If you've been on one of the completed sections of the Virginia Capital Trail, you've likely stopped your run or ride to read a historical marker, take pictures of wildflowers, watch an eagle, or hear a river passing by. The trail drew you out, and these things introduced themselves as you moved along. But that's not the case for everyone. Often overlooked is a trail's ability to take you where you really want to go; to destinations like restaurants, shops, festivals, rivers, or museums.

 

A few weeks ago, Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams wrote an op-ed about the James River's place in solidifying Richmond's future. "The roiling, pulsating James ... is a metaphor for the churning energy that young, creative people are bringing to Richmond," he writes.  Anyone who has been to Dominion Riverrock (or the Reedy Creek parking lot in the James River Park System on a Saturday morning) gets this.

 

But if you're not into kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking, how does a river become accessible? How does a city open up its most valuable asset to people who just want to look at it? You provide them a place to walk, push a stroller, or roll a wheelchair right up to the river's edge. That's why the Virginia Capital Trail is an integral part of Richmond's Riverfront Plan. It takes you there.

 

While planners and elected officials continue to refer to it as a bike trail, and think about the avid cyclist when visualizing usage, people of all ages and abilities will use the Virginia Capital Trail in droves. We'll see young families, senior citizens, and the less athletically inclined going to dinner at The Boathouse, enjoying the history of Chapel Island and Shiplock Park, or heading to a concert on Browns Island.

 

This is the true transformational power of the Virginia Capital Trail.

 

So whether you think the James River, Maymont Park, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or some other spot is Richmond's most important asset, they all deserve to be accessible to everyone.

 

Get a safe multi-use trail in front of your favorite destination and watch what happens.

 

Here are some of the numbers:

Most Popular Distance:  Sands Anderson Half Century at 1,087 riders (an all-time record!)
Oldest Rider: Two 81-year-old riders; both rode the Sands Anderson Half Century.
Youngest Rider:  3  
Average Age:  48
From Farthest Away:  Washington State
Gender Split:  1,375 men, 773 women




Rocketts Landing Starters:
Backlight Digital  or

(password: c2c2014)

Chickahominy Starters:  Bardrof Imaging

How did we do?  

We got a huge response from our post-ride survey. We read every single comment and learn from all the feedback. Everything goes into our effort to execute a flawless event, which means we never stop trying. We also take a minute to revel in those saying we did well. Here are just a couple:

95% of you said you can't wait to come back next year and bring a friend.

Can't wait to see you in 2015!  Thank you again for supporting the Cap2Cap!

 

Sherwood Forest: Completion by December, 2014. (The first four miles from the Chickahominy River to Wilcox Neck Road should be complete any day now!)

New Market Heights: Completion by Fall, 2015. Clearing has begun!

Varina Park: Construction will begin within 60 days and finish by September, 2015.

Varina: Construction to begin by November, 2014 and finish by September, 2015.

Richmond Riverfront: Construction to begin mid-July. All phases will be complete by September, 2015.