Road Cycling - Norfolk to Richmond, VA ??

Hello all, Well I am currently preparing myself to ride the approximately 100 miles from Norfolk, VA to Richmond, VA and I was wondering if anyone here is from this area and has done it before? I am looking for a recomended route, or confirmation that the route I have chosen isn't a death trap with the cars.
If you know this area then you will be familiar with the roads I imagine. I was gonna take the town point ferry to Portsmouth, take High Street to route 17, then get on route 10 basicaly all the way to Richmond. When I get to Richmond that way I'll be fine. Is route 10 a biker freindly route? I will be spending close to 70 miles on it so I am curious. I also am pretty much restricted to going through Portsmouth because I have decided to do a door-to-door ride so the Hampton Roads Bridge tunnel is out of the question.
Or is there another route someone is familiar with that can be taken from Norfolk (no car rides though). Thanks to anyone who can help me.
I'll also be taking the same route back home most likely after 2 days with friends.

I can't help you on that particular route, but I lived in R'mond and drove to VA Beach regularly (and was actually born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital). Taking your route would have cost me quite a bit of extra driving, so I think you can safely assume that any traffic will not be trying to zip from one place to the other. Beyond that, I can't tell you. Why don't you drive it first and count the number of cars in the oncoming lane and do the same on the return ride. That would give you a decent indication of traffic...

Why don't you drive it first and count the number of cars in the oncoming lane and do the same on the return ride. That would give you a decent indication of traffic...

Yeah I thought about driving it, I need to drive up there next month to help some people move, but I kind of wanted to enjoy the exploration of a new road I've never been on. That may not be the wisest choice when I'm trying to do a one day ride along it, any opinions on that? (this will be my first all day 100 mile ride out of this area)

IO make it a rule to *never* ride a road I haven't driven first if the distance is more than I could call someone to come get me. I'd hate to ride 50 miles and then a particularly hairy section of road and effectively be stuck. Also, sometimes there's contruction and a road might have been torn down to the gravel. There might be a long bridge section that would be important to know about, etc. If nothing else, riding it gives me a sens of how difficult it will be so I can prepare accordingly. I think taking an unsupported 100-mile ride on an unfamiliar road is potentially dangerous... Just my $.02 :)

hi. i talked to a friend of mine yesterday that did a williamsburg to richmond ride a while ago. unfortunately, he couldn't remember the specific route, but he did offer this bit of information: you'll have to get a cab across the James River Bridge, since no bikes are allowed on the bridge. the ride he was on had to arrange in advance for an escort across, and there's no other way to cross the river.