Heading there for family vacation in mid July, and flying in to Norfolk. Staying on East River up from Mobjack Bay, near Mathews and Gloucester Courthouse. Water temps that time of year? Any place one could rent a road bike?
Water should be in the 70’s. Might be too cold for locals who don’t swim regularly year round in any manner. We didn’t usually go into the water until July unless we surfed in wetsuits (Virginia Beach and Norfolk). But where you are is really in the middle of nowhere. Crab fishing country, 30 miles from civilization. At least that was the case when I was growing up there and as recent as 2003. Newport News and Williamsburg both about 45 minutes away should put you near a bike shop. Can’t refer one off the top of my head as I haven’t been there for more than a couple days in 15 years. I try to avoid going back as much as possible.
Water should be in the 70’s. Might be too cold for locals who don’t swim regularly year round in any manner. We didn’t usually go into the water until July unless we surfed in wetsuits (Virginia Beach and Norfolk). But where you are is really in the middle of nowhere. Crab fishing country, 30 miles from civilization. At least that was the case when I was growing up there and as recent as 2003. Newport News and Williamsburg both about 45 minutes away should put you near a bike shop. Can’t refer one off the top of my head as I haven’t been there for more than a couple days in 15 years. I try to avoid going back as much as possible.
Warmer than that. It’s already 80 nearby. The bay is much warmer than the open ocean at Virginia Beach.
Yep I was swimming in the bay in VB in a speedo the other day. There’s not a whole lot going on up where you’re staying, but I go up there for work plenty and have always thought it would be great riding, just endless roads with no traffic.
For a bike, your options are probably anything in Newport News, or you can try a couple of shops in Norfolk as soon as you leave the airport. My personal preference is Norfolk Bicycle Works, but I know it’s hit or miss what shops have stuff to borrow.
Yeah, water in the bay will be mid-80s for sure that time of year. Just look out for thousands of jellyfish that breed in the bay that time of year.
Yeah, water in the bay will be mid-80s for sure that time of year. Just look out for thousands of jellyfish that breed in the bay that time of year.
Seriously? Damn… and thats warm too, was hoping for a bit cooler. Thanks to all above for input.
I lived in coastal Maryland for 8 years and trust me, jellyfish are EVERYWHERE in July.
My Inlaws live in Lancaster County on the northern side of the Rappahannock river. I have seen jellyfish in the Rappahannock and it’s tributaries as early as Easter.
I’m in Annapolis and the sea nettles are already here. My kids got stung this week swimming. It’s early for them.
I will say it is a great place for cycling. Lots of empty backroads, many of the shaded. Beautiful scenery. The towns/villages are only about 10-20 miles apart and the locals are not in a hurry to do anything. Most are driving around 45mph. For a bike, you might find something on the Norfolk CL that you could buy then leave when you are finished. This site might be helpful:
https://visitmathews.com/cycling/
Here is an area cycling club: