NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELELEBRATION – SATURDAY, JUNE 2

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELELEBRATION – SATURDAY, JUNE 2
PUBLIC EVENT – 10:00 AM UNTIL 2:00 PM

BikeWalk Virginia’s Northern Neck chapter and Northumberland Preservation, Inc. (NPI), owner of historic Shiloh School, invite the public to participate in a cycling and hiking celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2. Come anytime from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Hike on the trails of both Dameron Marsh and Hughlett Point nature preserves. Bicycle on the pretty, rural roads of the Ball’s Neck area. Choose between four bicycle rides of between 4 and 16 miles each. Route sheets, water, energy drinks, and ride leaders for the 16 mile ride will be provided. The other three routes are 5.5 miles or less, and are suitable for entire families to participate with children of at least 12 years of age.

You may park at Shiloh School and bicycle to the nature preserves or drive directly to them. An attendant will be stationed at each preserve to give trail directions and answer questions about each preserve. Shiloh School, a white frame, one room, neighborhood school built in 1906, will be open and docents will discuss its interesting history. The first teacher there was young Jessie Ball, later to become Mrs. Alfred I DuPont. It is located at the intersection of Shiloh School Road (Route 606) and Balls Neck Road (Route #605).

The 16 mile bike ride will have a ride leader, and will depart from Shiloh School at 10:30 AM and again at 12:30 PM. Riders should be able to ride steadily for more that an hour and maintain an average speed of 10 to 12 miles per hour over relatively flat roads with a couple of hills. The other three rides are very suitable for anyone who can ride five miles or more comfortably. All children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent, and all riders must register at Shiloh School and wear a bicycle helmet that meets normal standards for head protection. Route sheets are available for all routes.