The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a nonprofit 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 online donation.
February 2014

 

In a couple weeks I'm heading to DC for the League of American Bicyclists' 2014 Summit, going a day early to attend the National Women's Bicycling Forum. Did you know that women are a city's bellwether when it comes to grading bike and pedestrian friendliness? As a rule we're more reluctant to embrace a bike for commuting and errand running, so if we're out in large numbers, it's because the region is nailing it. If we're not, studies indicate, it's because we're worried about safety. 
 
I get this. Last summer I committed to riding my bike to work twice a week. Two other VCTF staffers are habitual bike commuters, so I wanted to step it up. I have a short, six-ish mile commute, mostly on a 25 mph road along the James River. So it surprised me that after a few weeks of bike commuting, I noticed my fear increasing, not decreasing. (Important note: I love riding in the woods, which I do as often as I can, so I'm comfortable with some risk.) 
This is where I feel safe
 
I had close calls early on--sideview mirrors getting too cozy as they passed, a car turning and not seeing me in a crosswalk-- so I began breaking rules to increase my sense of safety, e.g., riding on a sidewalk against traffic. The sidewalks didn't have curb cuts in the intersections, so the bumps up and drops down got old. I encountered few pedestrians, but when I did, I stopped to let them pass. I tried different routes, and for the most part, successfully managed my trepidations. But the scary sections stayed scary, and it got easier and easier to pick my car over my bike.  
 
Clearly, infrastructure plays an important role in everyone's sense of safety. So as we advocate for our trail, we energetically advocate for everything else related to this issue. But the region's evolution moves too slowly for all of us to wait until we have separated lanes available everywhere we need to go. The more that people embrace walking and biking over driving, the faster change will occur. 

 

I'll take my commuting experience with me when I go to DC. I'll hear the success stories, meet smart and inspiring leaders, and bring it all back to share with people who can help us get where we need to be.
 
And when it warms up, I promise to get back on my commuting bike. Maybe.
  
Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
 

Register Today for Cap2Cap 2014 on Saturday, May 10!

We're upping the fun factor in both Richmond and Williamsburg--think of it as your reward for riding in support of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Get excited for:

  • The 15-mile fun ride is back on!  Bring the wee ones to enjoy the James City County portion of the Virginia Capital Trail.
  • New 25-, 50-, and 100-mile routes!
  • New merch!
  • Cool new stuff in the Cap2Cap raffle!
  • Food, beverages, and vendors at the post-ride festivals!
  • Friday Night packet pickup parties at Richmond and Williamsburg locations!
  • Hardywood Brewery's Capital Trail Pale Ale will be offered again, this time starting in April. We're working on having it available in Williamsburg this year as well.
  • Volunteers enjoy the Cap2Cap as much as riders do. Have a look at all the fun jobs still available. If you're a kid in need of community service hours, sign up for a bunch, then relax until May 10! (WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!  Deeply and unconditionally...)

 

Check out the 2014 jerseys, another Roger Sattler work of art. (Yes, that's George Washington and the colonial capitol on there!) So cool.

  
And to round out your ride-day outfit, the official Cap2Cap socks:

What riders had to say about Cap2Cap 2013:

 

This was my third Cap2Cap, and it is getting better every year!

 

The ride was great. We drive down from New Hampshire to participate with family and are planning on returning next year. It was easily worth the drive

 

We loved this ride SO much that, at the end, we were already talking about coming back next year with more friends!
  
One of the best experiences I ever had for an organized event. You guys and gals rock. I will be back ... with friends next year!
  













Sponsorships and expo spots still available.  
Email [email protected] for details.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Thank You to Our 2014 Sponsors:


 

What's Happening with the Trail?

More progress! The downtown Richmond sections are still expected to be complete by this summer. Rail lines are disappearing to make way for the asphalt.  Bids are being awarded next month. This makes us giddy.  
Does it get any more beautiful?
Further east, the Sherwood section continues to take shape, even through this snowy winter. This will connect the James City County portions to the Charles City Courthouse phase, for one continuous 29-mile section of Trail. Completion date is this fall. Oh. My. Goodness.
A section of the Sherwood phase

 

VCTF Outreach

Come visit us at the following expos:

James City County Recreation Expo
9 am - noon on February 22, 


Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Vendor Expo
11 am - 9 pm, March 27 and 28,
Click here to volunteer at our booth!  
You'll meet a lot of fit people--30,000 of them -- have a lot of fun, and get free pizza!
 

Ted Hanson is at it Again!

Ted Hanson was voted Williamsburg Area Bicylcist's Volunteer of the Year because of his devotion to the Virginia Capital Trail.  He's a founding member of the Trail Patrol organization, is usually the first guy to clear storm debris from the trail and is always an important volunteer for the Cap2Cap.  And a million other big and little things he does to make the Virginia Capital Trail beautiful and safe for the rest of us.  Thank You Ted!
Ted Hanson and Ted Moreland  
 

Just Get Outside

Some upcoming events from our partners in outdoor exercise:
 
 
Trailicious, 2/22, Richmond
 
 
 
ASK Fun Walk and 5K, 4/23, Richmond
 
Pedal the Parkway, 5/3/14, Williamsburg
 
Bike Virginia Tour, 6/20-25, Richmond & Williamsburg
 
Support the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
   
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