Beaches to Bluegrass Trail

[KathiCville]

I used to live and bike in the Arlington area a decade ago and overall found it to be pretty cycling-friendly. I lived within easy reach of the W&OD Trail AND the Mount Vernon Trail, so was really fortunate to have great access to dedicated trails. I also used to drive out to the Middleburg area and bike the gorgeous roads out there. Plus the Poolesville area in Maryland. I don't remember too many negative encounters with drivers. I didn't commute anywhere by bike, so maybe that's a different experience.

Now I live in the Charlottesville area and find it a little more challenging to bike the roads 'round here. There are plenty of beautiful backroads, but drivers have mixed reactions to cyclists. Most are friendly and polite, but some are downright hostile. I do miss having ready access to something like the W&OD or the Mount Vernon Trail, just for the respite they offer from constantly sharing space with cars and trucks! On the other hand, I wouldn't trade the glories of riding the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive on a pretty summer Saturday morning for anything! (Including spotting a baby black bear galloping across the road as I rounded a curve....Woohoo!)

I did the Cap to Cap last year for the first time and had a great time. I only rode the 50-mile route, so started in Richmond and didn't do the Jamestown end of the ride. Planning to sign up again this year, and maaaaybeee do the full 100 miles!?! [Edit: I just googled the Cap to Cap to see if the date is set for 2009. It is: May 9. Website says registration details to follow....Join the fun!]

Happy New Year, everybody!