Richmond Motorcycle Ride (March 8, 2014)

 Got out for a bike ride on a very fine Saturday after all the winter weather. Went for the first time to "Lumpkins Slave Jail" which is in Shockoe Bottom right behind the train station. It was a very strange place, just felt like a lot of evil had happened there. Strange that it would be that way, but from reading about it in history it was a house of horrors. Next to it is the site of the Negro Burial Field (all the bodies have been moved I read) and was also the site of the gallows. If you are interested in Civil War/US history this is a must visit area...for this was the reason why the Civil War was fought.  

I also made a quick ride by Chimborazo Hospital, which back in the day was the best military hospital in the US North or South in the Civil War. It had the best success rate (though by current standards that is not saying much) in treating wounded soldiers. All the buildings were wood and they are all gone. The building seen here was a weather station (I believe) way after the war, but does have a nice museum in it where you can see some of the medical tools (mostly saws) used back then. The bullets used then would pretty much take arms and legs off, and doctors would finish the job. 

Finally, this view of Richmond from the beer deck of Legend Brewing Company. Richmond has some great places to enjoy beer, and Legend's in one of the best with good people, great beer, and this fine view. I like to come here often and never have a bad time there. From time to time they make some new beers, and have yet to find one that was not very good. Course there are a few really good brewpubs in the RVA and in the upcoming months will share a few more of those with you.
So glad to see Spring getting ever closer and looking forward to some great times in the RVA, as well as looking forward to saying good bye to winter.