This was not to be a challenging trip, at least I didn't think it would be. But once I started laying out the route and talking to some folks who have biked the corridor before, it did become a bit tricky. There are two big challenges:

1. Getting around Quantico Marine Base (QMB), and
2. Trekking from Fredericksburg to Richmond.

The first, getting around QMB, was probably the most time-consuming to figure out. I'm a detailed planner. I don't just accept the route offered by RWGPS or Google Maps. So on the first pass for the day ride to Fredericksburg, it had me swinging way out west and biking about 68 miles along some busy roads and onto the QMB directly (Road MCB-1). MCB-1 is a restricted road, gated with a high fence, and Google advises you to walk your bike . . . for, like, 11.8 miles! That was not going to work.

Dragging the route to the east of I-95 didn't improve it much, and you are taken to US-1 (a horrible road to bike on) and/or through the Town of Quantico and then further south back onto the base and back-country roads that are not paved (even if you succeeded in getting access).

So my next step was to search the internet for routes that others might have taken. CGOAB had nothing (now it does!), but I did find a link that dated to 2010 with recommendations from an intrepid soul (Jon Watts) in mostly narrative format with a few thumbnail maps. And it worked! There is a short distance that requires riding on a fire road in Prince William Forest, but that looks very doable. That will put me on Scenic Drive (and I hope it is), and from there, across Joplin Road and into Quantico National Cemetery along a public road as far as Russell Road and then into an area called Midway Island (it is not an island!).

That got me through the worst of it. From there, it was only a matter of weaving through Aquia Harbour (one of those tight-knit communities with no through roads) and then Stafford to my friend's house in Fredericksburg (although she's a bit off the beaten path!).

By the way, there are similar issues with getting through Fairfax County, lots of closed communities with no through roads, often forcing cyclists onto main arterial highways. However, in recent years, many new trails have connected these communities together, and RWGPS/Google Maps will find them all and connect them together for you. The riding might be slower, but hell, you're on tour . . . take your time!

The second, Fredericksburg to Richmond, was a bit easier. RWGPS and Google Maps pretty much put you on VA-2, a fairly busy road with varying shoulders. Not good enough for me. But it didn't take me long to find more quiet, parallel country roads that I would prefer cycling on. The route is a bit longer and not as direct and still requires some riding on VA-2 and US-301 as you get closer to Richmond, but it will be more fun and more entertaining.

And the return is pretty much the above in reverse, with maybe minor tweaks here and there. Richmond to Jamestown was the easiest piece, as I will just stay on the Capital to Capital Trail.

However, at the "last moment," a friend decided to join me for the return leg from Richmond to Fredericksburg (could this be the friend who abandoned me earlier?). He will be riding in the Cap2Cap Ride, which is occurring Saturday, May 14th. When I heard this, I asked him to join me for the Sunday leg back. Since he has to work Monday, he can take VRE into Washington from the Fredericksburg Station. We will stay at his folks' place Saturday night, so the mapping shows an alternate route back (in blue) from Richmond.

Neither route is great for getting into or out of Richmond from the north. But the options are limited, and the return actually looks better as we will not be riding VA-2 or US-301.

So while I continue to push RWGPS and the Garmin devices for bike touring, use some common sense and pick a route that is enjoyable and that you're comfortable riding. Remember, it's supposed to be FUN!

Here is my final route, which links to the RWGPS site for more detailed and valuable information for anyone wishing to ride this route, including .tcx files and cue sheets.