearby Virginia Capital Trail and the scenic Colonial Parkway and other nearby parks make for great riding. See our website, www.wabonline.org for our monthly newsletter the Flying Wheel and our monthly ride calendar.
      WAB is a bicycling club of about 300 members interested in promoting and encouraging the use of the bicycle as a means of recreation, fitness, and transportation. We also
      encourage the development and the utilization of facilities for bicycling on public lands. We provide information in the interest of bicycle safety and espouse and uphold the rights of bicyclists.

      A sampling of weekly Recurring WAB Club Rides:

      Sundays at 9:00 AM:

      Barry Herneisey leads a mountain bike ride from Bikes Unlimited in the Williamsburg Shopping Center, 141 Monticello Ave. (across from Rita’s Water Ice). Call Barry at 229-4620 to confirm.

      Mondays at 9:00 AM:

      Deana Sun is continuing her C pace rides in New Kent through the winter. This ride meets at different locations each week for a ride of 24 – 30 miles on lightly traveled country roads in New
      Kent County. Many routes do not have store stops, so bring plenty of water. Deana may cancel the ride if the weather is bad. Contact her by phone 804-690-6018, or email MaElDsun@aol.com  for each week’s ride status and start location.

      Mondays and Fridays at 1:

      45-55 mile, A-B pace ride with stops. Riders regroup at the top of hills, waiting for those who aren’t good on hills. The ride starts at Don Cherry’s office at Rt.199 and Henry St. Call Don at 253-2500. The Friday ride starts at Pete Williamson’s house in Governor’s Land. Call Pete at 258-3539.

      Saturdays at 7:30AM: Bike Beat shop ride. A pace ride (19+ mph) but open to riders of all levels. Meet behind the shop in the Monticello Marketplace shopping center. 30+ miles with some rolling hills.