On Friday, October 2, at 5:30 pm, I hope you'll consider joining us at Great Shiplock Park along the riverfront in downtown Richmond. The occasion will be the culmination of more than a dozen years of hard work by a great many people -- the official ribbon cutting for the Trail. If you're reading this, it's because you have supported us in some way over the years. We have loyal and hardworking volunteers, generous VCTF donors, Cap2Cap riders, vendors, sponsors, and the Foundation's corporate partners. This ribbon cutting is to celebrate all we've accomplished together.

   

But it's also a chance to thank everyone at V-DOT and the localities for successfully partnering on an amenity benefiting the whole region. Now that the 52-mile route has been fully realized, the Virginia Capital Trail will act as a powerful driver for a lot of good things, almost all having to do with healthier, happier communities. If you've been down to the Richmond riverfront since the Trail has appeared, you've noticed a cool new phenomenon: vitality. A location recently defined by an abandoned rail line and a cement factory is now alive with people walking, running, and pursing a range of activities. Our little strip of asphalt allows people to move around in a place formally inhospitable to such movement. And they're doing it in large numbers.

Finally, with an eye toward the future development of more multi-use trails, we hope to pack the park and send a message to all the elected officials -- Governor McAuliffe and Richmond Mayor Jones among them -- that these kinds of projects appeal to the masses, regardless of age, athletic ability, or interest. If we have a crowd -- no, a huge crowd -- we've just furthered the cause. 

Virginia Capital Trail Day!

Did you know that the Virginia Capital Trail will be the only place you can watch the UCI Road World Championship races as they go along Dock Street? The roads will be closed, but the Trail will be open, so ride, walk, or run to the Trail on September 25, 26, and 27 to get up close to the action. 


If you'd like to combine trail support and a beverage with your UCI race viewing, come see us at the West Main Village Fan Zone in front of Home Team Grill in the Fan.  We'll have a booth there during the races on September 25, 26, and 27 races with lots of Capital Trail Pale Ale cans and merch available. Thank you, Hardywood and Home Team Grill!