I'm not what you would consider a hard core biker but I do enjoy biking somewhat regularly.  This past summer I decided to buy a new bike and retire the much used (and abused) bike from college.  Naturally I wanted to put my fancy new wheels to the test so I decided to bike the Colonial Parkway. 

The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile scenic three-lane highway which connects Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown. (These three are also known as the Historic Triangle.)  For this trip I opted to go towards Yorktown as I biked to Jamestown not long ago. 

It's was a bit of a long ride for me (about 15-17 miles one way) but what a ride - beautiful views and rolling hills as you follow the York River.  Aside from a bumpy ride I thoroughly enjoyed it.  (FYI:  the reason the ride is so bumpy is because the Colonial Parkway is made of a cobble aggregate pavement to replicate an early Colonial Virginia roadway).  You also share the road with cars and motorcyclists but they seemed courteous and would just go right past you.  You can ride at your own pace and it's very peaceful.   Every now and then I would pass the occasional deer and we'd have a staring contest until I passed. 

After I arrived in Yorktown I decided to break up the trip with some sightseeing and lunch.  There are some very steep streets here so beware.  They're easy to go down but tough going back up.  I stopped for a bite to eat at the Waterstreet Landing (they have an excellent seafood pizza) and then back to Williamsburg.  In total I rode about 30 to 35 miles which sounds much longer than it felt.  I'm looking forward to doing it again especially in the coming weeks as the leaves start to change their colors.  You can expect to see some beautiful vistas become spectacular ones. 

If you're not up for 30 miles in one day, try biking to Jamestown.  It's about 8 miles (one way) and just as pretty.  Thanks to wabonline (Williamsburg Area Bicyclists organization) for the above picture.  It's a picture taken on the Colonial Parkway from Jamestown. 

Next time you come for a visit to Williamsburg, remember your bike!  There are many trails and routes for any level or rider.