Written by Kelly Drewnowski, Southeast Regional Coordinator
Spending a chilly Saturday morning riding 15+ miles with the ladies of SheJumps was the perfect start to a beautiful fall weekend. On Saturday, October 24, nine women gathered in Richmond, Virginia to try out the newly opened trail during the first SheJumps Capital Trail Cycle. The Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile paved multi-use trail connecting the Commonwealth’s current capital of Richmond, with the colonial capital of Williamsburg. More than 20 years in the making, this beautiful trail parallels the historic and scenic byway of Route 5.
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
As we left the city and urban setting of Rocketts Landing, we were quickly greeted with farms and a few rolling hills. The change in scenery reminded many of us what makes Richmond so unique. Being the only city in the United States with Class III and IV rapids running through the center, Richmond has much to offer for the outdoor enthusiast. The new Capital Trail compliments that offering nicely!
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
Having hosted the 2015 UCI Road World Championships last month, Richmond has caught cycle fever in a big way. The opening of the new Capital Trail was timed perfectly with the publicity this world-class event brought to the local cycling community. The paved trail has provided many long time cyclists, as well as newbie’s, a safe and inviting place to ride in and around Richmond. There is something so peaceful about carrying on conversations while you ride two wide without worrying about the traffic coming dangerously close to you!
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
The many parking areas along the beginning of the route were full that morning as was the trail. While busy, it never felt crowded. Our group encountered numerous cyclist, runners and walkers. It was so cool to see people that spanned every fitness level and bike type out enjoying the day together. From beach cruisers to triathlon roadies we passed it all! This trail has successfully created the perfect environment for avid riders to log miles, while giving new comers a safe place to become familiar with the sport of cycling.
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
Following the 15 mile out and back ride, we continued on the last little bit of the trail toward downtown Richmond and Shockoe Bottom. Riding under trail trestles, Interstate 95 and through the flood wall was a change of pace from the fields and farms just outside of town, but a great way to experience the more urban part of the trail.
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
It’s not often you get to pass historic farms and ride through a flood wall all on the same excursion! There was something new and exciting to see around every turn. On the urban portion of the trail we passed segways, cyclist and walkers all out enjoying the cool fall morning. It was great to see such a variety of ways to experience the new Virginia Capital Trail, as it really does offer something for everyone!
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
After the ride we pedaled a little further to Conch Republic Rocketts, the Key West inspired waterfront restaurant over looking the James River and the city of Richmond. The ladies enjoyed refueling and rehydrating with delicious cuisine while discussing SheJumps and possible future events in the region. Several awesome new ideas were conceived and the wheels were put into motion. We can’t wait to start planning the next series of events for the Southeast!
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
Thanks to our national partners everyone took home EcoLips lip balm and pour overs from Little Red Wagon Coffee Roasters. Several lucky ladies also won the great raffle items donated by our event partners at Backcountry and Conch Republic Rocketts. We are super grateful to everyone for the support they have given SheJumps, this ride and all events in the Southeast! We couldn’t do it without you!
(Photo by: Kelly Drewnowski)
Bringing more outdoor adventures to moms, daughters, close friends and new faces in the Southeast makes each SheJumps event worth all the planning and hard work! We love seeing the ladies get outside and experiencing life in a way they might not have before. Thanks for trying something new with us and judging by these smiles, I’d say they enjoyed it!
It was a great day for a ride with the ladies of SheJumps and one we all would like to repeat soon! Keep an eye out for another increase in Girafficorn sightings as several ladies picked up new shirts and stickers. The Southeast area should have lots of Girafficorns to spot now thanks to everyone’s generous support!