Of my four journals to date, this is my first . . . for lack of a better word . . . reflection . . . on my experiences. Eventually I will do one for each journal. Simultaneously, I am also learning some basic HTML coding, so a short page is the best place to start.

1. Riding Solo: When I was younger, I took several solo tours and was able to handle the solitude with ease. As I've aged, I find that more difficult, either because I have more experience (and less wonderment) or my personality has changed and seeks out more interaction. For this trip, I always had close human interaction at the end of the day, but for a longer trip, it's something to consider before heading out.
2. Trust Google Maps: At least 90% of the time. But if you trust, you also must verify. If you've read my other blogs, you will know why. Google Maps will send you down seriously unimproved roads! In this case, however, it repeatedly wanted to route me around the Quantico National Cemetery. And after having ridden through it, maybe with good reason.
3. Quantico National Cemetery: OK, so they want to restrict "bicycling." What if that is my only mode of transportation? What if I'm a traveling tourist looking to visit a specific grave site? Their rules are appropriate (maybe) for commuters and club rides, but for the casual tourist, like any tourist, walking or driving, access should be permitted. One shoe does not fit all feet!
4. Virginia Capital Trail: What a great . . . no, I mean GREAT, asset. Only minor comments, really:
   • The trailhead in Richmond needs better signage. Granted, after one or two visits, the locals will have no problem finding it. But that is true for any signage program. Signs are more (most) important to the occasional or pass-through user. This is a great connecting route for tourists traveling up or down the east coast. Let's help them find the way!
   • Oh, and while at it, take care of that nasty door through the flood wall. Fixing the "latches" to prevent a snag condition is a basic safety issue that was unfortunately overlooked.
   • I recognize that for most cyclists, the climb out of the James River valley will be strenuous, but I still think they have over-signed for "Hills" on this stretch of trail. I also think the sign they have used, apparently adopted from the MUTCD sign for trucks used to indicate a steep downgrade, is being misused to indicate grades in either direction, no matter how slight. The MUTCD is not infallible, and common sense needs to prevail. In this case, the MUTCD does not provide guidance for the use of this sign. My suggestion: Make an upgrade and downgrade sign for bicycles and post only where the grade meets or exceeds 3% or 4%.
   • The route "detour" along Kinvan Road needs to be signed better. A "Bike Route" sign (a D11-1 in MUTCD parlance) is required, along with a directional arrow, as shown below.

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     OK, here is the arrow sign:

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   • Mileage indicators along the route are great, but they are unidirectional (i.e., only measured from the Jamestown trailhead). Mileage from (and hence to) each trailhead would be a nice touch.
   • Being in basically "nowhere," the Jamestown trailhead is relatively easy to find. But arriving there at the end of the day is sort of a non-starter since you will need to "bike on" to lodging and food in Williamsburg (and the reverse is true as well). That is, if this is a one-day trip. Bifurcating the trail to the "other" capital and a second trailhead makes sense. It would be easy to provide signage along Monticello Avenue (Route 5000), which has good bicycle facilities, or along John Tyler Highway (Route 5), probably the more historic alignment. But the latter is probably as bad as Jamestown Road from a riding comfort perspective (I speculate here, having not ridden it).
5. Fairfax County Trail System: Obviously more paving is required! And better trail maintenance. Although I can live with the latter. I tried to discern in advance which trail sections were paved and which were not, but it wasn't easy. That said, none of them were impassable, at least not the sections I rode. Some walking required, however!

For my next trip, I am planning to make better use of OpenStreetMap (OSM), which is an option for routing when using RWGPS. The problem with OSM is understanding the legend. So much information. More on that later!