The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to oversee completion, enhancement and promotion of the Virginia Capital Trail into a world-class amenity.
Click here to make your secure on-line donation. |
From the Executive Director
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New Zealanders heading east, en route to Yorktown on the Trans America Bike Route
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So Cool!
I feel like I know them. Riders from Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Germany, Scotland, England, New Zealand, Wyoming, Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts, Oregon and more. They're riding across America, some from east to west, others nearing the end of a west to east odyssey. Some describe complete exhaustion, others exhilaration. All are grateful for the rest and the hospitality. Where did I meet these people? From the guest book of the Willis United Methodist Church in Varina.
For many years, the church has been offering their 'hut' to passing cyclists, asking only that they sign the guest book. Who knew that all these riders were already using Rt. 5, our local link in the Trans-America bike route, which is a network of trails starting in Yorktown and working its way to Astoria, Oregon? Many Trans-America cyclists have found this small church in Varina, and happily accept their invitation to stay and rest their legs.
The first page of the guest book has a hand-written note to them: Welcome to our church. Make yourself at home and know that we are praying for you! In response, the entries read: "...we can only hope to encounter others as kind and generous as you over the course of our journey." "I love your people. I love your country." "Your kindness and hospitality is the best kind of fuel cyclists like us can get." And my favorite: "A kind deed in a weary world is worth far more than money." The binder is full of notes from grateful tourists who either have months left to ride, or just one more day to reach Yorktown. The spirit of adventure is well documented in each rider's gratitude and encouragement to others.
Randy Welch, the Varina resident who mailed me a copy of the guest book, is excited that the Virginia Capital Trail will bring even more people through Varina. I'm excited to know some of them will be lucky enough to stop at 'the hut', and meet the wonderful people of Willis United Methodist Church. Thanks for sharing, Randy!
Beth Weisbrod
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Economic Development
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Trail users' bikes parked in front of the Courthouse Grille
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We received a lot of great comments from our news about the economic development success of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Here are two:
My husband and I live in Richmond but we own two rental properties in Confluence, PA, a small town along the GAP bike trail. We can attest to the growth in our rental business year over year. We are completely booked every summer with families and groups who bike sections of the GAP trail. The trail (and nearby river) supports the small town in the summer months. We just biked a section of the GAP last weekend and can't wait for the VA Cap trail to be completed! Thanks for the work you are doing! --Sarah and Jeff Virgin I have just spent (a vacation) in Chattanooga,TN. Their river trail is incredible. I am so impressed with the scope, beauty, and usage by everyone from kids to bikers and even walkers. They have small parks and places to stop along the way. It runs through the city by the river. They are still adding to it. WOW. Some of it even runs through industrial property, which is very cool, and doesn't take anything thing away from their property. --Charlotte Davenport |
It's Already Happening in James City County
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Trail users in Colonial Williamsburg
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Our 2010 trail user survey uncovered the following statistic: Of the non-residents using the James City County portion of the Virginia Capital Trail, 69% were "definitely influenced" by it in their decision to visit the area. This supports what we've been predicting--the Trail is a tourism destination, and when it's done, its draw will be huge. We recently conducted the 2011 survey, and based on the increase in people who took it, we should be able to report more great things.
Thank you to all the 2011 volunteers who manned three survey locations for two (HOT!) days. And to the over 300 trail users who participated. This is the second year of our survey, and the information we gather lets us know the impact the trail is having in our area--where people come from, where they stay, how much money they spend while they're here, among other important data.
Ted Hanson**, Ted Moreland**, Michael Luchs** and Jen Harman** worked tirelessly to organize and execute the survey. Here are the rest of the stars:
Clive Van Orden**, Jim & Marguerite McEver, Carloyn & Dean Dunbar, Mary Osborn, Roger Cross, Lisa Beavers**, Franz Eggar**, Jean Petkovsky**, Richard Reeves**, Elaine Lewis, Neal Robinson, Sue Moreland, Chuck Redding, Bonnie Haufe, Craig Metcalfe, Susan Currey
(**multiple shifts)
Most of these people are with the Williamsburg Area Bicylcists , who have been loyal supporters of this Trail and the VCTF since the beginning. Their contributions of time, effort and enthusiasm have been key to the success of all our projects in James City County. Thank you Nancy Carter and all the members of your supportive club.
Once the surveys are counted and the information processed, we will make the results available on our website. We're excited to show everyone the great things happening in James City County because of this very popular amenity.
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Speaking of Runners and Walkers...
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Who says the Virginia Capital Trail is just a bike trail? In a very generous move to increase support from the running community, the Richmond Road Runners is offering up a matching grant of $8,000 on any donations and pledges we receive before the end of September. So, for any of you runners, walkers, skippers and crawlers who are excited to use the Virginia Capital Trail, now is the time to show your support! Click here to donate online, or send your contributions to: VCTF PO Box 17966 Richmond, Va. 23226 Thank you Sean Cusack, Mark Guzzi and the entire Richmond Road Runners Club !! |
Upcoming Events
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The Anthem Moonlight Ride is just around the corner on August 13. Make sure to be a part of this very fun cycling event; whether you volunteer or ride you will have a great time. Riders, beat the price hike on August 1!
Click here!
The Colonial 200 Relay Race
Check out this new event, coming on October 7-8. They're looking for volunteers and participants. If you decide to volunteer, tell them the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation sent you and you can earn $200 for the VCTF.
Click here!
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