The YMCA Bike Barn, located on Doyle Street, offers FREE BIKES to ride.
Conveniently set at the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, the barn offers the “borrow a bike” program, providing bikes, helmets, and directions all free of charge. Each bike is maintained by an on-site mechanic, who also can assist in assuring the helmet fits correctly for each rider’s safety.
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, the Bike Barn makes biking an accessible activity for families living in the area or for visitors passing through. Not only are there plenty of bikes to choose from, there is also a Little Free Library kiosk (“take a book, leave a book” program) at the trailhead.
Once situated on a bike, take the Dick and Willie Trail, a beautiful excursion into nature, hidden within the city of Martinsville. It’s paved, clearly marked, and has level and slightly graded portions on which to coast or climb.
One part of the trail exits to Uptown Martinsville, where dining, shopping and pinball await. Another section of the trail called “Silver Bells” is a challenging route for more skilled and careful riding, with sharp curves and steep inclines. This out and back piece is fast and features a long wooden bridge to roll along.
The YMCA Bike Barn is open a few days a week and on weekends for select hours. To really explore and to account for varying riding abilities, allot around two hours for this carefree outing. Bring a water bottle, a banana, a camera, and a lightweight back pack to carry them in. Also, bring a book for the Little Free Library and take a new one home.
(Heed STOP signs where the trail sometimes crosses roads).
Address: YMCA Bike Barn/ 220 Doyle Street/ Martinsville, Virginia 24112. Check with the YMCA for updates.
Email questions/suggestions to Stella Lane at stellatripsfordays@outlook.com.