The Virginia Capital Trail recently expanded our Trail Ambassador program to include a new volunteer leadership position, Capital Trail Coordinator. This volunteer position will be responsible for leading community events, assisting with advocacy and Trail activities, and helping 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 dan schmitt
Dan has been a Capital Trail Ambassador for almost seven months. An avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, he recently completed a solo self-supported bike packing trip across the United States. Dan has a zest for life, is always ready for the next adventure, and believes a simple smile can go a long way.
What do you enjoy most about being a Trail Ambassador?
What I enjoy most is spending time on the Capital Trail, helping to maintain it as a great amenity for our region and meeting so many interesting people along the way.
what are you most excited about for your new trail coordinator position?
What I hope to get from being a Trail Ambassador/Coordinator is to help promote more use of the Trail so that it will continue to grow and serve as healthy amenity for our region. I’ve noticed that people who ride bikes are generally pretty happy people. So the more people we can get on bikes on the Cap Trail the happier Richmond will become. And happy is good!
It’s also very important to keep the Trail in good condition so that we all have a safe experience on the Trail.
What was your favorite memory or most unique adventure on the Capital Trail?
I’ve had many memorable rides on the Capital Trail, but the one that stands out the most was a late evening fall departure from Rocketts Landing with lights and riding to Cul’s Courthouse Grill, where I arrived just before closing. But rather than tell me they were about to close, the owner made me pork chops and mashed potatoes with green beans and sat down and visited with me for an hour. Then after some peach cobbler and a cup of coffee, I headed the 30 miles home under a full moon and crawled in bed at 2 AM. It was a fantastic trail experience.
Any tips or tricks you would like to offer first time Trail users?
Suggested tips - make sure you carry an extra innertube and know how to change a flat tire. A great days ride can be interrupted quickly by a flat tire. Changing it and continuing on is far better than ending your ride. Also, always bring plenty of water and some cash or credit card. Lastly, smile and say hello to the people you pass along the trail. That makes the trail much more friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
One other tip, always let someone know when you are passing them and make sure you speak loud as so many people have headphones or earbuds, which can make it difficult for them to hear you.
what are some of your passions or favorite activities?
Now that I am recently retired, I look forward to spending more time on my bike, and on the Capital Trail. One of my passions is bikepacking.
Last summer, I completed a solo unsupported, 4,800 mile bike packing trip across the United States and raised $144,000 for the nonprofit, Sportable here in Richmond, which helps handicapped and disabled people remain active. It was a great way to kick off retirement and start making a difference for people in other ways.
When I’m not on my bike, I’m probably not far from the Trail exploring the river in my kayak with my wife, Cindy, and golden retriever, Cooper.
