Cap2Cap ride: the sequel

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Followers of this blog may recall that last year we produced a multimedia slideshow for the Cap2Cap bike ride, which is a popular road ride to raise money for a bike path linking downtown Richmond with Williamsburg. The trail will traverse Rocketts Landing adjacent to the marina.

This year I left the camera at home and jumped on my mountain bike for 50 miles. That’s the farthest I’ve ever pedaled. But fifty miles goes faster than you’d think -- or at least the almost four hours it took me to complete the 50 went faster than, say, four hours at work. And the weather held up wonderfully, which is a risk in Richmond in May.
 
Joining me were around 1,400 riders. Last year participants met at Dorey Park, but this year we started and ended at Rocketts Landing, and riders could choose to pedal 25, 50 or 100 miles.

The shade of the rural roads was especially pleasant, and the air had that just-rained smell you only get in the countryside. I don’t drive that way too often, and it surprised me and several other riders in my pack how quickly the land turns rural in Eastern Henrico.

In only its second year, the Cap2Cap ride has a cult following. Beth Weisbrod, the executive director of the Capital Trail Foundation, said attendance increased 40% compared to last year. The foundation is still determining how much the event raised, but the money is used for trail enhancements, such as signs and benches.

While I generally call it a bike path, it’s technically a multi-use trail and will likely see heavy action from pedestrians and joggers, especially close to downtown Richmond.

Last year the routes took riders from Eastern Henrico to various points on the way to Williamsburg. This year the routes were loops through verdant farmland. That change eliminated the need for shuttles.

And this year there was a more festive spirit.

“The layout of Rocketts is perfect for the race because it is so close to the trail and on the east side of Richmond, the side closest in proximity to Williamsburg," said Tim Miller, the event director.

 "Now that Rocketts Landing is the host of the Cap2Cap race we've been able to add a bunch of bells and whistles to the event like the VIP breakfast, beer truck, lights and live music. We're really trying to make this race more exciting and attract more bikers, kind of like the Tour de France."

Photo / Captain's Blog