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. 
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June 2014

A 55-Mile-Long Welcome Mat 

 

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.

 

Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
 

Final Recap: 2014 Rocketts Landing Cap2Cap  


It was another fantastic year at Rocketts Landing and Chickahominy Riverfront Park for the 9th annual Cap2Cap Bike Event. A huge thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and riders for an awesome day.




Here are some of the numbers:
Total Number of Riders:  2,148
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


Amount Raised for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation:  $120,000
These funds will go toward the signage and amenities project. We're working on mileage markers, wayfinding signs, and a host of additions to the trail for the Charles City, Henrico County, and City of Richmond sections.



Have you seen the pictures yet?

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:

"Great experience all the way around"

"The Volunteers were great and my hats off to them as this ride would not have happened without their dedication. The ride this year was even better than last year and route for the 50 mile was nice and scenic. Thanks to all the Police and EMTs that helped out."

"Excellent support, well organized event--much appreciated--volunteers were cheerful and very willing to help."

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!

Thank You to Our 2014 Sponsors:

 
 

Trail Construction Progress

From East to West:
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.
 

Cool Things To Do

 
Better Block RVA:  Friday, June 14, Saturday, June 14
 
RVA Streets Alive:  Saturday, June 21.  Come find our booth! You won't believe what we have going on...
 
Triathlons! spring through fall, Richmond Multisports
 
Bike Virginia Tour, 6/20-25, Richmond & Williamsburg
 
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