Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310032
SECTION: TRAVEL PAGE: G-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Who to contact: Bike Virginia, P.O. Box 203, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-0203, (804) 229-0507.
The organization always sets up special discount fees for Bike Virginia participants at area hotels and motels, but cyclists must arrange to get themselves and their luggage to and from off-site lodging. Camping at "Tent City" is free to paid participants. Cyclists are limited to two bags, neither to exceed 35 pounds. No footlockers allowed, and if you're camping, your tent and sleeping bag must fit in your luggage. No camp cooking equipment is allowed. It's a good idea to wrap all clothing in plastic bags inside the luggage in case your bags have to sit in the rain.
Most participants drive to the endpoint of the cycling trip and park their cars at the designated Bike Virginia site for the week. Bicycles are boxed (you'll need a pedal wrench to remove your pedals and a wrench for your handlebars to ease the boxing procedure) and shipped by semitrailer to the First-Night location. Participants ride large air-conditioned tour buses to the start point. Then during the tour, they ride their bikes back to their cars.
All participants must wear a helmet at all times while pedaling. You should be able to carry on your bike: spare tube, patch kit, pump and lubricant; two water bottles; rearview mirror; lock and cable; small first-aid kit; wallet; camera and film. Good rain gear should also have a stowaway spot on your bike.
by CNB