Richmond Alternate?

[Jake Northrup]

I will be doing the TransAM route this May.  Any recomendations on if the Richmond Alternate in VA is worth considering?  My thought is I've never been there and it might be neat to ride through.  I also saw on the map set there is a hostel located in the city.

[John Nelson]

What’s not to like? It’s 5 miles shorter than the regular route, and passes more historical sites. It also uses 16 miles of the capital trail. The regular route around Richmond is nothing special and you won’t miss anything.

If the alternate had been available when I did the TransAm, I certainly would have taken it.

[Jake Northrup]

Thanks John.  That's what I need to hear.  I plan to take it then!

[CMajernik]

FYI, the Richmond Hostel is closed. Please see this online page before you leave on your trip to have the most current information. We update these pages as we receive new service entries of additions and closures. Also check on the other map sections you'll be using.

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/map-updates-and-corrections/?routeAddendaaction=mucDisplay:main.results&id=746&mRoute=6&mSection=46#mucResults

[Jake Northrup]

That you for that information CMajernik! That would have been where I planned to stay.  Great to know.

[canalligators]

I thought the eastern part of the main trail was suburban - unexceptional and had some unpleasant roads.  But Ashland and westward was a nice ride.

[Jake Northrup]

Thanks for that information. I’ve been waffling a little on taking the alternate or not but I think I will take the alternate and look for some stealth camping east of Richmond. 

[John Nelson]

Unless looking for a motel, I generally avoid overnighting in a big city. You can pretty feasibly ride from Willis United Methodist Church in Glendale to the Mineral Fire Department in one day.

[Jake Northrup]

Thank you John.  I was actually thinking of just finding a place to stealth camp around Varina but I like your Willis United Methodist Church suggestion much more.  I still want to go through Richmond though!  Thanks again!