Cyclists from The James River Odyssey Bike tour roll through the Virginia countryside. Photo by O. T. Holen.


The cyclists take a quick stop to check the map.

By O.T. Holen  

The big, bright yellow rental truck virtually dominated the quiet, attractive residential street in Bremo on the morning of Friday, August 21. A small crowd of 16 brightly clad cyclists were clustered around the open rear of the truck as gleaming, high-tech bikes were carefully handed down.

The mood was one of slightly giddy anticipation - the weather report looked good (if a bit humid) and all was going according to plan. Tire pressure was being checked and topped off, route maps consulted, last minute tips and concerns discussed; in charge of all this mellow mayhem was Allen Turnbull - tour director of Virginia Odysseys - a bicycle touring business which, until recently was more focused on international tours but of late has been organizing rides in Virginia.

With 28 years of experience in the bike touring business Turnbull outlined this latest trip called “James River Odyssey.”

“We started this ride in Iron Gate [in Botetourt County] at the headwaters of the James River August 17th and we'll finish up in Richmond's Belle Isle Park tomorrow. It's been a great ride - for part of the trip we were on the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Turnbull describes this ride as largely exploratory, “We're scouting out this route to see how bike friendly the roads and resources are. We want also to develop a little publicity for the James River Heritage Trail Corridor.”

The group of 16 riders, including at least one rider in his 80s, left Bremo about 10 a.m. Friday [the 21st] and arrived in Richmond - 40 miles of country road later-about 5 p.m.

Persons interested in bike touring can go to virginiaodysseys.com.