Tappahannock 200km Brevet - January 9, 2010
The Tappahannock 200K is a mellow ride to balance the challenging Paul’s Paradise ride that was held in December. Starting from the historic town of Ashland, VA, (The Center of the Universe) the ride heads east toward river country. Leaving Ashland, the first few miles pass through signs of modern times: gas stations, truck stops and fast food joints. When the route turns at the antique store Two Frogs on a Bike the surroundings seem to go back to the time of quiet roads and rural atmosphere. The rolling terrain levels out as the route approaches the Rappahannock River and the town of Tappahannock. After the control and lunch at Java Jack, the route leaves Tappahannock and the rolling hills continue with an occasional short, steep climb. Ten miles before the final control there is a five mile stretch of easily traveled, unpaved road that meanders around the congestion of modern Ashland to the finish.