I usually use this space for exciting and happy news about the Virginia Capital Trail. At the risk of walking into a minefield, however, this time I'm on a rant. 

When we recently debriefed with our law-enforcement and first-responder partners after the May 9 Cap2Cap, several of them reported seeing registered riders, as they pedaled throughout the day, make offensive gestures to cars and other riders. Where to begin?

First, if this was you, don't sign up next year. The Cap2Cap is where supporters of this awesome trail project come together to have fun, ride a bike, and be supportive. 

As important as this fundraiser is, and even as we hope to grow participation in the years to come, this kind of rider is not welcome.

We are very aware that putting 2,400 riders on 200 miles of open roads for 8 hours creates many challenges. We have law enforcement, EMS, volunteers, and staff working very hard to minimize the ride's impact on the community and keep everyone safe. We depend on approvals from four localities to be able to use their roads, and when we hear reports of this kind of behavior, we worry about the ride's future, in addition to feeling profoundly embarrassed.

This organization won't solve the car-bike tension that exists in the region. But we will do everything we can, including banning riders from the Cap2Cap, to preserve our reputation and that of our event.

There, end of rant. Scroll down to read about all the good things that happened at Cap2Cap 2015.  It was a great day.

Fodor's Travel Guide listed the Virginia Capital Trail among Americas Best Urban Bike Paths!