First, most of us have worn shorts when exercising outdoors this winter. If you usually require arm-twisting to get outside from December through March, and you don't consider yourself a cyclist, try this: Choose a balmy day, of which there have been plenty so far. (Balmy is key here. FYBO--Freeze Your Butt Off--rides are popular with the bike club crowd, but they are not the way to get hooked on riding your bike.) Throw on long pants, a warm top and a wind breaker. Fur is optional.
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Winter riding outerwear
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For you Richmonders, head to
Ft. Harrison National Battlefield Park, where quiet roads and slow speed limits make you feel safe, and you can enjoy the scenery while pedaling and warming up. For Williamsburgers, of course, the Virginia Capital Trail is where you need to ride.
Chickahominy Park to
the Jamestown Settlement is about 7.5 miles. Try a one way trip and have someone pick you up at the other end. Voila, you're on your way to becoming an outdoor enthusiast.
Second, it could have been the venues, the routes, the people, the food, the music, the feed zones, the volunteers, the beer, the first-time accomplishments, or the beautiful day. But the 2011 event was splendid enough to be listed as one of Richmond's best. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, think about joining us on
Saturday, May 12 and discover why it's so great.
