Saturday Ride into History (March 8, 2014)

 Beautiful RVA day, 60 degrees (thereabout) and sunny after last weeks snow; and was funny riding with just a bit of snow still around (surviving in the shady areas) but a great day to ride. Got out a bit before noon, and headed out to downtown Richmond, here seen on Grove Ave. Love those old houses and just felt real good to get out (also happy the bike started with no problems) and get some breeze between my knees. Did not have to dress heavy...long pants, a hoodie under my jean jacket and gloves. Of course, being Richmond (or anyplace for that matter...a helmet as well.

Made my first visit to a spot on the Slave Trail, this one in Shockoe Bottom and one of the most famous (though not in a good way) sites here...The Lumpkin Slave Jail. Read that the jail was used to keep runaway and "spare" slaves to be sold in the slave markets in Charleston, SC and New Orleans, LA. It was a place of horror and in fact got the nickname "The Devil's Half Acre". Made a big impression on me, as I have always been very interested in the war, but this was coming face to face with the primary cause of it. Also near by was a Negro Cemetary and the site of the gallows Richmond used. It was a hallowing visit.   

 Made a stop (along with some other bikers) to Alamo BBQ....a favorite place of mine to eat in Church Hill, and there was quite a crowd there today. Of course I had some of their excellent BBQ and a drink called "The Arnold Palmer". That is made of sweet tea and lime aide, and it was very, very good. I rode some in Church Hill and then went to Manchester and made a stop at Legend Brewing Company. Not a huge ride but sure had a great time, seeing some neat things (many for the first time) and some favorite old places. Richmond is a great city to explore and there are many cool things to see here.     

While out (and this is at Legend's) went by Scoot Richmond (scooters, but also some cool bikes) and nearby saw this R1200GS. This bike is BMW's best seller, and a great bike for those around the world trips. It is great I am told on highways or a dirt road.
Sure was good to get out and enjoy another taste of Spring. Get even more of that this week, Tuesday supposed to be in the 70's. I am looking forward to getting out for some of that during the week ahead. As always enjoy your ride, and ride safe!