June 27, 2007, Wednesday
Williamsburg to Hopewell, VA
The return trip to Hopewell was along the north bank of the James River, much of it on Route 5. The Adventure Cycling TransAm cross country bike route, also known as U.S. Bike Route 76, starts in Yorktown and continues west along this stretch of Route 5.
There were no optional loops on this day; most people are content to ride directly to the finish, eat lunch, and head for home. There were two bridge crossings on the 48 mile route where cyclists were told to cross in small groups. The waits were not long, but it didn't seem necessary to have police escorts across the bridges. The rest stops were OK, although both were out of Gatorade by the time we arrived, which taints ones opinion of the stop. It seems like such a simple task to have enough of the drink, which is sold in powdered form that I imagine keeps for years.
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| Recumbents rule... | Berkeley rest stop | View from Berkeley Plantation |
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| Berkeley Plantation gift shop | Gift shop entrance | Last James River crossing |
We spent the time to take a shuttle bus to Berkeley Plantation, a beautiful old Virgnia plantation on the banks of the James. There are several plantations located on the James, all in private hands but open to the public. Among the many historical facts about the area:
Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Presidents William Henry Harrison and John Tyler were born and lived here. General Robert L. Lee spent much of his boyhood here, and agriculturist Edmund Ruffin, who fired the first shot of the Civil War, practiced his innovative techniques on Charles City soil. Lott Cary, the first black American missionary to Africa and founding father of Liberia, was born here. One of the first free black communities in America was located in Charles City, as well as the third oldest organized free black church.
The last few miles into Hopewell seemed like the most difficult of the tour. There was a slight uphill grade, it was hot, and there was likely a headwind. Many commented on how hard the ride was. We had a good lunch just before most of the items ran out. Mary Turnbull was there once again cutting the celebratory cake. After loading the bikes we started the long drive home. It's not easy staying awake on the drive home after a tour; perhaps we should stay overnight after the next BikeVA.
It was a good tour, although not quite up to BikeVA's high standards. With 2,000 people it's difficult to have enough food, drinks, restrooms, and other facilities for the cyclists, and often there just wasn't enough to go around. Perhaps next year's ride, in the hilly southwest part of the state, won't be as popular as this flat, very historic tour. We look forward to it.