Right Around the River Blog
Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride Attracts Thousands
Post Date: 05-15-2012
After only a few years, the Virginia Capital Trail Cap2Cap Bike Ride is gaining major momentum, and cyclists, spectators and media are taking notice. Last year, Richmond.com listed the event as a "Richmond Outdoors: Best of 2011" top choice. And last weekend, Cap2Cap welcomed 2200 cyclists -- 440 more than in 2011!
(Featuring Rocketts Landing 210 Rock resident Tom Tarkington)
As one of the largest (and fastest growing) cycling events in Virginia, participants flex their muscles while raising money for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation -- an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the 55-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail currently being built to link Richmond and Jamestown. And from the sounds of the event's success and sights of participant's sweaty smiles, everyone enjoyed a day full of cycling enthusiasm and camaraderie!
Cyclists rode either a 100-, 50- or 25-mile course and started (and finished) from one of two points: Rocketts Landing’s riverfront or James City County’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
“The location in Rocketts Landing was absolutely perfect,” explains Beth Weisbrod, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation executive director. “People couldn’t believe how beautiful the area was. The location and size fit our needs perfectly, and it really made a great day for the Richmond cyclists!”
Participants came from as far away as Maryland and beyond, and fundraising estimates exceed $70,000! Cap2Cap also introduced new features for cyclists this year:
- Eco-Discovery 15-Mile Ride: This lower impact course offered cyclists a shorter route option and was especially popular for amateurs and families with children. Based on the route’s popularity (drawing 70 families and about 140 additional individuals), they plan to keep this course for next year’s race.
- Cap2Cap jerseys: Jerseys were also a huge hit and helped contribute $400 toward the Foundation’s fundraising goal. They have more jerseys available to purchase for only another week, so if you missed out on buying one, you can do so now through their website!
As far as the trail’s development, they are making great progress! On May 24, the Foundation will celebrate a groundbreaking in Charles City County for the trail’s Sherwood Forest Phase, which will complete the 27-mile portion from Jamestown to Charles City. Construction is already underway with an estimated completion date by October 2013. And a portion that will connect Richmond to Charles City — which includes a section through Rocketts Landing — is on track to open by May 2014.
As proud supporters of the Virginia Capital Trail, we’re certainly thrilled to host Cap2Cap each year at Rocketts Landing, and look forward to welcoming even more cyclists to next year’s race!