Day 94: Williamsburg, VA

Day 93

August 18, 2015

Miles: 82

Ashland to Williamsburg

We rode the most number of miles today - 82 miles.  We discussed over breakfast whether or not we thought we would make it to Williamsburg even though this was the plan.  As we do with most long rides and on days with steep climbs, we set out with a plan B. Plan B today was to stop short of Williamsburg by 14 miles to stay over at a camping ground.  As practical as this was, sleeping in a campground on a wet and rainy day was not very appealing.

Today's ride was long, but relatively flat.  It rained on and off all day and we rode by many, many historical Civil War battlefields. 

Our last Hampton Inn breakfast

Although it was tempting to stop at all the battlefields we passed, this one is the only one we actually did stop at.  It was the battlefield where the most number of union solders in the shortest amount of time lost their lives in battle.

There was 56 miles to go at this point ...

A national park

I was flagged down by a lady who was looking for the bypass 275.  She was frantic because she was running out of gas.  I quickly looked on my iPhone map to give her directions.  She was rushing me because she was nervous; I hope I got it right and that she made it!

At this point, we had about 42 miles to go ...

First lunch was in Charles City at the Courthouse Grille, which was a great choice because the food was wonderful.  Steve ordered a crab cake sandwich and me the roast beef sandwich.  Shortly after finishing my sandwich I order a second lunch - grilled chicken over a salad.  We had ridden 54 miles at this point, so I was hungry!

Crab cakes good

We had been racing the rain all day.  It was behind us most of the day until now. Finally when we got to the Courthouse Grille, it roared in with a vengeance.

Bikes staying dry

As we were eating our lunch, Heather the women we ran into yesterday, strolled in.  We asked her to join us, which she did. Heather, a sweet college student interested in becoming a professor.  

We waited for the roads to drain before we left the restaurant.  It was about 4:20p with about 28 miles to go.

Di's behind

Steve's behind

Steve up front

Di up front

Steve hydrating

View from the bridge adjacent to the campground ... about 14 miles to go.

We were surprised to pass by this bike safety alert sign.  A Cross Alert sign, made in RI and owner of the company that manufactures these signs, Steve's old boss and our very own - Ken Block.

Cross Alert Sign

We made it to the Williamsburg Lodge at about 7:30pm.  It is located adjacent to the historic colonial village.  It was another long day and late arrival, however we were met with lovely accommodations.  We just loved our colonial room.  It came with a private entrance where we conveniently parked our bikes and an enormous bathroom.

The Colonial Room

Steve getting comfy.

This one's for you Michelle

Tomorrow we have a short 13 miles to ride to the coast.  It is the final leg of our journey.  A short day planned intentionally.  We thought it would be nice to relax in Williamsburg in the morning, and explore the area and the historic colonial village before heading to Yorktown.

Toni-Ann and Bruce plan to be waiting for us in Yorktown as we arrive.  Can't wait to see them - Woohoo!!!

We are getting lots of questions as to when will we be home ... we plan to stay in Virginia Beach for some R&R until Friday, then travel home late on that same day. We do not have an estimated time of arrival as of yet, but the current plan is that we will be waking up at home sometime Saturday morning.

Bonus pictures for tonight ...

Oink, Oink

Sadly he lives behind this fence