Biking Through History

On the Road Again...

2010-03-19T23:58:00.000-04:00

Finally, we are en route back to Michigan. While we've all had a great time, we're also ready for our own beds, especially since we're so tired!

Before we began our return trip, we did manage to squeeze in another 16 miles of biking today. We drove back to Yorktown and had a blast exploring some trails that went through different battlefield areas. Site markers informed us of some interesting details about what had happened in those very spots over two hundred years ago. The riding was very different from what we'd done earlier in the week, so it was a great final ride.

Afterward, we returned to the hotel and packed up the cars, then enjoyed our final lunch with Simon and Jessica. Since then, we've been traveling, stopping only to have dinner, and to sleep a few hours before getting back on the road tomorrow.

We did, however, take time at tonight's final reflection to share our favorite memories from the week, so without further ado, here's the Biking Through History Top Ten List of Best PT Moments:
10. Angelique & Telisse's participation in Rick's story of the sisters during the Lantern Tour of Williamsburg
9. All of our successful and unsuccessful pranks
8. All the natural scenery we encountered along our rides - green grass, yellow daffodils, happy cows, giant trees, sparkling water...
7. Walking along Duke of Gloucester Street and being transported back in time
6. Getting lost - and found - in town and on rides
5. Learning about how many different idioms and words come from the colonial era, including gossip, blockhead, putting your best foot forward and flipping your wig
4. The stoplight in Surry that wouldn't change at all
3. Our delicious communal lunches, especially at La Hacienda on Thursday
2. The giant puddle on today's trail ride
1. Going downhill!

We'll be home soon!

The gazelle we gave Simon makes her first ride on the back of his bike.

This sign marks the graves of some French soldiers who fought with the Americans at Yorktown.

Angelique and Anna clean their bikes before leaving Yorktown.

The girls are ready to go.

For one of the last times, they wait patiently for the moderators.

We Are Warriors!

2010-03-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

We had an extraordinary day today! When all was said and done, we had biked a total of about 35 miles through rural Virginia, and up and down a number of serious hills. We began by riding from Jamestown to the ferry which took us across the James River toward Surry, Virginia. Almost immediately, we climbed a big hill, and rode another 14 miles to Chippokes Plantation State Park. There, we got to take a much needed break and enjoy some snacks before returning to our riding. There were more hills that awaited us on the leg that took us to a yummy Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda, where we stuffed ourselves full of fajitas, taco salads and chimichangas.

Lunch gave us a great opportunity to reflect back on how much progress we've made this week. By the time we had arrived at Chippokes, we had biked farther than we did all day Tuesday; at 1:30 this afternoon, we had already biked farther than we did all day yesterday! When someone reminded us not to get too full, because we still had riding to do after our meal, Telisse said, "Yeah, but it's only six miles." Then she laughed, admitting how she never thought she'd say such a thing about biking.

Our return trip was nice, and since returning to Williamsburg, we've been packing and preparing for our last night here. Dinner tonight is Italian, and afterward we'll have an extra special reflection to mark tomorrow's departure following a return to Yorktown to ride some of the battlefield loops.

The girls make their way to the ferry.

The girls were fascinated by the ferry ride.

Christine and Hailey lead the pack on a walk

in Chippokes Plantation State Park.

The gang enjoys a break and some snacks.

Kaitlin multi-tasks as she rests, tans AND enjoys some almonds.

Our fearless leaders, Simon and Jessica, relaxing at lunch.

Cycling on the Colonial Parkway

2010-03-17T17:39:00.001-04:00

Today saw two delightful happenings - our first serious bike ride, and our first full day of sunshine! After breakfast at the hotel, we headed off to Yorktown via the Colonial Parkway. The ride was about 13 miles, and scenic the entire route.

When we arrived at the Yorktown Visitors Center, we were eager to fuel up on some snacks before we engaged in the history that surrounded us. We did get to hear a wonderful park ranger, Linda, tell us all about the logistics and significance of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 as we walked around a small portion of the battlefield. We began to realize how the American victory there was gained through good fortune as well as good strategy, and were happy to learn about some of the characters involved. Inside, we watched a video that reinforced many of those same important lessons. Some girls may have used the 15 minute movie for a catnap, but we're not naming names...

After another delicious picnic lunch, we headed back to Williamsburg. Quickly, however, we found a diversion - a Ben & Jerry's. The ice cream revitalized us even more than the lunch did, and we powered through the return trip quickly. The girls are doing a great job biking safely, supporting each other and keeping really positive attitudes. We're so proud of them!

Today's biking left the girls pretty tired, so when we got back, we chilled out for a while. Some girls got an early start on today's journals, others pretended they were in Florida and did some suntanning (with lots of sunscreen, of course), and a few returned to the Colonial Williamsburg area for yet more shopping. We're dining in this evening, and then attending a witch trial...Hopefully, none of our own will be accused!

Some of the girls biking on the Colonial Parkway.

A cannon at the site of the Battle of Yorktown.

Christine and Hailey listen intently to Linda as she talks about the details of the battle.

The group prepares to depart from Yorktown.

Tuesday Thrills

2010-03-16T23:57:00.001-04:00

Wow! We thought yesterday was a busy day, but today was REALLY busy. We began our day with a bike ride to the world-famous Chickahominy House, where we enjoyed a fantastic Southern breakfast of pancakes, Virginia ham and biscuits. After filling our stomachs, we journeyed to Jamestown, where we explored the Jamestown Settlement Museum. The exhibit space included some installations about the cultures that inhabited what is now Virginia in the early seventeenth century as well as about famous settlers and residents. Outdoors, we got to see what the early Powhatan villages looked like and how the Native Americans lived in their communities. We also got to see how the British arrived on cramped cargo ships and how the fort they created compared the villages already established here.

When we were done with our tour, we had a delicious picnic lunch on the grounds. Then we visited the Glass House, where we got to see candlestick holders being made right in front of us, before we continued on our bike ride through the Jamestown loop. Five miles later, we packed up our vans and rode back to Williamsburg. Girls walked or biked to Colonial Williamsburg to revisit some of their favorite sites or see what they missed yesterday.

Following dinner, we got to see even more of Williamsburg when we went on a lantern tour through the area. Our guide, Rick, shared entertaining and informative stories about local history and beloved legends. Everyone loved his ghost stories and sense of humor - we shared our favorites during reflection.

Tomorrow, on to Yorktown!

Kelsey, Kaitlin and Angelique warm themselves with hot chocolate after our morning ride.

The girls learn about how Powhatan boats were created and used.

Paige tries her hand at creating a panel used for wattle and daub construction, just like the Jamestown settlers used.

The artists at the Glass House demonstrate their craft.

Clare shares her story of our first harrowing injury.
Her bike has a new wheel already.

A Busy Monday

2010-03-15T18:27:00.002-04:00

The girls enjoyed a history-filled day in Colonial Williamsburg. We began with a guided tour of different parts of the area, visiting the ammunitions Magazine, Bruton Parish, the Wythe House and out-buildings, the Cooper, the Wigmaker, the kitchen of the Governor's Palace and the Capitol building. Afterward, we spent the afternoon exploring independently and checking out the sites that weren't part of our morning tour, including the Apothecary, the Public Gaol (the jailhouse), and the recently restored R. Charlton's Coffeehouse. Somewhere in there, we managed to eat and shop for souvenirs too.

When we returned, Simon and Jessica helped get us fitted for our bikes and we took some short practice rides to get ready for tomorrow's ride to Jamestown. We also spent some time journaling about the day. We're headed back to Colonial Williamsburg this evening for dinner at the King's Arms Tavern. No one should have any trouble sleeping tonight!

Above, Angelique and Telisse model proper use of the "necessary" at the Wythe house.

Anna got to play the role of a very influential statesman in the Virginia House of Burgesses who supported revolt against England in a reenactment at the Capitol.

Kameron, Ms. Hehs and Alexa tried on some old-fashioned hats at an outdoor shop on Duke of Gloucester Street.

Diana gets fitted for her bike.

Safe and Sound

2010-03-14T22:29:00.000-04:00

After a long but fun drive, we finally arrived in Williamsburg around 8:00 this evening. The weather was dreary, and we did hit a little bit of traffic that slowed us down, but spirits in the cars remained high. Girls who weren't sleeping - and there were quite a few of those - were chatting, playing games and singing loudly at the top of their lungs. We've checked in, had dinner, reflected on our journey and are now winding down so we're ready for tomorrow's adventures. We'll visit Colonial Williamsburg for a guided tour, explore on our own, and get fitted for our bikes. Wish us luck!

Bike Trip Departure Imminent

2010-03-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

Friends -
On Sunday morning, we are meeting at 7:00 am to begin our great adventure in Colonial Williamsburg. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour, meaning (in the words of Kaitlin), "we're really meeting at 6:00 am."

Please remember to pack wisely. The two SUVs which we are driving will be tightly packed, not only with our luggage, but with us! Remember to pack in a duffel (or soft-sided piece of luggage). Less is definitely better! The long-range weather forecast indicates upper 60s, sun and no rain.

Parents, please plan to remain in the parking lot which we load the vehicles. If we are over-loaded, we're leaving "things" behind, not people!

As a reminder, no tablets should be traveling to Virginia. We will have ours in order to update this blog.

See you Sunday!
Ms. Hand and Ms. Hehs