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.
April  2012
One and Done, Don't Let it Happen to You 

This time of year, I get asked for bike-buying advice from people who have signed up for their first Rocketts Landing Cap2Cap.  They usually follow their initial question with, "I'm not a cyclist, so I could probably just pick one up at Target, right?" No offense to Target, but I discourage this.   It makes short term economic sense, but I sense there's more to the issue. If you're one of these 'I don't need a decent bike' people, I have a couple questions. 

When you say you're not a cyclist, what exactly do you mean?  You don't race?  You're not a bike commuter?  You're not a trail rider?  You don't ride very often?  If you don't own a bike, that makes sense.  I think what you're really saying, though, is you don't think you will ever become a cyclist of any kind after the ride.  That you will make an attempt to be one on May 12, and mingle with those who are, but you plan to return to your non-cycling habits afterward.  Why? Are you planning to wait 52 more Saturdays to ride your bike again? What happens if you find you enjoy it? This is a real possibility, in fact, I'd say it's likely.  I'm not sure I've ever heard anyone, after they finish the Cap2Cap, say, "Wow, bike riding is as awful as I thought."  Some Sycom Century riders seem a little tired and sore, but none swear off riding, that I know of.

If you've signed up to ride in your first Cap2Cap, whether it's because friends invited you to join them, you like supporting the Virginia Capital Trail project, you're trying out a new challenge or you're sick of reading about these events and are ready to finally jump in--then you could decide you want to ride a bike a little more often than you have been. 

Go to Agee's or  BikeBeat and get something that will be ready and waiting when you decide you feel like riding.  Again and again and again...

See you at the Cap2Cap!
Beth Weisbrod


Sherwood Forest Phase --  Coming Soon! 
Va. Capital Trail in Ch City Co.




Curtis Contracting has indicated they will be breaking ground on the 13-mile Sherwood Forest phase of the Virginia Capital Trail by the end of April.  Watch your inbox for a formal groundbreaking ceremony date.  It will be time to celebrate another gorgeous Charles City County stretch of trail in the making!

Price Bump April 16!
happy group

Register by April 15!

SyCom Century:  $55 
Sands Anderson Half-Century: $50
Busch Gardens 25-Miler: $50
Youth Pricing (Under 16): $30 any distance
Eco-Discovery Park 15-Mile Fun Ride (Williamsburg Only): $25, Kids ride FREE.




Ride Updates:


Playing under the lunch tent at Rocketts Landing:
 11:30-1:30
1:30 - 3:30

Planning to stay over in Richmond?
Call Crown Plaza Richmond Downtown and mention you're with the Cap2Cap.  They have a special rate for riders.

FAQs

What do I need to bring with me on ride day?
Your bike, helmet, some energy snacks, a water bottle or camelback, a rain jacket might be a good idea, CASH for the beer truck and raffle (all tickets $5 or five for $20), cell phone in a ziplock, identification, eyes, ears and brains. 
 
What do I do with my bike after I finish my ride?
If you had a good ride, a warm caress and a thank-you might be in order.  We will have a bike lay-down area next to the lunch tent.  If you'd rather take it back to your car and lock it on your rack, that might be a good idea.  We are not responsible for bike security during the day.

If I bought a jersey, when can I pick it up?
Jersey's will be available at packet pickup on Friday evening (5-8) and again on Saturday morning before cherunnersck-in.  If y ou can not pick yours up by ride day, you'll need to come by the VCTF office to pick yours up.  We will be placing a second order, which will arrive 4-6 weeks later. 

What if I want to switch sizes after I pick mine up? 
We will have a jersey swapping area near registration.  You may trade, but unfortunately, we won't be able to make the switch for you.

Will you be selling jerseys on ride day?
Yes. We will be taking orders for more jerseys at either venue.  Cash or check only.

Where do I park?

We will have parking attendants guiding you as you get close to the starting venues.

Where can I see the routes?
They are posted on our Cap2Cap event site.

Do I still have time to get in shape?

Depends how far you've let yourself go! Julia Bardroff with F.I.T. Richmond and Michael Harlow with Endorphin Fitness can help you use the next six weeks to prepare. 

Are the roads closed?
No.  We close the first mile for the mass start.  After that, you'll be sharing the road with the cars.  We ask that you be a good sharer and observe the rules of the road.

What happens if I get a flat tire?
We have support vehicles along the routes, as well as riders who are carrying repair kits with them.  But, if you're able to fix your own flats, that's always a good thing.

What if I get thirsty?
We offer Feed Zones every 9-15 miles.  These have water, energy drinks, snacks and toilets.  Pack an extra energy bar or two in case you get hungry between Zones.  And always bring water with you on your bike.

I'd love to bring my family, but they might get bored while I'm out riding.
Let us handle that.  We still need volunteers!  We'll keep them busy and happy while you're out pedaling.  They're automatically entered into the volunteer raffle, they'll get a free lunch and a snappy t-shirt.   If you'd like to join the action as a volunteer,  Email: celineburn@yahoo.com
Williamsburg Vols

      


Who Wants to Own a Feed Zone?
Join the tremendous groups who are staffing the Feed Zones.  Currently, there are two still avaiable.  Horizon Mart in eastern Henrico County and the Charles City Courthouse.  Your group will get visiblity among the riders, and earn their undying gratitude.  Refilling coolers, and snacks, and cheering for riders as they come and go.   Perfect for any club needing community service hours, or businesses wanting visibility with 2,000 grateful bike enthusiasts.
Email: Brandy Adams at brandx75@hotmail.com
Hungry century riders at the Chickahominy Park Feed Zone
Thank You to our Feed Zone Supporters!!!!

Rocketts Landing:  SyCom Technologies
Ft. Harrison Battlefield Park:  Muscle Mechanix
Colonial Mart: F.I.T. Richmond
Horizon Mart Citgo: Looking for that right group!
Charles City Courthouse:  Looking for that right group!
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church:  TBA 
Chickahominy Riverfront Park:  Williamsburg Area Bicyclists

 


The Ride Continues to GROW
The Rocketts Landing Cap2Cap 

 

Don't let one of Richmond signature outdoor events pass you by!


Thank You to our Returning Sponsors and Welcome New Sponsors!
 Lehigh Cement (New!)
 

 

Sponsorship and volunteer positions available.
Contact:  

Support the VCTF
   

Email us at: info@virginiacapitaltrail.org   

 

Follow us on Twitter

 View our videos on YouTube

Like us on Facebook