Presidents Ride 2020 - Part 1

[jcabiles]

If you like history and riding, then this ride is for you.

Virginia is rich in history starting from our Colonial beginnings, war for independence, Civil War to present day. Did you also know that eight presidents were born in Virginia; three just East of Fredericksburg, two SE of Richmond and three in the vicinity of Charlottesville.

Below is the list of Presidents and their birthplaces grouped into two parts. Part 1 is April 18 and Part 2 is May 16.

Part 1
James Monroe 4460 James Monroe Hwy, Colonial Beach
George Washington 1732 Popes Head Rd, Colonial Beach
James Madison 17200 James Madison Pkw
John Tyler 10920 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City County
William Henry Harrison 12602 Harrison Landing Rd, Charles City County
An option for this year is to include a ride to Stratford Hall (Robert E. Lee birthplace) after George Washington. Last year the riders opted to skip the ride to Tyler and Harrison due to time constraints.

Part 2
Woodrow Wilson 20 N Coalter St, Staunton
Thomas Jefferson 2450 Richmond Rd, Charlottesville
Zachary Taylor 7350 Spotswood Trail, Barboursville

The planned routes will primarily stay off the interstates as much as possible and take scenic back roads.

Each day would be a full day of riding to include breaks and photo ops. Some of the sites are now private residences and/or only a historical marker.

A later post(s) will include mileage and a route list.

[bdimon]

Meetup link is http://meetu.ps/e/HNZjK/bDl2C/d

[jcabiles]

In light of the Governor’s Stay At Home Order, the ride will be held as planned. The order states the following is allowed “ e. Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements.”

The ride will be capped at 10 participants and will be broken up into two groups as needed to facilitate management.

[jcabiles]

Current forecast for Saturday calls for 58 degrees and possible downpours in the afternoon. This should not affect the ride but may impact the return ride home. I will continue to monitor the forecast and will make a weather decision by noon Friday.

REMINDER: For those people attending the ride, please RSVP on the BMWBMW Meet Up site. The ride will be limited to 10 people in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines.

[jcabiles]

After a review of the weekend weather, the ride is delayed to Sunday 19 April. Same time.

Please update your RSVP, as appropriate, on the Meet Up site.

[jcabiles]

Had a great ride today. Seven riders (3 K1600s, 2 R1200s, 1 R1200 GS and 1 F750 GS). Visited Monroe, Washington and Madison birthplaces. Robert E. Lee’s Stratford Hall access road was closed. Had a leisurely lunch on the lawn of Belle Grove Plantation (Madison) overlooking the Rappahannock River.