On a day when storms made it easier to stay home, 300 people came together in the Charles City School Board Auditorium to celebrate the opening of the 13.5 mile Sherwood Forest phase of the Virginia Capital Trail. The ceremony program showed this enthusiastic crowd what is so special about this portion of the Trail: the Charles City County community. On vivid display were the Charles City High School marching band, fourth-graders from Charles City Elementary School, a spiritual ensemble, Chief Adkins from the Chickahominy Indian tribe, and, of course, lunch from the popular Cul's Courthouse Grille.

Virginia's First Lady, Dorothy McAuliffe, spoke of how the trail "provides a free and safe place for people of all ages and abilities to adopt a healthy lifestyle," and called it "an important tourism driver" to the loud applause of attendees from Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and Williamsburg. 

Earlier that week, I had the honor of riding 20 miles on the Trail from the Jamestown Settlement to Cul's with the First Lady, Virginia's Executive Chef Chris Blain, and 12-year old Peter McAuliffe. I can tell you we have a passionate supporter in Mrs. McAuliffe, and I know you'll see members of the First Family using the Virginia Capital Trail often.

So, now we have 29 continuous miles drawing more trail users than ever before, and the remaining 24 miles are well under construction. The next opening will be the Varina phase in Henrico County. We'll work with their team to see if we can put together a ribbon-cutting celebration that will match this one. It won't be easy, but what a fun challenge.

Thank you, Charles City County, and to everyone who celebrated with us.

Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Rails have been pulled up just east of Lehigh Cement. City officials assure us they're still on target for completion of this section by Spring 2015.

Bridge over Gillies Creek

Varina:
V-DOT confirms that the Varina phase will be complete by Summer 2015.

Scheduled to be complete by Fall 2015

It's Richmond Marathon time again, which means we'll be staffing a booth at the marathon expo. If anyone is interested in: 1) talking to a lot of physically fit people who love the Trail project, 2) supporting the VCTF in a fun way, and 3) free food and beverages, then please click here to choose a time slot that works for you. You'll receive our undying gratitude, and maybe some new VCTF swag for your efforts.  

 

Expo Details:

When:  Thursday, November 13, 4:30 pm -9:00 pm

             Friday, November 14, 10:30 am - 9:30 pm

Where: Arthur Ashe Center

           3001 N. Boulevard

           Richmond, VA 23230

Questions: info@virginiacapitaltrail.org

The Charles City Courthouse parking lot is just over half an hour's drive from downtown Richmond. This means travel there and back, plus an hour spent enjoying the trail, riding a bike, running, or taking a walk, can all be achieved in two hours. So, plan a Saturday- or Sunday-morning adventure, and you can be home in time for lunch.

It took me and the McAuliffe group about three hours -- with frequent stops and keeping a leisurely pace -- to ride 20 miles from the Jamestown Settlement to the Charles City Courthouse. It's flat, beautiful, and safe.  Do it!