This bike tour is more than just a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes; it's an opportunity to confront our past, understand our present, and shape a more just and equitable future. We will have wheeled our way through 400 years of history to a modern vineyard for wine and celebrating good friends and shared connections.
What truly sets this tour apart?
We present a balanced and nuanced account of history, acknowledging the complexities and contradictions that shaped America's identity.
We encourage open dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas, fostering a sense of shared understanding and empathy.
We prioritize responsible travel practices that minimize our impact on the environment and support local communities.
We donate a % of every tour to local conservation groups like Capital Trees, VCU Rice Rivers Center, and the James River Association.
Bike is included
Our ride begins at Upper Shirley Vineyards, just outside Richmond, VA, with a tour devoted to the history of the Charles City County area and the beautiful James River, aka Yeokanta, that has rightly been called The River Where America Began*. As we pedal along the dedicated bike path - Virginia Capital Trail, we will face the inspiring and often uncomfortable truths of our history. We will bring in America’s future, introducing you to VCU’s Rice Rivers Center and their work on water quality and preserving the health of all rivers. We will bike on to Historic Westover Parish Church and grounds, built in 1730 where there is a comfort station. We pedal back to the vineyard on what was once the original grounds of Historic Shirley, American’s oldest working farm. After our tour along the trail, we will come together at Upper Shirley Vineyards to offer you the chance to connect over a glass of wine and optional riverside lunch.
You will make your own way to the meeting points