Motorcycle Route Author
By Guest (0 McR Points)
on Apr 14, 1998
Rider Reviews
Written Directions
An online interactive map to Richmond Virginia is available through MapQuest and will help you locate the starting point (or general vicinity) of this scenic drive. Look for the star in the middle of the map. The directions to and through this route are pretty straight forward: We recommend starting the route in Richmond VA. - Simply take state road 5 (also New Market Road) out of the southeast corner of RichmondA very easy way to find this road is by taking I-295 to exit 22From there you can either head into Richmond if you want to checkout some of that city's stuff or take this road southeast towards Charles City and on to Williamsburg. - During the course of the route the road changes names to the John Tyler Memorial HighwayEventually you will get off of Rte. 5 and on to Rte 614 (going south) to make your way to JamestownThere are different routes to get to Jamestown so your best bet would be to watch for the signs leading you to Jamestown. - After you leave Jamestown look for the signs directing you to the Colonial National Historical Parkway heading north to WilliamsburgWilliamsburg has a lot to offer so plan on spending some time there. - From here you will just continue on to Yorktown on the Colonial Parkway ... enjoy the ride!Scenery
If you enjoy seeing and experiencing American History, this route is unbeatable. You could spend a week's vacation taking all of it in.The route follows along the James River and through it's green lush valley. The area is loaded with thick woods and huge trees. You'll get to see both large and powerful James and York Rivers. The area is most beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.Drive Enjoyment
The roads along this route are nicely kept up and can have some nice turns to them. However, they can be crowded at times, depending on the level of activity at some of the tourist attractions.Tourism Opportunities
The off-bike-amenities on this route specialize in historical sites and attractions. I've described the highlights of the route as you travel from Richmond to Yorktown:The city of Richmond is loaded with history due to its one time status as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Today, the city has an interesting mix of old and new buildings and plenty of off-bike amenities to take advantage of. If your into museums, check out the following Richmond museums: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of the Confederacy, and the Edger Allan Poe Museum.
The highlights of this route are the plantations. Checkout the official James River Plantation website for more information.
If you don't mind driving on a dirt road, you can see the Shirley Plantation by taking the Shirley Plantation Road. It starts out paved but ends up as a dirt road. This historical plantation was established ONLY 6 YEARS AFTER the first permanent English Colony (approx 1607).
The next plantation along the route is birthplace of President William Henry Harrison and is known as Berkeley.
The next plantation is called Westover and is a classic Georgian-style home constructed by the founder of the city of Richmond, William Byrd II. The grounds and garden are open year round, yet the home is only open during what they call Garden Week (in April, call (804) 829-2882 for details).
The Evelynton plantation is full of history, as it was the home of the son of the man who fired the first shot of the civil war (Edmund Ruffin Sr.) and was the site of some civil war battles. Late into the war, Union soldiers, out for revenge, burned the original home down to the ground. The family built a Georgian Revival mansion in its place.
The Sherwood Forest plantation was the home of the first vice president to become president - John Tyler. The homes grounds cover 25 acres of lawns and gardens.
A must stop if your into history or tourist activities is the Jamestown Island. On it is a major historical and tourism center due to its history as the location of the first English settlement in America.
The city of Williamsburg is a major tourist center in this area. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg will get to walk the streets of an outstanding recreation of an 18th century capital of Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg is the country's largest living museum. Also, Williamsburg is the home of one of the nationally famous Busch Gardens. The last stop on this tour is Yorktown. This was the site of one of the most crucial battles in the entire Revolutionary War. Here George Washington forced the surrender of a major British Army and guaranteed America's overall victory. You will find many historical attractions in this area.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Virginia Historical Society -
Guest
February 15, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Rt 5 is indeed gorgeous and not difficult. The plantations are accessable and the owners are amenable to visitors. Stop by Malvern Hill and see the site of the infamous 7 Days Battle. The cannons are set up and there is a nice audio/visual presentation. Dont forget the Osbourne Pike area, too. If you are a War of Northern Agression buff, this is a cant miss route. (Lincoln was mentally ill, you know)
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Guest
October 12, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
They have recently repaved large sections of this road making it even more enjoyable. Fall colors make it awesome mid to late October. Patrolled regularly by state patrol so keep the throttle in check. There are some great sweepers.
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Guest
January 3, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This route is a wonderful ride... no matter what time of the year it is (as long as there isn't any Ice). Departing Virginia Beach, we'll normally head north up Rt 10 to just south of Hopewell, cut across Rt 156 over to Rt 5 and then south back towards Hampton Roads area. Plently of sweepers on both sides of the river and the country side is pleasant to the eyes. Best done during the day... the deer come out to play at night... and that could be hazardous.
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