The Virginia Capital Trail recently expanded our Trail Ambassador program to include a new volunteer leadership position, Capital Trail Coordinator. This volunteer position will lead community events, assist with advocacy and Trail activities, and help guide new Trail Ambassadors. Trail Coordinators agree to serve a one-year term that may be renewed in December.
We are excited to announce that the following individuals were selected to serve as our inaugural Capital Trail Coordinators: Benjamin Ash, Ephraim Seidman, Dan Schmitt, Loretta Troen, and Nadine Zimmerli.
MEET EPHRAIM
Hard to believe it all started with an e-mail to the Virginia Office of Pesticide Services in Spring 2018 asking about a pesticide application next to the Virginia Capital Trail (VCT) that would ultimately lead to such a meaningful volunteer opportunity for me!
Soon after that came a challenge from Cat Anthony, Executive Director at the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation - something like “if you’re this concerned, you should become a Trail Ambassador.” So… I did!! I soon proudly earned my orange vest from Trail Ambassador guru extraordinaire Chan Mohney!
Cycling was not new to me. My match blue Gran Sport Gitane was my primary mode of transportation as an undergrad at UVA back in the 1970’s. I have fond memories of heading out on weekends cycling through the countryside.
In 1984 I needed to up my cycling game and bought the “original” Trek 520 touring bike. That summer I rode >4,000 miles getting from Va Beach, VA to LA for the 1984 Olympics. I was hooked on bike touring, but was only able to do shorter trips until I used that same bike in 2016 to cycle from Chicago to Seattle, mostly on Adventure Cycling Association’s (ACA) Northern Tier route.
I did many a mile on the VCT preparing for that ride. I can remember complaining (mostly to myself) about all the lumps and bumps on some rougher sections of the VCT. But I felt the reality in my butt when I needed to traverse a good part of the Paul Bunyan Trail in Minnesota. Every 10-15 feet there was a huge crack in the trail that reverberated up my entire body. It was a jarring ride, and an epiphany.
I never complain about any cracks in the VCT anymore!
Don’t worry, I still have things to complain about. My pet peeve on the VCT? People who don’t announce. I’m slow. Real slow. So when everyone on the trail goes around me, I would hope that they would at least have the common courtesy to give the traditional “on your left” so we can all stay safe! But what do I know??
But how lucky are we here in central Virginia to have the VCT, right? Almost 52 miles of a flat, safe, protected space where we can ride our bikes, pound the pavement running, or glide along in our skates.
Not surprising, but some of my favorite rides on the VCT have been when I come across a cyclist on a loaded touring bike. Many are riding ACA’s Trans America Bike route. The granddaddy of them all…
If they are going west, it is likely their first day out having started in Yorktown. Spirits are high. Their gear is neatly stowed… and clean. But if they are going east, I know it is likely the last day of their 4,200 mile journey. And their bike, their gear, and their face looks it. I will sometimes get emotional with them as they tell me their war stories. Respect.
I am especially proud to be a Trail Coordinator. Anything I can give back to the VCT (and the fabulous staff at the Foundation that keep it all rolling!) is small compared to what I get out of it.
My time on the bike seems to ebb and flow. But my passion for cycling and for meeting fellow cyclists never diminishes. There is something special about clipping into your pedals and pushing off… how far am I going today?
See ya out there. Look for my orange Trail Ambassador vest!
