Friends and family accompany Bobby Wrenn (3rd from left) on his birthday century ride.
Just before 5:30 am on June 19th, Bobby Wrenn left the Jamestown Trailhead to complete a 100+ mile ride on the Capital Trail to celebrate his 92nd birthday! While most people want to spend their birthday relaxing, Bobby has a different goal. What started as a fun way to celebrate his 70th birthday has turned into an annual tradition. Bobby has completed a 100-mile birthday ride every year for the last 23 years!
Bobby stops for a lunch break at Cul’s Courthouse Grille.
23rd century ride on the capital trail
For the last few years, Bobby has been completing his annual birthday rides on the Virginia Capital Trail. This year was no different. Accompanied by friends and family, Bobby started out from the Charles City Courthouse for a 60-mile ride to Richmond and back. After a quick stop for lunch at Cul’s Courthouse Grille, Bobby hit the Trail again to complete the remaining 40 miles to Jamestown and back. This year’s trip also included an overnight stay at the Nance-Major House Bed and Breakfast. Overall, the ride took about 10 hours to complete.
“The bed and breakfast was in the perfect location,” Bobby said. “It is only a few feet from the trail and has a restaurant right next door. It really helped not having to drive back home after the ride.”
Bobby with his son, Bob, and granddaughter, Ashley.
Bobby credits his friends and family for being a great support system. Bob, his son, faithfully drives the Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle every year carrying an extra bicycle, assorted cookies, bananas, Gatorade, and other supplies. When asked what his favorite cycling snack is, Bobby laughs and says, “Animal crackers. They’re quick and easy.”
Bobby is seldom alone on his rides. Jeff Robinson, Bobby’s good friend and cycling companion, often accompanies him. His grand-daughter (Ashley), her husband, and other friends and family have also joined in. Some ride the entire length while others join in for shorter distances.
cycling all over the world
Bobby started cycling in 1979 after receiving a gift for serving as President of the Ruritan National, a service club whose focus is to achieve "Fellowship, Goodwill and Community Service”. Bobby used the money he received to purchase a bike and thus began a love of cycling that has taken him all over the world. Some of his most memorable trips were cycling in Italy, France, Holland, and Ireland. He enjoys meeting cyclists from all over the world and still keeps in touch with some of them. One of the riders who lives in Annapolis, MD, drove down for Bobby’s birthday.
“I’ve met and ridden with a lot of different people through the years. It’s been a really good time.”
Ann Wrenn (Bobby’s bride) with Bobby after his century ride.
riding the virginia capital trail
Bobby remembers watching the Virginia Capital Trail being built and recalls how exciting it was to discover new sections as they were completed.
“I am so glad it is there and people are keeping it up. It is a beautiful route. I remember when it was being built. Each time a new section was paved I would get on my bike and ride it. I had to check it out.”
While Bobby has ridden countless rides on the Capital Trail, one of his best memories is accompanying his bride, Ann, as she walked the entire length of the Capital Trail. Ann set a goal to complete all 103.4 miles by foot walking from Jamestown to Richmond and back. She finished the endeavor over several months while Bobby rode alongside.
Bobby organized the “Great Peanut Tour” for 33 years.
The Great Peanut Bicycle Tour
Bobby has been an inspiration to the biking community in southside VA for many many years. One of the things that Bobby is most proud of is the annual “Great Peanut Tour” bicycle ride, an annual event that started in 1980 and ran for 33 years. During its tenure, the tour welcomed as many as 1,600 riders from 22 states to participate in the four-day cycling event. The tour, which featured seven routes ranging from 13-100 miles, was known far and wide for its color coded routes and unique water stops. Riders could refuel on cucumbers, tomato sandwiches, watermelon, pickles, and other unique treats. Participants also enjoyed camping at Cattail Creek Campground, a marshmallow roast, and live music that featured a bagpiper and harpist from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for several years, and a violinist.
“There were 200 or so volunteers who came back each year to help put on the tour. We were a family and so many people enjoyed it. I met some really nice people.”
encouragement FOR OTHERS
Bobby is eagerly awaiting next year’s birthday ride on June 19th, 2024, and has already started training.
“It’s important to keep training,” Bobby laughs, “Each year the ride seems further than it used to be.”
A 100-mile ride in any kind of weather, especially one in mid-June, might seem like an unrealistic goal. However, Bobby wants everyone to know that a century is just a distance and to not get caught up on the three digit number.
“I want to encourage people to try it. You can go further than you think you can, you just have to build up to it. When you break it down, anyone can do it.”
- Bobby Wrenn
Bobby enjoys a special birthday cake recipe that has been passed down for four generations.
