James City County Parks and Recreation is bringing in cyclists from across the Historic Triangle to enjoy the trails and scenery of the area.
On Saturday, approximately 100 cyclists will hit the trails to participate in the 21st annual Park to Park Bicycle Tour which takes riders throughout the different paths and trails around the area, said Sarah O’Reilly, recreation program coordinator for the county.
Participants can take part in either a 15-mile, 30-mile or 50-mile bike ride around the area. O’Reilly said there are many different routes riders will take, but she doesn’t expect this will impact traffic too much.
“Those on the 30- or 50-mile route will be on more roadways, but typically those are more experienced riders and are trained and aware of the traffic around them,” she said. “Those on the 15-mile route won’t have to worry about intersecting with traffic.”
O’Reilly said mainly the event attracts an adult demographic that is looking to connect with the cycling community and enjoy some of the local scenery.
“The area is beautiful and full of trees and shaded and full of history,” O’Reilly said. “You might stop at a rest stop and check out what’s going on there and experience the area.”
Originally, the event was designed as a tour of the parks to give people exposure, but somewhere along the way it became an event that brought together cyclists from all over the local area, O’Reilly said.
All of the routes will begin on the Virginia Capital Trail and after the ride, cyclists can head down to Billsburg Brewery for lunch, music and cornhole.
While there isn’t a designated medical staff for the event, the routes will have a number of rest stops for riders where they can have power bars, fruit and First Aid kits, she said. Additionally, there will be support vehicles out on the trails to help out any tired riders.
Lunch, supplies and admittance to the Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool are included in the event fees which are:
- 15 miles, $10
- 30 miles, $15
- 50 miles, $20
The event is free for children younger than 9 years old and fees can be paid onsite the day of the event.
O’Reilly said the event is weather-permitting and if there are thunderstorms that cause the event to be cancelled, then participants will receive a full refund.
For more information, visit James City County online.
