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That's a Wrap
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Talk about inspiring. Recently, we put out a call for trail users to be a part of a video we were shooting in partnership with Richmond Region Tourism. We needed activity along the Trail in the middle of a weekday, just east of Downtown Richmond. The talent arrived in large numbers: avid cyclists, bike commuters, the Henrico County mobile library, moms with baby joggers, and walkers of all ages.
Because the videographers wanted the sun in different positions, our volunteers were required to ride, jog and walk up and down that beautiful (or awful) hill multiple times over the course of three hours. I had a lot of time to get to know these great folks.|
| | Genuine smiles for the drone shot |
The walkers were from Varina and said they loved walking on the trail every day. I asked where they walked before the trail was built and they freely offered that they didn't walk anywhere. They said the S-word (sofa) a couple times. What really had me excited was the young boy with them, maybe six years old; a future leader getting used to outdoor exercise because of the Trail.
It gets better. A woman they see regularly while walking, a woman with tons of enthusiasm for life, is the embodiment of the real transformational power of a paved, separated, multi-use trail. With the help of her physician and the Virginia Capital Trail, she has lost 200 pounds. She's very proud of this and exudes real joy, they said. I know nothing about this woman's health, but clearly, becoming 200 pounds lighter is a major accomplishment and my guess is she and her physician are very happy about it.
The moms with the baby joggers inspired me as well. They pushed those babies up that huge hill at least ten times, ponytails swinging and legs pumping. As we were saying our goodbyes, they casually mentioned they were running the half marathon the next morning. It made me feel old and creaky, but so happy the trail allows them a way to get and stay fit while mothering babies. That's a hard thing to do.
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| | These ladies are seriously fit! |
This is why I love what I do. And why the VCTF is serious about extensions and spurs. We want more communities to have easy (and free) access to this wonderful place to get healthy.
It's also a wonderful place to get inspired.
Warmest wishes this holiday season!
Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
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Did You Know?
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The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, a 150-mile trail from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD generates $50 million a year in economic impact. |
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Holiday Shopping on Amazon?
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Help us out while you do! It's really simple and completely painless. Use this link every time you shop on Amazon.com and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to the VCTF through the AmazonSmile program. Your items cost the same, we just get a small cut. Which we are so grateful for. Thank you for using AmazonSmile to support the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation! |
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EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
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Next year's Cap2Cap ride is Saturday, May 14, 2016.
Until January 1, 2016, registration prices range from $35 for the Fun Ride to $65 for the Century.
Great gift idea! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
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They're Going Fast
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| Mike Marker and Bench Recognition Plaques Ready for Installation
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Mike markers are being installed along the entire trail now. Benches, bike racks, fix-it stations and rain shelters will be installed by the spring. Want your name on one? Or that of a loved one or special person? CLICK HERE for more information.
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Trail Ambassador Program
| Here are excerpts from a sample report from one of our finest Ambassador teams in James City County:
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| | Betty Wright and Bill Armbruster Top Notch Trail Ambassadors |
"Betty and I spent nearly 45 minutes at the Jamestown Trail head meeting a crowd of bikers and discussing the Trail along with answering questions regarding destinations, directions, Jamestown Island, how to get to Williamsburg, etc. We met folks from Northern Virginia, DC, New Jersey, Baltimore and gave them brochures with the caveat that the Trail is actually completed to Richmond. Two other bikers wanted to know places to eat heading toward Richmond and we mentioned Court House Grill. On the Trail we were flagged down by a gentleman walker who wanted to alert us to slippery areas ahead in the very shady trail from the Governor's Land Marker." Bill and Betty Wright Armbruster
Welcome to new Ambassadors Joe Brown, and to Richard and Judy Glazier, our first on the western end of the Trail.
Email us if you're interested in joining a great group of volunteers.
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