Gwynns Island, Virginia Ride

In Wordsworth’s poem “The World is Too Much With Us” he describes a world in which “we are out of tune” with nature and that “it moves us not.” As I drive the roads and see hand-made cardboard signs declaring “Viruses Don’t Exist” and “Dethrone Northam,” I feel that I live in a polarized and politicized community where emotion and self-service often come before kindness and community—a place where the world is too much with me. Sometimes I need to turn off the news and ignore the propaganda so I can return to the things I cherish.

Sometimes biking should not be about the distance. Or the speed. Or training. It should be about how cycling can be restorative. This is why we bike Gwynns Island and this is where we fell in love with cycling. 

Gwynns Island, in total about six square miles, is located at the tip of Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and juts into the Chesapeake Bay, and every view at any time of the day is gorgeous. From the stretch along the water to the churches to quaint cottages and homes, there is nothing like an early morning ride here on a summer’s day. The ride appeals to all of the senses as the smells and sounds change with every bend in the road. Each of the different “spurs” off the main road provides a different look at the bay and the surrounding land.  Out of the way for most people? Yes.  Worth it? Absolutely. 

The 411 on the Ride: 

Date: July 1, 2020 

Distance: 10.4 miles 

Elevation gain: 7 feet 

Time: 45 - 60 minutes

Circuit: Out-and-back (no loops)

Parking: Hole in the Wall (restaurant and public boat landing) 

384 Old Ferry Rd, Grimstead, VA 23064 

Extensions:  The ride can be extended by riding additional spurs, as well as crossing the bridge to explore other parts of Mathews County.

      

There are no bike lanes on the island, but the speed limits tend to be low and the locals are very patient. The cycling is pretty much as flat as can be. The first stretch can have a bit of a breeze, but the rest of it the ride is largely protected from strong winds by trees. Our ride started as soon as we got off the bridge and onto the island. In addition to the main road, we took three side roads: Route 740 took us to the Gwynns Island Campground, Route 638 took us down Gum Thicket Lane, and Route 664 took us down to Cherry Point. As you can see, there are additional spurs you can bike to add some distance (North Bay Haven, South Bay Haven, and Gwynnsville Road). However, because each spur dead-ends, this is out-and-back ride is better for the cyclist who wants scenery, and less for the cyclist who is training for time trials.  Regardless of your skill level, you may find you want to make a second trip with a camera to capture your memories of the ride--from sunsets to wildlife to the foliage.