From the Executive Director

Happy Thanksgiving trail supporters! So many good things are happening.  As you'll read below, construction of the trail continues to chug along, enhancement projects are moving forward and we're barreling into 2013 with a whole lot of momentum.  But, I have two big announcements before you move on.  First, check out our new website. We've been spending a lot of time with some smart, creative geeks who know how to build a great site.  This one will make it much easier to plan a trip to the Virginia Capital Trail and follow construction progress as it nears completion.  Soon, the map will offer historical highlights along the trail, and trail users a way to upload pictures and stories of their experiences.  As we develop podcasts, geocaching and other downloadable features, you'll have access to it all with just a couple clicks.  A great trail deserves a great website, and now we have one. The next big announcement is that earlybird registration is open for Cap2Cap 2013, the VCTF's largest fundraiser. It will be another year of unparalleled scenery, delicious food and jamming entertainment.  Everyone knows once you put an event on the calendar, you feel more motivated to exercise.  Imagine a winter where you don't gain weight--this is how it's done. You can register through the website, or download our mail-in form to save on online processing fees.  Either way, mark Saturday, May 11, 2013 on the calendar in INK. If you think your business would benefit by being a part of this hugely popular event,(2,200 riders, all with extremely large amounts of disposable income) or you'd like to volunteer, email us.  Until then, we wish everyone a great Thanksgiving week! Beth Weisbrod Executive Director VCTF

New Partnership with InLieu, LLC

With about 45 days left in 2012, things are getting exciting for trail supporters and those involved with the construction of the Virginia Capital Trail.  The 13-mile Sherwood Forest section continues to take shape east of the Charles City Courthouse.  And soon, we will announce a date for the groundbreaking for the ten mile New Market Heights phase.  By this time next year, we should have over 37 miles of paved, dedicated multi-use trail to enjoy between Eastern Henrico County and James City County.  That will be something to celebrate.  The remaining phases--Varina and Richmond Riverfront--are still on schedule for a 2014 completion.  Thank you V-DOT and Richmond City officials for working hard to get all 52 miles finished!

The VCTF also is very proud of the Richmond trailhead project nearing final approval from the City.  If you haven't been down to Great Shiplock Park along Richmond's Riverfront, then you don't know what a tremendous impact this project will have.  Great Shiplock Park is located just east of Shockoe Bottom, in a densely historic part of Richmond along the Kanahwa Canal.  The park had lost its shine over the years, becoming little more than a parking lot in a picturesque location.  The Virginia Capital Trail currently heads west from there, but will soon connect to all points east.  Thanks to generous grants from MWV, Dominion, CSX, Mr. Brenton S. Halsey, 3North and the Cabell and Mary Morton Parsons Foundations, we're going to be able to turn the park into an eye-popping destination drawing visitors to downtown Richmond, to its historic riverfront and the Virginia Capital Trail.  We anticipate a spring grand opening, and will keep you all posted as this project progresses.  (For those who have purchased personalized bricks for the Richmond end, this is where they will be!)  More to come...

Volunteers Continue to Make the Trail Great

Sharon Oakley, Jen Harman, Robert Maye, Ted Moreland, Dave Lipp, Kim Berry, Ted Hanson, Pat Groeninger, John Emory, Chan Mohney

      

 

The VCTF also is excited to announce the rollout of a trail patrol program in James City County, thanks to Ted Hanson, Chan Mohney  and an enthusiastic  group of founding members.  Ted and Chan have been working very hard combining elements of the successful W&OD and C&O Canal patrol programs.  The Virginia Capital Trail patrollers will be visible by their safety vests, and will be available to trail users for information and assistance.  We're looking forward to having this terrific group of ambassadors out and about in James City County!     

 

 

 

And a huge thank-you to Dean Dunbar, Richard Stratton and Ted Hanson for repairing a broken light at the Jamestown Trailhead.  We appreciate your taking this on and fixing it so quickly!