Southern Comfort

Halifax County Biking: Who Needs the Tour de France?

I find it hard to beat the bike riding in Halifax County, Va. I've ridden the New River (Va.) Trail, the beach route in Santa Monica, the Golden Gate Bridge, Portland, Ore., all the trails around Washington, D.C., routes in Florida and many others, but I think the roads here are my favorites. Of course, I can just go out my front door and ride because I bike from our bed & breakfast, Oak Grove Plantation in Cluster Springs. You can ride out the front door, too, from the county's inns.

I love the gentle terrain--a few hills to make it interesting, but not steep enough for a granny gear. Then there is the lack of traffic. Sometimes I see only a couple of cars in a half-hour. And of course the scenery is great, with farm fields, forests, cattle ranches, historic churches and rolling rivers passing by.

The people I see are friendly. I've never had trouble with a driver, though maybe it's because I don't usually wear Spandex. Sometimes I encounter dogs, but generally they just want to play. Sure it's hot in the summer--I just ride early, usually 20 to 30 miles.

Best bike rides? I enjoy gliding along River Road, which has great views of the Dan River and historic buildings. Mountain Road is great, and it's not as hilly as it sounds. The loops outside our inn are pretty neat, too--make your choices of five to 35 miles. There's mountain biking, too, in Staunton River State Park.

So come and stay with us. I'll even lead a bike ride. Or you can join an inn to inn biking package.