Virginia's First Statewide Bicycling Map Helps Visitors Gear Up for Adventure

People who love to bicycle as part of their vacation getaway now have an excellent, new trip-planning resource in Virginia. The Commonwealth has released its first statewide bicycling map. Bicycling in Virginia, a full-color map geared to both avid and leisure cyclists, includes a statewide map of bicycle trails, regional insets and a guide for riding safely and legally in Virginia.

Richmond, VA (PRWeb) December 1, 2006 -- People who love to bicycle as part of their vacation getaway now have an excellent, new trip-planning resource in Virginia. The Commonwealth has released its first statewide bicycling map. Bicycling in Virginia, a full-color map geared to both avid and leisure cyclists, includes a statewide map of bicycle trails, regional insets and a guide for riding safely and legally in Virginia.

"One of the best ways to get out and enjoy the beauty of Virginia is by bicycle," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "The new bicycle map is a perfect guide to the hundreds of miles of trails that can be enjoyed by families, couples, groups of friends or bicycling clubs."

Virginia is home to some of America's most popular bicycle trails that attract visitors from around the world. The Commonwealth contains 838 miles of the U.S. Bicycle Route system, the most miles in any state, and is the only state with both U.S. Bicycle Routes (Routes 1 and 76) running through it. Trails can be found nearly everywhere in the Commonwealth, weaving through green spaces in the midst of urban settings, to pastoral woodland routes and winding mountainside trails.

Seven featured trails or trail systems are highlighted in the map's regional insets. These include the Virginia Capital Trail, linking Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond; the Virginia Creeper Trail, one of Virginia's most popular, running from White Top Mountain to Abingdon; the Tobacco Heritage Trail, connecting South Hill and Brodnax in Southern Virginia; U.S. Bicycle Route 76 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, running along the mountain range south of Waynesboro; the Heart of Appalachia Bike Route, a picturesque Southwest Virginia trail between Coeburn and Burkes Garden; the New River Trail, a riverside route connecting Galax, Fries and Pulaski; and the Northern Virginia Trail Network, highlighted by the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park.

Each inset contains a thorough narrative describing trail highlights, notable features and things to see and do along the way. A handy elevation guide for each of the seven featured trails gives riders a chance to determine what to expect before starting out.
Many miles of Virginia's bicycle trails are laid out on the abandoned beds of old railroad lines, providing grades manageable for most bikers. The Virginia Creeper Trail is the best-known of these while others include the New River Trail, the Tobacco Heritage Trail and portions of the Northern Virginia Trail Network.

More information can be found at Virginia.org/bikemap (http://www.Virginia.org/bikemap). The Web site contains information on special events, lodging, dining, attractions and things to do as well as up-to-date weather forecasts for each locality. Special sections on climate, mountain biking and Virginia's Birding and Wildlife Trail are perfect aids in planning a bicycle-trip itinerary.

Bicycling in Virginia is available at all Virginia Welcome Centers and at local visitor centers. Travelers can also obtain the map and a Virginia Travel Guide by visiting Virginia.org (http://www.Virginia.org) or by calling 1-800-932-5827.