Regional Highlights for the 2014 Bike Virginia Tour
Bike Virginia is pleased to bring to you 6 days of riding adventure on beautiful routes in central and eastern Virginia for the East Bound Bike Virginia 2014 Tour. For the 27th annual event, June 20-25, we will visit the communities of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, James City County, Williamsburg, and Jamestown.
The last visit to Eastern Virginia by Bike Virginia was in 2007 and was a record attendance year for the event. Riders have been asking for a return every year since. Not only will we hit those favorite spots for our next tour, but in 2014 we’ll be touring some brand new unexplored regions including great riding in areas of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico, and Goochland.
The tour location is a bountiful spot for exploration.
Historical Sites and Museums
The central and eastern regions of Virginia are covered with historic sites. You’ll find beautiful plantations and historic farms along the bike routes and in nearby communities. Visit one of the many fine museums of the region, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, St. John’s Church, place of the famous quote “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” by Patrick Henry, Virginia’s Natural History Museum, the historic exhibits in Colonial Williamsburg or the first permanent English Settlement, Jamestown. Take the Canal Walk in downtown Richmond and see early architecture and industrial sites like Tredegar Iron Works.
Wineries and Breweries
Participants will be able to enjoy wine and beer at headquarters or can strike out to visit one of the region’s popular breweries or wineries. Our host regions are home to two wine trails, Colonial Virginia Wine Trail and Heart of Virginia Wine Trail, a collection of wineries featuring great local grapes. Breweries are extremely popular in this corridor of Virginia, at least 7 call the area home. A quick search on Virginia’s Tourism website will give you a full listing. And, if you’re looking for Cider you’re in luck, Blue Bee Cider offers a delightful drink.
Dining and Shopping
Central Virginia takes its food seriously. Look for a wide variety of regional and ethnic restaurant choices in the Richmond region. From plush gourmet to delicious roadside barbecue you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste. Style Weekly, a local print and online magazine, rates the region’s dining choices every year. Read about the 2013 voter’s choices here…
If you enjoy shopping then you’ll love an excursion to Carytown, one of the favorite shopping districts of locals. Carytown is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Dine and catch a movie at the historic Byrd Theater for $2.00 (if you go on Saturday you might get to hear the famous Wurlitzer organ play!). Or take a stroll down Carytown, window shop or buy yourself a treat, and see historic nearby homes.
Williamsburg offers a shopper’s paradise too. Buy great local artisan and historic gifts in the Colonial Williamsburg area’s Merchant Square, visit boutiques in the area, or hit the popular nearby outlet malls. More on shopping in Williamsburg here…
Outdoor Recreation
The 2014 tour headquarters camps will be located in two great spots for outdoor recreation. Pocahontas State Park is home to acclaimed mountain biking and hiking trails, and a nice reservoir for paddling.
Speaking of paddling. If you’re into whitewater be sure to visit the James River which includes class III and IV rapids directly adjacent to the city skyline. The waterway offers great whitewater kayaking and rafting. Consider an afternoon rafting trip while you’re visiting, it’s a blast!
You’ll also be just a short drive from one of the nation’s best urban trail systems, the James River Park System. Recognized by mountain biking and running magazines for the top off-road trails that are tucked in a riverside, treelined park, it’s something you don’t want to miss.
When we’re in the Williamsburg area you’ll have a chance to visit Go Ape, a super cool zip-line and ropes course park at Freedom Park. Freedom Park and the nearby York River Park also offer a fun selection of mountain biking trails and skills building areas for off-road riding.
If your definition of adventure includes high-flying roller coasters, we’ve got that too. The region is home to several theme parks and a water park which offer great fun no matter your age.
Getting Around
The 2014 Tour will have you riding through many of the region’s historic regions. Whether you love farmland, the water, or history, this year’s tour is sure to please.
We’ll offer an outing each day from camp on one of our free shuttles so you can explore historic sites or enjoy shopping and recreation. Other points of interest are easily accessible with a short drive. Richmond is about 20 minutes by car or cab from our Pocahontas State Park headquarters location. Chesterfield is a quick 5 minute drive and offers both shopping and dining. Williamsburg area sites of interest are also a short drive from Chickahominy Riverfront Park, our second headquarters location. Within 15 minutes you can be at historic sites, dining, and shopping.
We are delighted to bring you to this part of the state for 6 days of fun and exploration. We love showing off our great state and creating a special experience that’s full of exploration, relaxation, and adventure.