So the trike ride. We rode the Virginia Capital Trail from Jamestown to Charles City; a distance of approximately 22 miles each direction. In total this trail is 52 miles. We’ll ride more tomorrow, and then ride from the Richmond, Virginia end next week. The trail was paved with mild ups and downs, and enough curves and bridges to be interesting. The trail crossed roads several times, but all the traffic was light and drivers were extraordinarily nice and polite about giving us room and the right of way. Still lots of leaves and twigs on the trail surface, but that’s to be expected this time of year. In one section, a fellow came by in a motorized golf cart, pulling a trailer that had a blower on the back to clean the debris off the trail. Nice!
Charles City had a visitor center, which provided a bit of local history. The town is the county seat and courthouse and had passed back and forth from Confederate to Union control multiple times. There was a monument commemorating the Confederate soldiers who had died in defense of states’ rights to self-governance. Rather jarring to us Northerners who view the Civil War as about the abolishment of slavery. On the other hand, there was also a plaque on the same grounds documenting Virginia’s bleak history of lynchings of its black citizens. Interesting...
This fellow needs special mention. He was sitting on the side of a yard, at the edge of the trail. Precious, isn’t he?!
Upon returning to Jamestown we had to check out Billsburg Brewery. We had discovered it as we set out this morning as we were looking for facilities. What fun! They were getting set up for a live band outside, so we were able to enjoy their (warmer) indoor tables and enjoy a nitro stout and an Irish cream ale. For dinner a food truck arrived, so Paula ordered us grits & shrimp and a bowl of chili to share. Yum!
