Inline Skating on the Capital Trail

MOVING TO RICHMOND

I moved from the Paris area in France to Richmond just a year ago. I have been inline skating for 20 years and it is very important to me. Inline skating is relatively popular in France. Every major city has groups of people who skate together on the roads, usually in the evening when the traffic is low. There are also many outdoor events from March to October, races and also recreational skating on bike trails. I did a bit of research before moving across the Atlantic and realized there was not the same level of interest here in the U.S. I could not find a group or club in Richmond, but I did come across the Virginia Capital Trail!

DISCOVERING THE CAPITAL TRAIL

A couple of months after arriving, I was going for my first skate on the trail. I was excited to discover it but wasn't sure if it would be suitable for inline skating. I was very pleased to find that the asphalt was very good quality, very smooth, and that it was very safe. I started going every weekend, for 1 - 1 1/2 hours, but what I love is long-distance skating, marathon-length and over. I have completed several marathons, a 62-mile race, and an 84-mile recreational skate. I also like challenging myself, so I started thinking that I should try and skate the whole 51.7 miles to Jamestown and back one day. I registered for the 100-mile Cap2Cap Bike Ride, thinking that would give me a chance to discover more of the trail and to test my physical condition as I have never completed this distance on a bike either. I was also hoping to meet other inline skaters in the meantime and maybe motivate them to join me as it is much easier to skate in a group. That was before the pandemic hit. The Cap2Cap was rescheduled and eventually changed to a virtual event. Despite going on the trail every weekend, I did not come across any other inline skater, and it was not the right time to meet new people anyway. I decided I would attempt the challenge by myself once the weather cooled down a bit.

103 MILES - ROLLING ALONG THE CAPITAL TRAIL

I planned my skate for October 4th. The weather forecast was just perfect that day, sunny but only around 70 degrees. I set out at 7 AM from Great Shiplock park with a backpack full of water and granola bars. I anticipated it would take me 8-9 hours of skating, plus breaks, to complete the challenge so I was planning to have one break half-way down, one at the other end, and one on the way back. I only knew the first few miles of Trail that I had skated every weekend. I had pushed past the Four Mile Creek Trailhead only once on a 2-hour skate, so after an hour, it was all new terrain. I reached the half-way mark in just 2 hours, I was doing better than I had expected and was feeling good. The trail was still smooth and pretty flat, very enjoyable. People I came across appeared quite surprised to see someone on inline skates. I kept going at a steady pace and reached Jamestown in just under 4 hours. I had a longer break there for “lunch”. I was starting to feel my muscles and knew the real challenge was starting now. Towards the end of the next 25 miles, my feet started hurting. My skates were not made for such a long distance. I was getting slower but still on track to complete my goal of 100-miles in 8 hours when I stopped again. The last 25 miles were tough, but I was getting close to my objective, so I focused on that. Eventually, I made it back to Great Shiplock Park and had the strength to go to the official start of the trail to take a picture with the sign. I completed the 103 miles in 8 hours and 6 minutes, the best time I could have hoped for. This was my greatest challenge so far and I don’t think I can top it. I am happy I did it, but I don’t think I would do it again by myself. If there are inline skaters reading this out there that are up for it, I would be happy to go along. Even if you don’t feel like doing 100 miles, I would be happy to meet you and skate together.

Written by Julien Reungoat

Thank you Julien for sharing your amazing story with us! If you are an inline skater who is interested in tackling the Capital Trail or up for shorter skating adventures please email us and we would be happy to connect you with Julien.

record setting run on the virginia capital trail

FALLING IN LOVE WITH RUNNING

Standing on the sidelines at her first Chicago Marathon, Whitney Richman watched as her friend stretched across the finish line. A newfound passion kindled inside her and a love of running was born. With an all or nothing attitude that continues to push her, the very next morning Whitney signed up for the Chicago Marathon.

Fast forward 15 years to today and Whitney has quite the portfolio. Now an ultrarunner, she has run the Chicago Marathon multiple times. In 2012, she returned to serve as a vision guide to aid a visually impaired runner in his goal to complete his 12th marathon in just 12 months. Whitney says it is her most memorable experience as a runner and something she will never forget.

Then in 2017, she qualified for the 2019 U.S. National 24-Hour Team. For female runners to qualify, they must run 130 miles in a 24-hour period. Whitney was just shy of 134 miles. The following year she was an alternate for the United States in the 2019 International Association of Ultraruners 24 Hour World Championships.

“Running a 24-hour race requires you to see the whole race play out before you. You must prepare mentally for the highs and lows that you will face multiple times throughout the race. You must break it down into smaller, one-hour sections. In the end, it’s about putting one foot in front of the other.”

In addition to running over 100 miles weekly, Whitney is busy being a stay-at-home mom to two little ones, coaching the Sports Backers Marathon training team, and setting new records on the Virginia Capital Trail!  

SETTING NEW RECORDS

Whitney was making final preparations for an upcoming 100-mile race (that’s right – 100 miles in one run) when the coronavirus hit. Races across the country were being cancelled and Whitney’s race was no exception. It did not take long before all the races Whitney had signed up for followed suit. After a talk with her coach, she decided to set her sights on running the Virginia Capital Trail. She was familiar with Great Shiplock Park and had frequented the trail on several occasions for fun runs with her children. Plus, she was already in top running shape physically and mentally.

“When you invest so much training and time into achieving a goal, time that you spent away from your kids and family, you need to feel like it was worth it.”

She selected April 18th as her Trail debut. Completely self-supported with a hydration pack and a stash of water and Coca-Cola waiting at Herring Creek, she set out from Richmond. In just over 7.5 hours Whitney crossed the finish line to the cheers of her husband and children, setting the fastest unsupported known time (FKT) for the Virginia Capital Trail (one direction) at 7h 41m 22s!

A few months later, the weekend before Father’s Day, she set out again. This time to run the Trail out and back, a total of 103.4 miles. Unlike her previous run, Whitney had a team of friends and family in place to provide support and encourage her along the route. She also added an essential head lamp to her running gear. Every five or six miles she would see a friendly face or approach an aide station where she could refuel. I took Whitney just over 17 hours to complete her goal! With a run time of 17h 32m 22s, Whitney holds the FKT for running the Virginia Capital Trail out and back!

“I enjoyed running through the trees along the Trail. The sections from Dorey Park to the Four Mile Creek Trailhead and from Turkey Island to Herring Creek provided lots of shade. My favorite part of the run was seeing the Richmond skyline. I had started out at 7 am that morning and was exhausted. Seeing the skyline felt like I was coming home.”

UNEXPECTED TURN OF EVENTS

Knowing that she would lose daylight around Turkey Creek, Whitney asked a cyclist friend to accompany her on the last few miles into Richmond. Just as they were leaving the Dorey Park area, there was a small collision. They bushed themselves off, exchanged some laughs and apologies, and they were off again. It was not until the next morning that Whitney discovered she had broken her elbow during the fall. “My friend felt so bad, but it was just a bizarre accident. I didn’t even realize it was broken.”

THE BEST PART OF RUNNING

“It’s the freedom. The freedom of not worrying about anything or anyone. I can let my mind wander, listen to what I want, move my body in whatever direction I desire. It is about getting out and being active, realizing that not everyone can, and pushing yourself. I like to set new personal challenges, to push myself further than I thought possible. For me, a large part of running is about competing against myself.”

Special thanks to Whitney Richman for letting us share her amazing story!

Bringing The Camino Spirit to the Capital Trail

RVA Way - Inspring a Love for Walking One step at a Time

“Walking is always by one’s own design -- relax and picnic, take in the sights, take photos, slow down, speed up. There are no rules.” – Janeen

Janeen Wall, founder of the Richmond walking group RVA Way, has racked up more miles on her feet in the last few years than most people do in a lifetime. An avid adventurer, Janeen found a way to establish and inspire a community of walkers by combining her love of traveling and the outdoors with her passion of tackling routes on the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain.  The Camino is an intense physical feat that offers the chance for ultimate solitude and reflection while testing one’s own self-paced endurance and determination. 

The most popular Camino de Santigo route, with its more than 250,000 hikers annually, is the 500-mile journey that stretches across Europe beginning in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Offering multiple routes with varying degrees of difficulty and distance, the Camino can be traversed on foot, horseback, or by bicycle with a time commitment ranging from a few days to weeks or even months.   The route has been conquered by walkers of all ages, from young children to people age 80+.  While not for the faint of heart, the Camino is within reach for anyone wanting to embark on an epic bucket list worthy adventure.  This 1,200-year-old journey will test your physical and mental strength, as well as your feet, to whatever extent you desire.  It all begins with a single step.   

The Adventure of a Lifetime - Tackling the Camino de Santigo

When Janeen set out to conquer her first Camino, she could not possibly have fathomed the powerful impact this experience would have on her life. There were so many unknowns but she took comfort in the shift from hours at a desk to hours a day walking across a country in the knowledge that she often walks 20,000 or more steps a day while exploring new cities on her travels. And, she adds, those walks as a tourist were in pretty shoes.   

“I was drawn to the opportunity for solitude and reflection as well as the physical challenge that seemed within reach, with the right amount of grit and determination.”  

“We all have days with a high number of steps and are no worse for wear, they come and they go, so why not make an adventure of it. I highly recommend finding excuses to walk 20,000 steps or more with a sense of adventure.”  

To help prepare physically and mentally for the challenge, Janeen started a group on Facebook as a way for friends to follow and track her training regimen. Immediately, her friends started turning out to join her. Even in subzero temperatures, rain, and increased mileage, she never walked alone.  Two friends went on to match Janeen’s training step-for-step all the way to doing several 21-mile local hikes together, rain or shine, and ultimately completing their own Camino adventures alongside Janeen.   

“Being surrounded by the amazing friends who walk each week, is quite astounding.  These friends, old and new, who so willingly challenge themselves to walk with the group, no matter the conditions or distance, are my reason for making it this far. I have profound appreciation for their company and high admiration for their will and courage.” 

In May 2018, with a renewed sense of adventure, an incredible support system, and two determined friends, Janeen completed the 11-day Camino Portuguese coastal route. Before the trip, Janeen says her greatest challenge was the uncertainty, all the unknowns associated with tackling an adventure of this magnitude and a dash of self-doubt, wondering if her body was up to the trek.  Afterwards as she looked back, Janeen recalls that all the planning, research, and apparent need for just the right equipment, simply faded away the moment she arrived. “On your walks, the mind is cleared, and attention is reduced to walking, eating, sleeping. Mind and body are entirely focused on getting through the day.”

Despite the immense physical and mental tolls, Janeen shares, “The spirit of the Camino community carries you most of the way, as does hearing “Buen Camino” at every human encounter, the age old traditional greeting from locals and fellow hikers wishing you a “good way.”  On the Camino, there are no barriers to friendship and the forever friends you make, from across the globe, become your Camino family.  There’s another category of connection on the way.  Over the miles, tribes form. These are the folks you see daily.  They maintain similar pace and route stages (i.e., staying in the same villages).  The tribe’s camaraderie is formed and the bond set along the route, and across the table at communal meals, sharing food, wine, and, sometimes, a stash of band aids for tired feet.  

Would she do it again? Absolutely, in fact as soon as Janeen completed her first Camino trek she immediately began planning her return, and in 2019, she completed this endurance feat again solo, in the 15-day Camino Primitivo route. 

“There are so many layers to the Camino that are not easily summarized, like the two special friends who joined me on my first trip, walked every mile with me in training, and the very special new friends I’ve made in the RVA Way group. I count myself so fortunate to have these amazing people around me who share my love of outdoor freedom.” 

RVA Way Members: Veronica Pavon, Al Iaconangelo, Kory Mohr, Janeen Wall, and Melissa Powell Gay

RVA WAY - Walk and Trail Friends

Inspired by the culture of the Camino, Janeen recreated the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment, by encouraging her RVA Way team to walk the entire length of the Capital Trail.  An achievement turned tradition, which RVA Way has completed the last two years. The group was set to embark on their third Capital Trail end-to-end hike in 2020 but unfortunately plans were pushed back due to COVID-19.  

“Truth be told, we don’t have to travel across the globe for a great walk.”

Janeen divides the 52-mile Capital Trail into four 14-mile stages, each one averaging six hours (including lunch), which the group completes over the course of four Sundays in early spring. Each segment is planned around trailheads, rest stops, and local establishments such as parks and dining institutions.  

RVA Way Capital Trail walking stages: 

• Great Shiplock to Four Mile Creek Trailhead 

• Four Mile Creek Trailhead to Shirley Plantation 

• Shirley Plantation to Sandy Point Superette 

• Sandy Point Superette to Jamestown 

As a memento of their incredible feat, walkers receive a special RVA Way Capital Trail passport and earn a special stamp for each completed stage. Armed with water and snacks, the 52-mile hike offers walkers the chance to enjoy nature and explore locally while providing a noteworthy challenge and a strong sense of accomplishment. And, like the Camino, this journey ignites a strong emotional longing to return and repeat the adventure. Eventually, Janeen hopes to turn the walk into a fun two-weekend excursion with back-to-back days and an overnight.  And if two days of hiking 14 miles sounds daunting, Janeen assures us that tired bodies are entirely renewed by morning and are ready for more.   

A courageous spirit that refuses to stop and the ability to push herself beyond limits, Janeen continues to inspire and challenge others. Today, the walking group RVA Way has over 100 members, with weekly turnouts of about a dozen eager walkers.  The walking excursions range in mileage, location, and intensity. As a result of COVID-19, the group suspended their activities, but they are eagerly awaiting the time when they can come together again to explore RVA on foot. 

One of the highlights of RVA Way for Janeen is planning the group’s weekly scenic routes, which focus on exploring urban and nature trails in Richmond and the surrounding areas, and includes stops to enjoy local cuisine.  Each walk incorporates either a sit-down or picnic breakfast mid-way or at the end.  

When asked about her vision for RVA Way’s future, Janeen shares, “Looking to the future, I have no expectations other than to continue to offer a welcoming setting for anyone willing to explore walking and/or to challenge themselves to distances they’d normally scoff at, only to be surprised that it’s really quite easy in good company.” 

When asked about what Janeen likes most about walking the Capital Trail?  

“Walking the Capital Trail in the rain is an experience to behold and I encourage everyone to try it. On rainy days, as an added bonus, we have the trail to ourselves.  Don’t let weather conditions hold you back.  With the right gear, you can walk and walk and walk some more. One step at a time.”  

Thank you, Janeen for sharing your amazing experience with us!

advocate for the expansion of the capital trail and more trail connections in james city county

We need your help!  James City County is completing its vision for 2045 by updating their comprehensive plan.  This is the time for you to advocate for the expansion of the Capital Trail and more trail connections in James City County.  I am asking you to take 15 minutes to complete two surveys.  Here is some background information on Engage 2045 and the process to update their plan.  Below are the links and recommendations for the surveys:

1. Click here for the Establishing Goals Questionnaire: 

Please consider changing the goal in Question 8 to include active transportation and trails. I would also recommend at the end of the survey in Q10, to encourage James City County to expand the Capital Trail and develop more safe trail connections to neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.

2. Click here for Exploring Our Future Alternatives Questionnaire:

Please consider a low rating for auto-oriented roads and a high rating for trails and active transportation.  Feel free to tell them why with comments. 

Here are screenshots to help you:

If you have trouble with the surveys, send them a message with your thoughts utilizing the following link, https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3711/Share-Your-Ideas. 

Here is a good statement, "I wanted to let you know that I think James City County should be planning for a future that is not dependent on the automobile for transportation and should begin the process of planning and building more trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit accessibility. This is in the best interest of the residents of the county."

Thank you for helping to advocate for Trail expansion and connection in James City County!

With much gratitude,

Cat

Taking The Capital Trail in Stroll

Leisurely Approach to Capital Quarantine Challenge Leads to Newfound Appreciation  

Determined to not let the pandemic stop them from enjoying outdoor activities and fresh air, experienced hikers Sandee Bailey and Jane Taft began a healthy distance walking plan. Excited to engage socially outdoors, they would meet up and walk their local neighborhood streets. However, seeing the same sights repeatedly began to take its toll. Drawn to the woods, fields, rolling hills, flowers, and diverse scenery of the Capital Trail, Sandee and Jane decided to tackle the Capital Trail Quarantine Challenge. This was Jane’s first time visiting the Trail and Sandee’s first time experiencing the Trail on foot.  

Sandee and Jane started their trek in Richmond. Their strategy was simple, walk three miles out and back (six miles total) each week. As their routes took them further from home, they steadily increased their mileage. By driving separately, they were able to park one car at the end of their route and then drive back to the starting point after their walk. This enabled them to increase their distance to a straight six-mile course. 

Having ridden the Trail many times by bike, Sandee enjoyed the relaxed pace and gained a newfound appreciation as she discovered sites along the Trail she would have missed if traveling at a faster pace. Never knowing what to expect on their weekly walks, the Trail was something they looked forward to with eager anticipation. Each route brought them in contact with new people, sights, and experiences. A master naturalist, Sandee recalled the 30 different species of birds and even a green snake they encountered, sightings that added to the overall natural experience of their outings.

“The Trail is the perfect width for social distancing. On every trip, we were experiencing nature in a new way,” shares Sandee. “I always felt safe even in rural areas. Two women in their early 60s, and we never felt unsafe or not excited to be there. The Trail is a great asset to Virginia, and it’s free!” 

Sandee’s favorite part was learning about local history by reading the historical markers along the Trail. Markers that depicted freedom and valor from the civil and revolutionary wars. She also enjoyed the diverse range of people they encountered on each visit to the Trail. Her toughest challenge occurred in Henrico County when they missed a turn resulting in an additional two-mile walk beyond their anticipated route.  

“The Trail offers great diversity. Every race, age, and sex. People riding hand-me down bikes to the most expensive types. We even saw two unicyclists,” says Sandee. 

Sandee’s recommendation to Trail users, if you have not taken the Jamestown Scotland ferry from the Chippokes Plantation State Park you are missing out. It is an absolute must, add it to your bucket-list experience! 

Thank you Sandee and Jane for sharing your story!

If you’d like more information on the Capital Quarantine Challenge, please click here.

The 15th Annual ‘Cap2Cap’ Continues as New Virtual Event on August 17th - 31st

The 2020 Dominion Energy Cap2Cap Bike Ride and signature event originally scheduled for August 22nd, will be hosted virtually from August 17th - 31st. The virtual ride offers flexibility by allowing riders to choose their own route while capturing a sense of community by providing multiple pop-up rest stops along the Capital Trail with snacks and water. Other engaging opportunities include photo ops, a downloadable bib number, virtual leader board, Strava Team, and raffle. Distance options for the virtual ride include a century, half-century, quarter-century, and an 8-mile family fun ride.

“Our largest fundraising event, our Cap2Cap Bike Ride is critical for allowing us to continue our mission in support of the Virginia Capital Trail, especially now as visitor usage continues to reach new highs. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our ride sponsors and the dedication of our participants as we make the necessary adjustment to shift the Cap2Cap ride to a virtual event,” shares Cat Anthony, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail. “We are excited to continue the Cap2Cap tradition, encouraging riders to achieve their goals and enjoy being active, while creating their own memorable Cap2Cap experience.” 

Participants can choose and complete their own route anytime between August 17th and August 31st, a local trail in your area, around your neighborhood, the VA Capital Trail, wherever works for you! Each registrant will receive a celebratory virtual Cap2Cap t-shirt, cool SWAG bag, and water bottle. Commemorative jerseys are also available for purchase.

To show their Cap2Cap spirit and camaraderie, riders are encouraged to post pictures using #virtualcap2cap.  

“Our team has been working hard to create a fun and engaging Cap2Cap Bike Event that meets social distancing requirements while capturing the sense of community that we are all craving,” shares Claire Butler, Event and Program Manager for the Virginia Capital Trail. “We hope you will join us for our first virtual Cap2Cap Bike Event!”

Event proceeds help ensure the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation can continue to fulfill its mission to enhance, promote, and advocate for the continued development of the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile dedicated multi-use trail that connects communities from Richmond to Williamsburg along the historic and scenic Route 5 corridor, and to serve as a resource, community builder, and connector to other trails throughout the Commonwealth.

Virginia Trails Alliance: Recommendations to Improve and Support Trail Development Across the Commonwealth of Virginia

July 27, 2020

Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218

Dear Governor Northam,

Thank you for all you have done to support trails and green spaces in Virginia specifically most recently the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and funding a study for the Ashland to Petersburg Trail. We are grateful for your current and future commitment to trails and green spaces in Virginia.

From the famous Appalachian Trail to the Beaches to Bluegrass Trail, land and water trails connect communities and are vital to Virginia’s outdoor recreation economy and public health, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Virginia Trails Alliance is a coalition of trail organizations and businesses that creates an annual common agenda with the intention of improving and supporting trail development across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Trails across our Commonwealth have seen a significant increase in use due to COVID-19. Charlottesville’s trails have seen a 300% increase in use and the Virginia Capital Trail saw a 77% increase in use during the month of May compared to the same month a year ago. With increased trail usage, the Virginia Trails Alliance encourages you and your administration to consider the following recommendations:

• Funding for New Trails and Maintenance: Create a new, recurring funding source of $25 million to fund needed maintenance of existing trails and building new and developing trail systems like the Appomattox River Trail, the Roanoke River Greenway, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and the James River Heritage Trail.

• A Statewide Trails Study: Fund and implement a statewide trail study to help identify communities lacking adequate access to trails and green spaces and show the value of trails on the economy, public health, workforce productivity, and community development in Virginia.

• A Governor’s Conference on Greenways, Blueways, and Trails: Host a state trails conference that collaborates with industry leaders on the best practices of trail development and green spaces. The last Governor’s Trails Conference was held in 2008.

• A Virginia Trails Signage System: Create a common signage system that would raise the visibility and profile of Virginia’s trails, improve wayfinding, and create a more connected network of trails. This program could be implemented through the Virginia Department of Transportation and/or the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

• Designation of Greenways and Trails Program: Create a program, similar to the Scenic Rivers program, to identify, designate, and protect Virginia’s trails and greenways. A designation program for trails and greenways will give recognition and public awareness to different trails and create an interconnected network throughout Virginia.

We are committed to working alongside you and your administration to advance our agenda and welcome an opportunity to meet with you and your Secretary of Natural Resources, Matt Strickler, in the near future. Should you wish to schedule a meeting with the Virginia Trails Alliance, please contact our President, Cat Anthony, at <804-840-6610> or cat@virginiacapitaltrail.org.

Sincerely,

Virginia Trails Alliance

Capital Quarantine Challenge: Finding Freedom and Confidence on the Trail

One Family’s Heartfelt Adventure to Conquer the Capital Trail in 8 Weeks

Celebrating a birthday in the midst of a pandemic can be a bit disheartening for anyone, especially when you’re young. Determined to not let quarantine derail her son’s 7th birthday, Molly suggested he choose an outdoor activity to commemorate the special day. The day’s celebration event, a 10-mile round trip adventure on the Capital Trail. This would be their first family visit to the Trail but not their last.

Back in February, Molly had “requested” a set of bikes for her birthday or rather strongly encouraged her family to let her buy them each a bicycle in honor of her special day. They finally relented. She had no idea at the time what a lifeline they would turn out to be. Fast forward a few months to the big “7” birthday bike ride and the Brannan-Jones family was hooked! When Molly later heard about the Capital Quarantine Challenge, she immediately knew this was the perfect social distancing adventure for her family: fresh air, a fun physical activity, and a worthwhile challenge the whole family could experience together.

For the next eight weeks, every Sunday or Saturday afternoon (depending on the weather), they hit the Capital Trail for their 10-mile adventure that included five miles out and back. Armed with snacks and plenty of water, they would pick up where they left off the following week, letting their 7-year old son set the pace. As his endurance grew, the mileage steadily increased until before they knew it, they were completing up to 12 miles weekly.

“We found a freedom in our weekly rides that we were losing everywhere else. For a few hours every week, we could escape from the news, feel the wind in our hair, and pretend that everything was normal.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND CHALLENGES

Everyone loved the weekly cycling adventures, including Molly’s 5-year old daughter. She rode on a trailer bike attached to Molly’s bicycle, which allowed her to participate in the ride while also enabling her to take a break from pedaling when she needed to rest.

One of the most exciting parts for Molly and her family was the ever changing scenery. No ride was ever the same, each route promised something new. They especially loved the beautiful vistas and geographical changes from the city skyline to fields, marshlands, and wooded forests. Not to mention the diversity of the people they encountered on the Trail. People of all ages and abilities, cyclists, walkers, runners, and roller bladders. Each ride offered a new experience.

To add to the excitement, Molly used the mile markers as an incentive to keep everyone motivated and energized!

“Every time we reached a new mile marker we rang our bells in celebration, and it became a game to see who could spot the marker first. For the last dozen or so miles, the number of rings matched the number on the marker (since we were going “backward” on the trail).”

For the Brannan-Jones family, the most difficult challenge hit them right from the start, the dreaded hill heading out of Richmond. At the beginning of their first leg, they also encountered their first and only crash. Molly was impressed with the attention and generous concern her son received from the cyclists nearby who stopped to see if they were alright. Not discouraged in the least, her son jumped back on his bike and off they went to finish the day’s trek. Later that afternoon, they tracked their first week’s progress on a map, a routine they incorporated after each ride.

“When we completed a ride, staggering in the door sweaty and satisfied, the kids would help us fill in our progress on a map of the trail we printed and posted on the fridge.”

The best part of the challenge for Molly was seeing the change in her son, watching him build confidence, learn to overcome challenges, and regain some of the freedom he had lost from COVID-19. Her most memorable moment, witnessing her son, little legs pedaling like crazy, tackling the final hill as he went up and over the Chickahominy River Bridge. A visual reflection of how much he had grown mentally and physically over the last eight weeks, from the first hill out of Richmond and the obstacles it presented to the last hill over the Chickahominy River and how differently her son attacked it with strength and confidence. The entire eight-week, 51.7-mile adventure, is something the Brannan-Jones family will remember and treasure always.

MOLLY’S TIPS AND STRATEGY

Are you looking for a fun challenge for your family this summer? Molly’s shares her simple tips and strategy:

• Pack plenty of healthy snacks and water. Hydrate often and take frequent breaks!

• Bring a first aid kit. Accidents will happen, especially when riding with children.

• Start slow, let the children set the pace. Be mindful of the heat index when planning your start and stopping times.

• Plan ahead. Study the route ahead of time, learn where the hills and restrooms are, and have a parking plan. Explain the route to your children so they know what to expect. Talk about what they will see, when your breaks will be, make it a fun adventure but remember to be flexible. Plans can change out on the Trail.

• For the longer car rides as you go further from home, bring games and activities to keep the children entertained.

• Make sure everyone has a bike, trailer or trailer bike, etc., that they will be comfortable in for the duration of the ride and that you have a way to transport the bicycles if you do not have a bike rack.

• Involve everyone by giving each family member a job to do. Even small children can help pack snacks.

• Focus on the goal! Print off the map and highlight the sections you have completed. Put the map in a visible spot, like on the fridge, as a reminder of your accomplishments.

• Recognize weekly accomplishments with small rewards for each completed section and of course the big one - completing the entire Trail. It doesn’t have to be big, something as simple as stickers or going out for ice-cream. Molly gave everyone in her family a VCTF buff to commemorate their final mile milestone. And of course, everyone in her family was very excited when they received their Cap Trail Quarantine shirts and certificates of achievement in the mail.

• Make it fun! Incorporate the mile markers with a fun activity. Ring… ring… ring… when you spot a mile marker ring your bell or take a family picture. 

• Above all, enjoy the experience! Don’t be in a hurry, be flexible, and enjoy it!

52 miles may seem a bit daunting and unrealistic, especially with small children, but with proper planning and the right mindset it could become one of your most memorable adventures.

Thank you to Molly Brannan for sharing her family’s remarkable and inspirational story with us!

Conquering the Virginia Capital Trail by Bike

Have you been thinking about riding all 51.7 miles of the Virginia Capital Trail? Our Trail Ambassadors have come together to offer some tips and tricks to help you achieve your goal! 

John Bander, one of our Trail Ambassadors, asked himself, “Am I ready to ride the Capital Trail end-to-end?” Mr. Bander offers this piece of advice, “If you can say ‘Yes’ to this then you have a 95% chance of being successful.” Completing the Capital Trail is about determination and taking frequent breaks. 

Before you start, look over the Virginia Capital Trail Map and plan stops along the way to rest or refuel. Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks (like trail mix, bananas, etc). Breaks are important, so try to get off your bike every 10-12 miles to stretch your legs, HYDRATE, and eat a snack. Stop more often for food and water breaks than you think you’ll need. One tip that was suggested was to pedal standing up for a few seconds every 3 miles to quite literally give your butt a break!

Check the weather before you plan to ride and if it’s in the hotter months, it is best to start early to beat the heat. Depending on the weather it may be best to wear layers so you can shed them as it starts to heat up. If you want to get extra technical, check the wind speed. This might help you decide on where to start, Jamestown or Richmond. 

You can accomplish the Trail solo or bring along a group of friends to keep you company, but don’t forget to tell someone about your planned route and start/finish time! Either way, do not forget your cell phone in case you run into any mechanical issues, an extra tube or two, your helmet, a patch kit, a mirror (handlebar or helmet), an extra bike pump, a basic first-aid kit, and sunscreen. 

And at the end of the day, remember “51.7 [miles] isn’t too bad and it shouldn’t be a race. Just go slow and steady and enjoy it.” -Ambassador, Joe Brown

Do you have any suggestions?  Feel free to post in the comments section.

A special thank you to all of the Trail Ambassadors who helped piece this article together.

Unstoppable at 69: a 43-year Old Bike Sparks a New Passion

When Trail user Mary Arnold, age 69, decided to get serious about bicycle racing, not even an injured knee or black widow could make her brake.

Mary is a member of the Sweet Spot Women's Race Team - a group of amazing women! - Bike Route 1

In 2016, Mary, an avid runner, blew out her knee but that didn’t stop her. Not one to sit around, she knew she needed to find a new passion. It had been over 25 years since she had sat on a bicycle, but Mary dusted off her 43-year-old bicycle and hit the Capital Trail. As her endurance grew and her rides became longer, she discovered it was a great way to explore her community, get energized (lots of endorphins), and feel the wind on her face. Mary enjoyed it so much, that she decided to compete in the upcoming Virginia Senior Games. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Mary was the only person to race in her age category. Not only did she walk away with her first gold, but she also qualified for the National Senior Games in Albuquerque. One race and she was hooked. She had found her sweet spot in the women’s racing realm.

On the podium at the Blood Sweat and Bacon time trial in Smithfield, 2019

With Albuquerque in her sights, Mary started riding in earnest, bought a new bicycle and started training with a coach. On her new set of wheels, Mary hit the Trail and her neighborhood section of Bike Route 1 with renewed dedication racking up almost 1,000 miles on the Capital Trail alone. Unfortunately, fate interceded one morning when Mary awoke with abdomen pains and nausea. What she thought was appendicitis turned out to be the venomous bite from a black widow spider. The bite left Mary feeling drained for several weeks, but she refused to let it derail her. In 2019, at age 69, Mary completed her training and rode an all-time personal high of 4,018 miles.

Standing on the podium after the 5K in Albuquerque, earning eighth place in the top 10 all-time women record holders over the age of 65, Mary knew that this was only the beginning. Since then, she’s competed in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Time Trial Series. What’s next for this hard charger? Almost 70, Mary is tackling her first triathlon!

Mary’s vintage 1973 Nishiki Competition

When asked about her favorite ride Mary shares, “My last ride was my favorite. Starting at Charles City Courthouse, riding to Jamestown and around Jamestown Island, then riding back to eat at Cul’s Courthouse Grille. I love crossing over the Chickahominy River; I love arriving at historic Jamestown and the landscape opening up to the island and the water. And I love finishing my ride at Cul’s with good food and craft beer. The family is so supportive of the bicycling community, that I like to support them as well.”

Mary racked up 948 miles on the Capital Trail in 2019. Why does she enjoy riding on the Trail? That’s easy…

“I love the Trail. You can ride with little stopping and there is no vehicle traffic. It’s one of the biggest features for cyclists in Virginia.”

Do you know a Trail user with a remarkable story to share? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at info@virginiacapitaltrail.org.

The Capital Trail is Ever-Evolving: What's Next on the Horizon?

Dear Friend of the Capital Trail,

I am looking forward to an exciting 2020 at the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.  I wanted to give you a brief update on some of the projects that are happening on or near the Capital Trail.  As you can tell, the Capital Trail is ever-evolving and timelines can change due to many factors.  Check out just a few of the projects below: 

Henrico County:

Bathrooms at Four Mile Creek:  Yes, this is in the works with Henrico County Parks and Recreation but there is not a set date for construction.  Henrico County has expressed that they are getting closer but construction drawings and budget are still being reviewed by Henrico and VDOT.  

Varina Safety Enhancements: VDOT's completion date is scheduled for September 2020.  Here are more details on some of the enhancements.

Turkey Island Creek Public Access Project:  The James River Association is planning a public park along the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County. When complete, the 12.2-acre riverside park will provide access to Turkey Island Creek, a tributary of the James River, and serve as a trailhead for the Virginia Capital Trail.  Here is more information.

James City County/Williamsburg:

Connector to Colonial Williamsburg/BoAT Trail:  VCTF and the Tidewater Trails Alliance are working together to connect the Capital Trail to Williamsburg.  We are currently solidifying the route and collaborating with JCC, the City of Williamsburg, and the College of William & Mary to make this happen.  Here is more information on the long-term vision of the BoAT Trail.

Charles City County:

Connector to the High School:  The construction of little less than a half-mile shared-use path along Route 155 trail to the Charles City County High School. Construction is expected to start in a few months.  Here is more information.   

Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area:  Physical improvements to the area are complete.  The camping area consists of three campsites with picnic tables. We are continuing to work with our partners at the James River Association and Charles City County to set up online registration for the primitive camping area. Here is more information.  

City of Richmond:

Gillies Creek Gateway:  A proposed paved, shared-use path that would ultimately extend approximately 2.5 miles from the Virginia Capital Trail along Dock Street, northward through the Greater Fulton Community, and connect to the planned mixed-income redevelopment of the former Armstrong High School in the Oakwood Community.  More information can be found in the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget on page 77.  

The Low Line Green:  Construction has begun on beautifying the portion of the trail in the City of Richmond near the Flood Wall by our friends at Capital Trees.  Here is what it will look like.

Canal Walk Connector To Brown's Island:  This project will improve the connection between Brown's Island, T-Potterfield Bridge, and the proposed Ashland to Petersburg Trail (40+ mile trail).  
More information can be found in the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget on page 72.  

These are very exciting times for the Virginia Capital Trail! The future is bright and full of great possibilities.

Thank You,

Cat Anthony
Executive Director

Photo Credit: M. Drumheller

Stay Active this Winter!

embrace the cold - tips on staying active all winter long

January 8, 2020

During the winter months, it’s only natural to feel a bit sluggish and tired. Newly set fitness goals may seem harder than ever to achieve as temperatures drop but don’t give up. Check out these fitness tips on how you can embrace the cold and stay active this winter.

1. Layer Up - Dress for the weather. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands. Invest in a water and wind resistant jacket to keep out the chills. Be sure to wear a base layer and remember: above all - keep dry.

2. Be Visible - Stand out and be seen. Wear reflective gear, brightly colored clothing, and use lights. A headlight or rear flasher will significantly increase your visibility.

3. Prepare - Plan your route in advance and share your plans with a friend. Consider taking a more wooded route to help cut down on the wind. Pay attention to weather conditions and wind chills. If conditions are dangerous, be flexible and move your workout to a different time or day.

4. Warm-Up - Add additional time to your warm-up session. If you don’t normally warm-up, consider adding a 10-15 minute warm-up routine during the winter months. Cold muscles don’t perform as well and are more prone to injury. It only takes a few minutes and your muscles will thank you later.

5. Stay Motivated - Keep focused on your goals. Enter an event to help you stay motivated. The Winter Warrior Challenge is a great event to keep you moving all winter long. Challenge your friends for some friendly competition!

6. Grab a Partner - Friends are great accountability partners and will help keep you motivated. If you can’t find someone to ride or run with, you can look into joining a cycling or running group like WAB, RABA, Richmond Road Runners, Colonial Road Runners, etc.

7. Stay Hydrated - When it’s cold, you might not feel thirsty but it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. Fill your water bottle with warm water so it doesn’t freeze. Not only does hydration help regulate your body temperature but it can also give you a much-needed boost!

8. Be Kind - Reward yourself for getting it done! Don’t be concerned with pace or mileage. Being active in the wintertime is more about conditioning and maintaining instead of crushing your times. Be proud of yourself for what you have accomplished. There are people who didn’t even get off the couch today!

Colder months can be frustrating but try to think of them as new adventures. The important thing is to stay active, be safe, and get outside! Think of all those calories you’ll burn!

Resources:

8 Tips for Better Winter Cycling by Tyrone Holmes

16 Winter Cycling Tips to Keep You Motivated and Battle the Winter Blahs by David Arthur

10 Tips to Make Winter Running Less Miserable by Yishane Lee

MY 15 YEARS WITH THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL (PART 3 OF 3)

MY 15 YEARS WITH THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL:
THE future YEARS (2019 & Beyond)

PART THREE OF A THREE PART SERIES

DECEMBER 17, 2019

Memoir Part II ended in the Fall of 2018…

Earlier this year, Cat Anthony invited me to a VCTF Board meeting to talk about the Capital Trail Ambassadors. I spoke about how we did research on similar groups and modeled the VCT group after The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) organization. The key learning from this research was: don’t make the group highly structured like club rides where there is a sign in, ride leader, and rigid schedule, instead just ask Ambassadors to “ride when they want and where they want.” I believe this concept has contributed significantly to our Ambassadors’ growth and success.

It was also at this meeting that Cat Anthony paid me the greatest, and very unexpected, compliment: she commented to the Board that I was one of two volunteers (Dean Dunbar being the other) she considered “staff members.”

A few final recollections that don’t fit into the rough timeline used as a framework for this memoir, but stand out from the first spade of dirt turned in 2005 to the world-class asset for our area that the Trail has become: 

• Working with Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director before Cat Anthony. Few will ever understand how her leadership wove through a myriad of difficult situations to bring the Trail to life. 

• Working with and observing VDOT and their strong ownership and responsiveness to Trail needs. These are dedicated folks who deserve our “Thanks” for their role in making the Trail what it is.

• Working with Cat, Claire, and Cyndee, the current VCTF staff. They are a truly effective team, navigating their complex world while focused on making the user experience the best possible. 

And a few other folks who come to mind:

• Dean Dunbar (often supported by Don Grosse and Neal Robinson) who has “owned” the Trail infrastructure. Lead coordinator with VDOT for repairs, maintenance and litter control for many years. Installer and maintainer of benches and bike repair stations along the Trail.

• Angela Bright, a State of Virginia employee, who has spent five years of her “community service” days doing a litter clean up on the Richmond half of the Trail. 

• Our Trail Ambassadors, (now 80 strong) who make the user experience a better one in so many ways.

Looking forward, here are my hopes for the next five years of the Trail and the Foundation. 

• Grow as a small business magnet to provide services to Trail users. There are several new businesses because of the Trail now, but there is room for more.

• Grow further as a “destination” for cyclists and other Trail users across the US and internationally.

• Continue to develop strong connections with the communities the Trail touches through outreach and engaging the community leaders and citizens.

And finally, although it will take longer than five years, I envision the VCT being interconnected with other trails to create a Virginia wide system of trails completely separate from road vehicles use. 

Thank you,

Ted Hanson
Virginia Capital Trail Ambassador
East-End Coordinator

MY 15 YEARS WITH THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL (Part 2 of 3)

MY 15 YEARS WITH THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL:
THE recent YEARS 2012-2019

PART TWO OF A THREE PART SERIES

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Memoir Part I ended the “go ahead” to start the Trail Ambassadors group in the Fall of 2012. 

However, before I continue the Trail Ambassador story, I need to backtrack to 2011 and 2012 and pick up two items.

After the trail surveys of 2010 and 2011, it was clear there was a need to get user count statistics as a measure of success for the VCTF Board and to use in outreach and grant applications. In 2011, the VCTF purchased three electronic counters for placement along the Trail. These were electric eyes to be placed about 18 inches off the ground that would count every time something (think bicycle) or being (think human or dog or deer) crossed the path. (Note: these counters were later replaced by a VDOT system.) 

Michael Luchs, a professor at William & Mary and I did a survey of the 6.5 miles of completed Trail in James City County. Upon survey results, one location decided upon was the Battle of Green Spring parking lot. We did have an “oops” moment as the sign post in which we installed the counter belonged to the local chapter of a national historic organization! I checked with them to get “after-the-fact” permission. They requested a formal letter signed by the Executive Director. Upon receipt, the President sent me an email: “unacceptable” as I had spelled the “Battle of Green Spring” as one word “Greensprings” and it must be Green Spring.  But, low and behold, the returned approval letter we received had misspelled the Trail name, using the word “Capitol” (the building) versus the correct “Capital” (the seat of government). I consulted with Beth Weisbrod and asked her, “Should I?” (tell him to correct the spelling), but we both laughed and just declared it a success.

My first recollection of a CAP2CAP event was from May 2011. However, it had already been an event since 2006. This year I got involved in doing signage for the routes in Charles City for the start out of Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County. I did signage duty for about 5-6 years until it was assigned to a contractor. This involved placement and uninstallation of about 50 route signs along the 25 and 50 mile routes. After a lot of help from Neal Robinson and others, it involved probably 8 hours of road duty each year. 

Now back to the Ambassadors...the approach was to recruit volunteers who would be trained to improve the Trail user experience by providing mechanical, medical and information assistance to those using the Trail. Of course, in 2012, this was largely a James City County activity, but as Co-Founder Chan Mohney lives in the Richmond area, he brought in two Richmond based folks to round out the ones from Williamsburg for a total of seven Ambassadors in the initial training classes.

Ambassador training, after a brief history of the Trail, was basically borrowed from the W&OD (Washington & Old Dominion Trail) “best practices” which Chan was granted permission to use. Things to do and not do…avoid confrontation, make suggestions about safety, assist those in need (mechanical and medical), and provide information (location of water, restrooms and other amenities).

Ambassadors received one hour of classroom training, followed by three hours of “on the trail” experience with Chan pointing out things to observe and report. At the end of the training, Ambassadors were provided with a logoed vest, first aid kit, business cards with Trail Rules and a QR code link to the Trail maps on the website. They are expected to wear a helmet as a good example, do two patrols a month April through October, and file a report within 48 hours. Until 2018, the reporting was done the old-fashioned way, writing an email to me with mileage, hours, sections covered and observations and hopefully photos. Yours truly then manually posted this data to an EXCEL and reported the results quarterly. (In 2018 VCTF staff automated these processes, Yeah!)

In three years, the Ambassador ranks grew from those 7 “Founding Members” in November 2012 to 30 plus members by the end of 2015.  That year the Ambassadors did 213 patrols for 560 hours and over 5000 miles!

Larry Skalak was a legendary Williamsburg area cyclist (his day job was as a home-building contractor). He passed away in 2014 while starting his fourth cross country bicycling trek. The Williamsburg Area Bicyclist (WAB) bike club decided to do something to remember Larry and his love of cycling. I have no recollection of how I got into this project, but I was soon leading the project with Dean Dunbar. After several meeting with Larry’s widow, June, we had a concept, a bench alongside the VCT. After nearly a year of planning and construction, the result was a world class pavilion with a bike rack, bench and Fixit station, alongside the VCT at Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County.

In 2017, I decided it was time after five years, to transition the leadership of the Trail Ambassadors to someone with a new vision and leadership direction. Before I could make this desire known, Beth Weisbrod announced that after 10 years leading the Trail from concept to completion, she would be “retiring”. When Cat Anthony came on board, she reached out to stakeholders in the VCT and asked to meet with me. In that meeting, I committed to delay my “retirement” for one year. Cat, true to her word, remembered our agreement and in the Fall of 2018, I transitioned into the role of East-End Ambassador Coordinator. But in a gratifying development since then, I regularly work with VCTF’s 2018 hire, Claire, to consult on Trail issues and concerns as well as outreach and marketing (to be continued…)!

Ted Hanson
Virginia Capital Trail Ambassador
East-End Coordinator

My 15 Years with the Virginia Capital Trail

My 15 years with the Virginia capital Trail: The Early Years 2005-2012

Part One of a two part series

October 15, 2019

My nearly 15-year long association with the Virginia Capital Trail (VCT) began in July 2005 at the groundbreaking for the Greensprings section (the first section). Then Governor Mark Warner gave the keynote address and arrived on site with security in six large black SUVs. I rode my bike the 7 miles from home. The juxtaposition of my bike and all the eight mile per gallon SUVs sticks with me years later.

I had been an avid recreational cyclist since 1989 living in three other states, Virginia being the fourth. However, I was a little “spooked” by the Virginia roads and motorists. I moved here from Connecticut, which had already started building a paved multi-use trail, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, so I knew the benefits of riding with no vehicle concerns.

A year later in 2006, I was there as new Governor Tim Kaine did the ribbon cutting honors for the opening of the Greensprings section. The Trail was open to ride, or at least a small section of it was.

In the next couple years, sections in downtown Richmond and Charles City were completed.

At the time we Trail watchers thought it was a peculiar way to build a trail with a short section at both ends and then a stand-alone section in the middle, unconnected to either end. We would soon learn that this was intentional as the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Whitt Clement, believed that it would be hard to not finish the Trail with 3 unconnected sections. His reasoning that if 20 miles were contiguous, that during a budget crunch the legislature might feel that was enough and truncate the completion of the 52 miles.

My next key recollection of Trail association is from October 2009, at the “Jamestown Volunteer Initiative”. This was a meeting led by Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director of VCTF at the time, and Leah Dempsey, VCTF Board member (Leah is still on the Board in 2019). The objective was “Identification of Potential Volunteer Opportunities”.  Six Williamsburg residents attended the meeting at the downtown Williamsburg Library (five of whom are still active and affiliated with the VCT in various ways).

Out of this meeting four volunteered to lead projects:

1. Develop a “Friends of the Capital Trail”

2. Find a site director for CAP2CAP (which was based at Chickahominy Riverfront Park)

3. Conduct a Trail User Study

4. Develop a database of volunteers

The results: The Friends and database of volunteers evolved over time as the VCT Trail Ambassadors and its related roster; a CAP2CAP site director was engaged; and a user study was conducted in both 2010 and again in 2011, providing valuable insight into who used the trail.

Key findings from the User Survey were that 75% of users were Williamsburg residents, 20% were from other parts of Virginia with 5% from out of the state. Also 70% of the users were cyclists versus 30% runners/walkers. Yes, things have changed in the years since, with the majority of users now from Richmond and out of the area.

During 2010 and 2011 a couple of us researched “Friends of the Trail” groups, and then visited two trails (C&O Trail and the W&OD Trail, both in the DC area) to get first-hand feedback on “Friends” groups. The visits include discussing the administrative aspects and “shadowing” some team members on one of their patrols. The learning was almost identical from these two visits and the Trail Patrol (now Trail Ambassadors) organization was modeled after the best practices gleaned from these two other trails.

Then in mid-2012, I got an unexpected email from Chan Mohney, who was retiring to Richmond and had been a trail patrol member on the W&OD for many years. We agreed to meet for lunch in Williamsburg. Out of that meeting, the Ambassadors blueprint was proposed to Beth Weisbrod. She took the concept to the VCTF Board and after approval we started on our Trail Ambassador journey (to be continued…)!

Ted Hanson
Virginia Capital Trail Ambassador
East-End Coordinator