Here are some videos from last Saturday’s “Lost Garden” trail work courtesy of camera man Bill Swan of Richmond ASR.
First up is a “walking in” approach of the entrance to the new Lost Garden. Note: Trail work was still in progress.
Next is a quick clip of JRPS Trails Manager Nathan Burrell operating the Ditch Witch to help place a large rock at what will be the exit of the trail feature. Having mechanized equipment and skilled operators is a huge asset to building sustainable trails in the city but it still doesn’t eliminate all of the manual labor. It still takes a sharp eye, experienced hands and a strong back to complete the sweet single track that we all love.
And finally we have a short clip of two local racers from the Luna Chix team trying their skills on the new feature. Way to go ladies!
A big thanks goes out again to all of you who came out and lent a hand to get this feature put in place and to Bill Swan for the video and finally to the city of Richmond for allowing us to play & build in it’s wonderful park.
Don’t forget the end of the year social and December club meeting will be held at Legends this Wednesday starting at 6pm. We hope to see you down there.
Until then please enjoy this light dusting of snow.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"Lost Garden" trail work update in pictures
Take a look at what’s brewing under the bridge downtown.
It’s a new TTF dubbed the “Lost Garden.” It’s an idea that was proposed by some local mountain bikers and then put into the dirt by those same bikers.
It's a perfect example of what can happen when you get involved.
It's also looking good boys.
We appreciate all of your hard work.
The project is almost finished but work will resume on this section again at 9am Saturday morning.
Please come on out and lend a hand for a few hours if you can.
With a little bit of luck we should be able to finish up the garden this Saturday and who knows maybe even get a video of Marty riding this creation. Here’s the skinny if you can help out for a while Saturday morning.
Trail work starts at 9am and usually lasts till at least 2-3pm. Feel free to come out at any time to lend a hand. The Lost Garden is located on the back side of Belle Isle near the wooden access bridge that leads off the island. Park at the Tredegar St. parking lot underneath the train tracks then walk across the suspension bridge to access Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved path towards the back of the island and you will see the wooden bridge and the crew working.
We will try to have some updated pics of the completed rock garden TTF when it gets finished.
Friday, December 3, 2010
12/4/10 Trail Work and info update
Greetings Fellow Trail Enthusiasts,
This Saturday 12-4-10 Nathan & the gang will be heading over to Belle Isle to help some fellow mountain bikers finish up a new TTF near the wooden access bridge on the backside of the island. A small group of dedicated mountain bikers have already spent the last several weekends dong the lions share of the work under the guidance of Nathan. Now we just need to come in and take care of moving some of the larger rocks into place and do some finishing work. The idea is to work from around 9am till about 1:30ish then pack up the tools and head over to Forest Hill Park to join in on the benefit for Wayne Goodman. In case you missed the info that we sent out about “A Day In The Park For Wayne” we will follow this email up with a quick reminder. Wayne has dedicated countless personal time and funding not to mention an un-measurable amount of time swinging an axe, tamping the trail tread and working a shovel to help us make the trails what they are today. Please drop by Shelter #2 in Forest Hill Park to show your support and help us give something back to a man who’s given us so much.
The meeting location will be at the “Lost Trail” trail head near the wooden access bridge at the back of Belle Isle at 9am. If you enter Belle Isle via the footbridge (that comes over from the Tredegar St. parking lot) just follow the paved pathway to the back side of the island and you will see the wooden access bridge. The entrance to the “Lost Trail” and the path to the new rock garden will be on your left as you approach the wooden bridge.
PS. While we have your attention we wanted to remind you that our friends over in Harrisonburg are still fighting hard to keep mountain bike access open to several incredible trails like the North Fork trail just across the West Virginia state line. Please take 2 minutes to visit this site and sign the petition then email our congressman and let him know that we ride trails and that we demand fair access.
Thanks,
The RaMORE board
When: Saturday 12-4-10 9am
Where: The easiest thing to do is park in the Tredegar street parking lot (the lot commonly used for Belle Isle/Browns Island events. Underneath the train tracks near Tredegar Iron Works) and cross the concrete footbridge to gain access to Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved pathway towards the back of the island to the wooden access bridge.
Bring: Same as always; gloves, comfortable shoes or work boots, water, a snack and a smile.
This Saturday 12-4-10 Nathan & the gang will be heading over to Belle Isle to help some fellow mountain bikers finish up a new TTF near the wooden access bridge on the backside of the island. A small group of dedicated mountain bikers have already spent the last several weekends dong the lions share of the work under the guidance of Nathan. Now we just need to come in and take care of moving some of the larger rocks into place and do some finishing work. The idea is to work from around 9am till about 1:30ish then pack up the tools and head over to Forest Hill Park to join in on the benefit for Wayne Goodman. In case you missed the info that we sent out about “A Day In The Park For Wayne” we will follow this email up with a quick reminder. Wayne has dedicated countless personal time and funding not to mention an un-measurable amount of time swinging an axe, tamping the trail tread and working a shovel to help us make the trails what they are today. Please drop by Shelter #2 in Forest Hill Park to show your support and help us give something back to a man who’s given us so much.
The meeting location will be at the “Lost Trail” trail head near the wooden access bridge at the back of Belle Isle at 9am. If you enter Belle Isle via the footbridge (that comes over from the Tredegar St. parking lot) just follow the paved pathway to the back side of the island and you will see the wooden access bridge. The entrance to the “Lost Trail” and the path to the new rock garden will be on your left as you approach the wooden bridge.
PS. While we have your attention we wanted to remind you that our friends over in Harrisonburg are still fighting hard to keep mountain bike access open to several incredible trails like the North Fork trail just across the West Virginia state line. Please take 2 minutes to visit this site and sign the petition then email our congressman and let him know that we ride trails and that we demand fair access.
Thanks,
The RaMORE board
When: Saturday 12-4-10 9am
Where: The easiest thing to do is park in the Tredegar street parking lot (the lot commonly used for Belle Isle/Browns Island events. Underneath the train tracks near Tredegar Iron Works) and cross the concrete footbridge to gain access to Belle Isle. Once on Belle Isle follow the paved pathway towards the back of the island to the wooden access bridge.
Bring: Same as always; gloves, comfortable shoes or work boots, water, a snack and a smile.
A Day In The Park For Wayne
Wayne Goodman, local trail builder and friend to the James River Park, was recently injured riding his mountain bike on his beloved JRP trails. He is recovering at the VCU Medical Center’s spinal cord rehabilitation unit. Wayne, who has donated literally thousands of hours of his time as well as money, blood, sweat and tears, is now in need of our help.
A small committee of his friends has formed to plan events and other means to help Wayne in his time of need. We are announcing the first event which will occur on Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.at the main shelter (shelter #2) in ForestHillPark(note: this is the shelter area where Wayne’s fateful accident occurred). To get there, you should enter the park by heading north on 42nd Street, then turn right into the park at New Kent Avenue.
The plan is to spend “A Day in the Park for Wayne.” We will be taking donations and selling “G-Man” t-shirts where all proceeds will go towards helping Wayne with his finances. The location will be the main shelter at the back of the park. We will have coffee, hot cider, brownies, cookies and anything anyone else would like to donate.
We are also planning to post a donation link on Wayne’s website at http://cantholdagoodmandown.com/ in order that donations can be accepted from individuals or groups wishing to help out but don’t have the availability to attend fund raising activities.
Additional events are now being discussed and further information will be provided as the details are confirmed.
Wayne remains very positive in his recovery and his rehab team reports very encouraging progress. The road is going be long and Wayne knows this will be the toughest race of his life.
As a team, all of us can pull together to help someone who has enabled us to enjoy a park that is unique not only in Virginia but on a national level.
Thank you
A small committee of his friends has formed to plan events and other means to help Wayne in his time of need. We are announcing the first event which will occur on Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.at the main shelter (shelter #2) in ForestHillPark(note: this is the shelter area where Wayne’s fateful accident occurred). To get there, you should enter the park by heading north on 42nd Street, then turn right into the park at New Kent Avenue.
The plan is to spend “A Day in the Park for Wayne.” We will be taking donations and selling “G-Man” t-shirts where all proceeds will go towards helping Wayne with his finances. The location will be the main shelter at the back of the park. We will have coffee, hot cider, brownies, cookies and anything anyone else would like to donate.
We are also planning to post a donation link on Wayne’s website at http://cantholdagoodmandown.com/ in order that donations can be accepted from individuals or groups wishing to help out but don’t have the availability to attend fund raising activities.
Additional events are now being discussed and further information will be provided as the details are confirmed.
Wayne remains very positive in his recovery and his rehab team reports very encouraging progress. The road is going be long and Wayne knows this will be the toughest race of his life.
As a team, all of us can pull together to help someone who has enabled us to enjoy a park that is unique not only in Virginia but on a national level.
Thank you
Thursday, October 28, 2010
North Fork Mountain Ride video
North Fork Mountain Ride - Oct 2010 from Outdoornut Duane on Vimeo.
Some folks did a great job putting together a sweet video of the North Fork ride. Check it out, ride the trail and remember this bill is still in Congress. Lets keep the trail open!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ride Recap- North Fork Mountain Awareness Ride
A 5am meet up for a ride share is not a common occurrence for most mountain bikers. We consider that more of a Triathlete thing. Heck most Triathletes are already done with their swim workout by 5am and are possibly already out on their bikes for a time trial ride around the neighborhood before the traffic hits. Still when a trail ride has as much promise as the IMBA Epic North Fork Mountain trail a 3am wake up call to make it to a 5am ride share is a small price to pay for the fun that awaited.
With a water bottle full of iced coffee and eyes half open Richmond MORE member David R. & I made our way over to Harrisonburg to meet the second ride share of the day for our trip into West Virginia. In the Food Lion parking lot we met up with another Richmonder and Richmond MORE member Aaron B. who was also looking for a fun ride on a new trail. Aaron was looking to extend the pre planned route out a bit further but David & I were quietly hoping to score a shuttle opportunity so that we could ride the entire ridge from tip to tale (South to North.) In typical mountain bike brethren fashion a member of the SVBC was cruising the parking lot trying to corral all the hardcore riders who were looking to ride the full ridge. Jackpot!
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
After a short drive into West Virginia via route 33 David & I were parked on the roadside getting chamoised up and debating if arm & knee warmers would be necessary. We had a nice group of 15-20 start at the route 33 trail head and take on the full monty. The beginning of the trail was fast and rolling and while mostly non technical
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
it didn’t take long for the classic WV rocks to appear from beneath the beautiful Fall leaf cover. Now the line choices start becoming key to staying on the bike. After a fast wide open descent the trail turned upward and the real climbing started. Uphill rock gardens that could be ridden by skilled riders soon gave way to a few hike a bike sections that were ridiculously steep and covered with leaves. The pay off for the short hike a bike was consistent incredible views from almost every rock outcropping in sight. The incredible view phenomenon would continue throughout the rest of the trail.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
The single track would change from a bright red carpet of fallen leaves and hidden embedded rocks to a pine needle covered trail with big nasty rock gardens that required full attention and subtle body English to clean your lines.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
The trail would then change again into a dark brown WV dirt with a beautiful firey orange and yellow tree canopy. Occasionally you would pop out onto a fire road/access road for a minute or two to connect the trail segments and allow vehicle access up and over the mountain.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
While riding the trail we encountered a multitude of trail users ranging from other fellow cyclists to a group of Scouts hiking along the ridge then a group of 8-10 equestrians who were out for a nice Sunday horse ride in the woods.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Eventually we ran into the main group of riders who were along for the shorter organized ride. Everyone that we encountered throughout the day was highly impressed with the quality of the trail and the beautiful overlooks.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
After some rolling rocky ridge riding the trail pointed up once more before leveling off into a good sized technical section then it begin to flow downhill like a ribbon. Screaming down the descent was very similar to carving sweet turns in the snow or waves in the water.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe to someone but easy to enjoy when you find yourself knee deep in the flow.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
We hit the small parking lot at the end of the trail and took a quick spin on the pavement back up to Redman Run to meet the shuttle. In the end this was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. The weather could not have been better, the trail was definitely worthy to be deemed an Epic, the views were incredible and the company was the best. If you’ve never had the chance to ride the North Fork trail I strongly recommend that you make time to make a trip over and check it out. In the meantime please join us in helping keep the trail open for bikers to enjoy. Keep an eye on the “Save the North Fork Mountain Trail” website for updated specific information. Information about the current Wilderness Proposal Bill can be found here.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
With a water bottle full of iced coffee and eyes half open Richmond MORE member David R. & I made our way over to Harrisonburg to meet the second ride share of the day for our trip into West Virginia. In the Food Lion parking lot we met up with another Richmonder and Richmond MORE member Aaron B. who was also looking for a fun ride on a new trail. Aaron was looking to extend the pre planned route out a bit further but David & I were quietly hoping to score a shuttle opportunity so that we could ride the entire ridge from tip to tale (South to North.) In typical mountain bike brethren fashion a member of the SVBC was cruising the parking lot trying to corral all the hardcore riders who were looking to ride the full ridge. Jackpot!
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
After a short drive into West Virginia via route 33 David & I were parked on the roadside getting chamoised up and debating if arm & knee warmers would be necessary. We had a nice group of 15-20 start at the route 33 trail head and take on the full monty. The beginning of the trail was fast and rolling and while mostly non technical
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
it didn’t take long for the classic WV rocks to appear from beneath the beautiful Fall leaf cover. Now the line choices start becoming key to staying on the bike. After a fast wide open descent the trail turned upward and the real climbing started. Uphill rock gardens that could be ridden by skilled riders soon gave way to a few hike a bike sections that were ridiculously steep and covered with leaves. The pay off for the short hike a bike was consistent incredible views from almost every rock outcropping in sight. The incredible view phenomenon would continue throughout the rest of the trail.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
The single track would change from a bright red carpet of fallen leaves and hidden embedded rocks to a pine needle covered trail with big nasty rock gardens that required full attention and subtle body English to clean your lines.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
The trail would then change again into a dark brown WV dirt with a beautiful firey orange and yellow tree canopy. Occasionally you would pop out onto a fire road/access road for a minute or two to connect the trail segments and allow vehicle access up and over the mountain.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
While riding the trail we encountered a multitude of trail users ranging from other fellow cyclists to a group of Scouts hiking along the ridge then a group of 8-10 equestrians who were out for a nice Sunday horse ride in the woods.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Eventually we ran into the main group of riders who were along for the shorter organized ride. Everyone that we encountered throughout the day was highly impressed with the quality of the trail and the beautiful overlooks.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of a fellow rider.*
After some rolling rocky ridge riding the trail pointed up once more before leveling off into a good sized technical section then it begin to flow downhill like a ribbon. Screaming down the descent was very similar to carving sweet turns in the snow or waves in the water.
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe to someone but easy to enjoy when you find yourself knee deep in the flow.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
*Photo courtesy of Shenandoah Mountain Touring.*
We hit the small parking lot at the end of the trail and took a quick spin on the pavement back up to Redman Run to meet the shuttle. In the end this was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. The weather could not have been better, the trail was definitely worthy to be deemed an Epic, the views were incredible and the company was the best. If you’ve never had the chance to ride the North Fork trail I strongly recommend that you make time to make a trip over and check it out. In the meantime please join us in helping keep the trail open for bikers to enjoy. Keep an eye on the “Save the North Fork Mountain Trail” website for updated specific information. Information about the current Wilderness Proposal Bill can be found here.
*Photo courtesy of Metro.*
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sustainable Trail Building 101 Class this Saturday
The header says it all but this link will give you the full details. We hope to see you in class on Saturday.
Friday, September 24, 2010
2010 IMBA Take a Kid MTBing Day
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, IMBA will celebrate its sixth annual International
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. This is a great opportunity for you to pass your
passion for pedaling on to kids!
Location
Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA, 23832
37° 23' 51.6084" N, 77° 35' 46.7772" W
Time:
10 am – 2pm
Details:
Parent and child riders only (children must be accompanied by a legal guardian)
Helmets required! NO TRAINING WHEELS!
Food and snacks provided.
Special giveaways/prizes to participants!
A big thanks to our supporters who include: REI, Friends of Pocahontas State Park, Richmond MORE and DCR.
Flyer
Monday, September 20, 2010
Make sure your voice is heard.
Good afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,
We wanted to fire off a quick reminder email about tonight’s public forum meeting.
We at Richmond MORE strive to be good stewards and advocates of the cycling community. In doing such we would like to pass along some info that we feel is very important for you as a cyclist to know about.
The Mayor's Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission will hold a public forum on Monday, September 20 (That’s Tonight) at The Carillon at Byrd Park, 600 S Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23219 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The presentations will start at 6:30 pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to present the Commission's preliminary findings and recommendations on how to make Richmond a bike, pedestrian and trail friendly town. The Commission hopes to gain input and feedback from citizens.
We ask that you come out and have your voice heard.
Thank You,
The Richmond MORE Board.
We wanted to fire off a quick reminder email about tonight’s public forum meeting.
We at Richmond MORE strive to be good stewards and advocates of the cycling community. In doing such we would like to pass along some info that we feel is very important for you as a cyclist to know about.
The Mayor's Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission will hold a public forum on Monday, September 20 (That’s Tonight) at The Carillon at Byrd Park, 600 S Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23219 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The presentations will start at 6:30 pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to present the Commission's preliminary findings and recommendations on how to make Richmond a bike, pedestrian and trail friendly town. The Commission hopes to gain input and feedback from citizens.
We ask that you come out and have your voice heard.
Thank You,
The Richmond MORE Board.
Friday, June 4, 2010
RaMORE Monthly Meeting June 2010
We will be holding our monthly meeting at Legends on the patio this month. After the meeting’s business is tended to we will have a social to celebrate the end of the 09/10 Fall into Winter Trail work being completed and to get our 2010 Summer kicked off.
Here’s the info:
Where: Legends Brewery out on the patio (inside if the weather is bad)
When: Wednesday June 16th 2010 at 6:00pm
We hope to see you there.
Here’s the info:
Where: Legends Brewery out on the patio (inside if the weather is bad)
When: Wednesday June 16th 2010 at 6:00pm
We hope to see you there.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
National Trails Day a partnership of RaMORE & REI.
I wanted to take a second to pass along some info about our partnership with REI & the James River Park System for National Trails Day on June 5th.
Please join us on Saturday June 5th at 9am in the Reedy Creek parking lot. We will be working on rerouting a section of the Buttermilk trail. This will involve cutting in about 300 feet of new trail and reclaiming about 250 feet of trail. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers as well as a REI OXT t-shirt.***
VORS series racers don't forget that you can earn series points for trail work!
***In order to get the REI OXT shirt you will need to register to volunteer with REI at www.rei.com/stores/127 or call their customer service number 804-360-1381. You don't need to register just to come out and help out but you must register if you want a free shirt.
We hope to see you there in support of National Trails Day.
Thank You,
Richmond MORE
Please join us on Saturday June 5th at 9am in the Reedy Creek parking lot. We will be working on rerouting a section of the Buttermilk trail. This will involve cutting in about 300 feet of new trail and reclaiming about 250 feet of trail. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers as well as a REI OXT t-shirt.***
VORS series racers don't forget that you can earn series points for trail work!
***In order to get the REI OXT shirt you will need to register to volunteer with REI at www.rei.com/stores/127 or call their customer service number 804-360-1381. You don't need to register just to come out and help out but you must register if you want a free shirt.
We hope to see you there in support of National Trails Day.
Thank You,
Richmond MORE
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dominion Riverrock weekend
Good morning RaMORE members,
We have another call to action volunteer request for you. RaMORE will have a club tent (or booth if you will) over on Browns Island during this weekend’s Dominion River Rock festivities. We need to find a handful of RaMORE members to help us man the booth on Friday and Saturday. This opportunity for us presented itself in a last minute fashion and we must apologize for the scramble for volunteers but we feel that it’s important for us to represent the club at an event that utilizes and celebrates the trails that we all work so hard to maintain and preserve.
If you, a friend or a family member or can lend a hand on Friday or Saturday please send us an email to: Ramorerides@gmail.com and we will get with you regarding further details
Here are the times that we need volunteers:
5/14/10
Friday morning: 10:15am-11:30am (for setup)
Friday afternoon: 4pm-9pm (for the Expo)
5/15/10
Saturday afternoon: 3pm-9pm (for the Expo)
5/16/10 *we may need a hand tearing down the setup*
Sunday morning tear down 9am-noon.
Even if you are unable to help out, please stop by the booth and say “Hi” or hang out. If you haven’t already signed up for some of the many great events that will be happening this weekend point your browser over to the Riverrock home page (http://www.dominionriverrock.com/) and take a look at the multitude of good times there are to be had then ask yourself, “why not?”
We hope to see you there.
Thanks,
The RaMORE Board
We have another call to action volunteer request for you. RaMORE will have a club tent (or booth if you will) over on Browns Island during this weekend’s Dominion River Rock festivities. We need to find a handful of RaMORE members to help us man the booth on Friday and Saturday. This opportunity for us presented itself in a last minute fashion and we must apologize for the scramble for volunteers but we feel that it’s important for us to represent the club at an event that utilizes and celebrates the trails that we all work so hard to maintain and preserve.
If you, a friend or a family member or can lend a hand on Friday or Saturday please send us an email to: Ramorerides@gmail.com and we will get with you regarding further details
Here are the times that we need volunteers:
5/14/10
Friday morning: 10:15am-11:30am (for setup)
Friday afternoon: 4pm-9pm (for the Expo)
5/15/10
Saturday afternoon: 3pm-9pm (for the Expo)
5/16/10 *we may need a hand tearing down the setup*
Sunday morning tear down 9am-noon.
Even if you are unable to help out, please stop by the booth and say “Hi” or hang out. If you haven’t already signed up for some of the many great events that will be happening this weekend point your browser over to the Riverrock home page (http://www.dominionriverrock.com/) and take a look at the multitude of good times there are to be had then ask yourself, “why not?”
We hope to see you there.
Thanks,
The RaMORE Board
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Permit Needed to Ride on State Forest Trails
Cyclists Face Possible Misdemeanor Charges
Beginning January 1, 2010, a permit is required for cyclists to ride on VA State Forest trails. If a rider does not have the $16 permit, they face potential conviction of a Class IV misdemeanor. The permit may be purchased for online at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses/ of wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Please let your members know about this as soon as possible.
The permit is required for State Forests, NOT Va State Parks.
For a map of Virginia State Forests, see: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stforest/state-forest-map.htm
The program was put in place to raise revenue for the Division of Forestry. The VBF does not support this policy change and is working with the Forestry to monitor the program. The VA Bicycling Federation feels that criminal penalties are uncalled for and overly harsh and and we will work to have the criminal penalties removed by the General Assembly.
Please let your members know so they can avoid spending a day in court!
Check out our new facebook page: http://bit.ly/VBFFB
If your organization isn't already a member of the VBF, please consider joining today: http://www.vabike.org/join-vbf/
Safe cycling,
Virginia Bicycling Federation
www.vabike.org
Beginning January 1, 2010, a permit is required for cyclists to ride on VA State Forest trails. If a rider does not have the $16 permit, they face potential conviction of a Class IV misdemeanor. The permit may be purchased for online at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses/ of wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Please let your members know about this as soon as possible.
The permit is required for State Forests, NOT Va State Parks.
For a map of Virginia State Forests, see: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stforest/state-forest-map.htm
The program was put in place to raise revenue for the Division of Forestry. The VBF does not support this policy change and is working with the Forestry to monitor the program. The VA Bicycling Federation feels that criminal penalties are uncalled for and overly harsh and and we will work to have the criminal penalties removed by the General Assembly.
Please let your members know so they can avoid spending a day in court!
Check out our new facebook page: http://bit.ly/VBFFB
If your organization isn't already a member of the VBF, please consider joining today: http://www.vabike.org/join-vbf/
Safe cycling,
Virginia Bicycling Federation
www.vabike.org
FHP is re-opened thanks to you!
Hard work pays off.
Read about it.
And get out and enjoy it.
No trail work this weekend due to the National Duathlon in town. Please keep an eye out for the racers on the trails Saturday.
Thank you for all of your sweat equity and contributions.
Read about it.
And get out and enjoy it.
No trail work this weekend due to the National Duathlon in town. Please keep an eye out for the racers on the trails Saturday.
Thank you for all of your sweat equity and contributions.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Massanutten New Trail & S.V.B.C. trail
With the snow finally melted and the locals in full on fat tire mode it’s time to really start thinking about some day trips to the mountains. While the George Washington National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest both offer hundreds of miles of incredible riding if you really want some burly technical riding there is no better area than Massanutten Mountain.
If you are unfamiliar with Massanutten take a quick peek at this great video that was produced by efforts from Shenandoah Mountain Touring, The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and The Shendoah Bicycle Company. This trail is one of the many great trails on private Massanutten Resort Property and you must obtain an annual pass to ride it but fear not the pass is easy to obtain and the trails are more than worth it. Check out the video then I will offer some more info.
There are two ways to obtain an annual pass so that you can ride on this trail and many other great Massanutten trails.
#1 Become a member of the S.V.B.C.(if you are not already) and make a $50 donation towards the trail. The money will be used in maintaining the Massanutten trails and building more incredible trails like this one. And fear not, your S.V.B.C. money will be used wisely. These guys and gals have been doing incredible things for bicycle advocacy for far longer than I’ve been riding a bike.
#2 If you are a more hands on kind of person keep an eye on the S.V.B.C. website for Massanutten trail work days. Show up and work not stand around chatting, sorry fellas the sewing circle at the union didn’t build a trail this sweet, it takes some sweat equity. Just 3 days of trail work (roughly 8-10 hours) and a membership to the S.V.B.C. will net you an annual pass and some incredible trail building knowledge as well as potentially some new friends. (Quick note: Most trail work takes place on Thursday’s throughout the months of March-June starting at 5pm with various meeting locations depending on where the work site is to be.)
More info about Massanutten trail work can be found here. Also, you can get the scoop by calling the Shenandoah Bicycle Company at 540-437-9000.
Get involved and get riding. You will be glad that you did.
Editor’s Note: I personally plan on making a few Thursday day trips out to Massanutten to do some rides on the northern end of the mountain range in the morning then meet up with the trail work crew for some evening trail work. For fellow Richmonders this would be a great way to car pool out, take a mental health day from work to get in some great riding and some great trail work. I will try to post the trip dates as I can make the plans but if you would like more info please email me via the “about me” section of the blog. Also don’t forget the amazing and challenging Massanutten Hoo Hah race will be here before you know it.
If you are unfamiliar with Massanutten take a quick peek at this great video that was produced by efforts from Shenandoah Mountain Touring, The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and The Shendoah Bicycle Company. This trail is one of the many great trails on private Massanutten Resort Property and you must obtain an annual pass to ride it but fear not the pass is easy to obtain and the trails are more than worth it. Check out the video then I will offer some more info.
There are two ways to obtain an annual pass so that you can ride on this trail and many other great Massanutten trails.
#1 Become a member of the S.V.B.C.(if you are not already) and make a $50 donation towards the trail. The money will be used in maintaining the Massanutten trails and building more incredible trails like this one. And fear not, your S.V.B.C. money will be used wisely. These guys and gals have been doing incredible things for bicycle advocacy for far longer than I’ve been riding a bike.
#2 If you are a more hands on kind of person keep an eye on the S.V.B.C. website for Massanutten trail work days. Show up and work not stand around chatting, sorry fellas the sewing circle at the union didn’t build a trail this sweet, it takes some sweat equity. Just 3 days of trail work (roughly 8-10 hours) and a membership to the S.V.B.C. will net you an annual pass and some incredible trail building knowledge as well as potentially some new friends. (Quick note: Most trail work takes place on Thursday’s throughout the months of March-June starting at 5pm with various meeting locations depending on where the work site is to be.)
More info about Massanutten trail work can be found here. Also, you can get the scoop by calling the Shenandoah Bicycle Company at 540-437-9000.
Get involved and get riding. You will be glad that you did.
Editor’s Note: I personally plan on making a few Thursday day trips out to Massanutten to do some rides on the northern end of the mountain range in the morning then meet up with the trail work crew for some evening trail work. For fellow Richmonders this would be a great way to car pool out, take a mental health day from work to get in some great riding and some great trail work. I will try to post the trip dates as I can make the plans but if you would like more info please email me via the “about me” section of the blog. Also don’t forget the amazing and challenging Massanutten Hoo Hah race will be here before you know it.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Management plan solicits public opinion
*Picture courtesy of author Andy Thompson*
Management plan solicits public opinion
At 1.1 million acres in Virginia and West Virginia, the George Washington National Forest is big enough to accommodate a multitude of interests and users. In numerous trips west the past couple of years, I've biked, hiked and fished on it. Others hunt, watch birds, ride horses, camp and pilot their all-terrain vehicles. Then there are the commercial interests - most notably logging - that have a claim on the land.
But even a million-plus acres isn't enough to prevent user conflicts from erupting, especially when you consider that more than 5 million people live within a two-hour drive of some part of the forest. That's why the Forest Service, which administers, manages and polices all national forests, undertakes periodic revisions of its management plan for each forest unit.
That process is just beginning for the George Washington. It starts with five public meetings in April. In Lexington, Verona, Woodstock, Hot Springs and Baker, W.Va., the public will have an opportunity to have its voice heard and help shape a draft forest plan. People also can submit written comments during a 60-day public-comment period. The new plan likely will be in place by the end of 2011.
*Picture courtesy of Metro Sucks* (Bald Ridge Trail near Braley Pond George Washington National Forest.)
As The Associated Press reported, "[the plan] will address logging and other commercial uses, recreation, road and trail building, drinking-water protection and preservation of the forest's more pristine areas. . . . Among the items under consideration are expanding roadless areas, increasing timber harvesting, creating more special areas to protect ecologically sensitive species, increasing controlled burns and dropping a plan for a new all-terrain vehicle trail near Archer Run."
The significance of this management plan revision - a process that occurs every 15 years - may not seem immediate to Central Virginia lowlanders, but it certainly is to those who live, work and play on and near the GW.
*Picture courtesy of Metro Sucks* (Looking into West Virginia while climbing up to Little Bald Knob. George Washington National Forest.)
Chris Scott, a former professional mountain biker, owns and operates Shenandoah Mountain Touring out of Harrisonburg. He takes customers on bike tours of the western part of the state, crisscrossing the national forest on its endless single-track trails and fire roads.
"The public can influence the plan," he said. "Whether it's requesting better habitat management for grouse hunting or mentioning an [area] that might get logged that you don't want them to log in."
He and other mountain bikers are trying to convince the Forest Service to officially recognize trails as resources.
*Picture courtesy of Metro Sucks* (Bald Ridge Trail near Braley Pond George Washington National Forest.)
"Trails themselves have an economic value," he argued. "They get people out in the woods; people spend money in their local communities."
He said that many times he has come upon favorite trails that have been turned into "firelines" by loggers running "an 8-foot-wide bulldozer down a chunk of it and totally destroying it. It's a trail. They shouldn't just drive the machines down the trail because it looks like the easiest way to get into that area."
Tammy Bellinsky, a board member at Virginia Forest Watch, said her group exists to watchdog the Forest Service "to make sure that they are managing the forest within the bounds of the law and the within the bounds of the management plan."
One of the group's goals, she said, is to get the Forest Service to achieve a better balance among logging, recreational and environmental interests.
*Picture courtesy of Metro Sucks* (Looking south at Douthat State Park’s Brushy Mountain, Middle Mtn & Beards Mtn. from a scenic stop along the IMBA epic “Southern Traverse” ride. George Washington National Forest.)
"What's really lacking in how the Forest Service manages the forest is real monitoring data that shows that what they set out to do when they log is what they achieved."
Ken Landgraf, a Forest Service planner, said logging is undertaken primarily to develop the early successional habitat that grows up in areas that have been logged. The goal is to aid species such as grouse, quail, yellow chat, and golden-winged warblers.
"There are some people who think that's very important for wildlife diversity," he said. "There are other people who would prefer for more natural processes to occur and that we don't do as much active management."
Hunters who've watched game such as grouse and whitetail drop significantly on the national forest want to see more habitat work, whether it comes after logging or prescribed burns. Hikers and horseback riders, on the other hand, probably don't enjoy walking through clear cuts. Bikers want more trails and existing ones respected.
That's the tug of war constantly taking place over the forest.
"We have an awful lot of users and uses but we also have 1.1 million acres of land, so we can address a lot of the uses," he said. "Many of those uses aren't compatible on the same acre of land, but we do have enough acres that we can have wilderness and do timber harvest, for instance. But it is a matter of 'How much of each?'"
*Picture courtesy of Metro Sucks* (One of the views from atop Elliott’s Knob on the Great North Mountain looking west toward the Shenandoah Mountain range. George Washington National Forest.)
Contact Andy Thompson at
(804) 649-6579 or outdoors@timesdispatch.com.
Monday, April 5, 2010
When the knobbies meet the trail
In case you haven’t noticed, the weather has been beautiful lately and Richmond MORE hopes that you have been able to get out and enjoy it. RaMORE members David and Ryan have definitely been out and about and David was kind enough to share some great photos from a recent ride. Thanks for sharing David and on a side note those are some great shots.
Ryan Thompson droppin’ in on the Northbank with the big city looming in the background.
Ryan crossing the beautiful bridgework below Hollywood Cemetery.
Ryan carving some s-turns on the Northbank.
Dave Kern rippin’ some dusty s-turns on the Northbank.
Ryan Thompson crossing one of the older bridges on the Buttermilk.
Ryan Thompson conquering some old demons on a steep section.
The reward after the climb!
Catching up with Officer Rogers post ride.
Just in case you didn’t know Mr. Rodgers always keeps the neighborhood in check. Plus how great is it that he gets paid to ride his bike? That’s as close to pro as most of use could ever dream of being. Thanks, for all your work out there Stacy.
Ryan Thompson droppin’ in on the Northbank with the big city looming in the background.
Ryan crossing the beautiful bridgework below Hollywood Cemetery.
Ryan carving some s-turns on the Northbank.
Dave Kern rippin’ some dusty s-turns on the Northbank.
Ryan Thompson crossing one of the older bridges on the Buttermilk.
Ryan Thompson conquering some old demons on a steep section.
The reward after the climb!
Catching up with Officer Rogers post ride.
Just in case you didn’t know Mr. Rodgers always keeps the neighborhood in check. Plus how great is it that he gets paid to ride his bike? That’s as close to pro as most of use could ever dream of being. Thanks, for all your work out there Stacy.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Beer & Klunkerz does it get any better?
Please join us at the Downtown Capital Ale House Wednesday April 21st at 6pm for some good food, great beer and a superb little flick about the history of mountain biking called Klunkerz. The movie should start around 7pm but we advise you to grab a good spot at a table and get some food before the show starts. Don’t be that guy eating chips with your mouth open during the movie!
Maybe you’ve already saw the movie, maybe you even caught bits and pieces of the visual side of it during Trailicious, but lets be honest folks a documentary about mountain biking history with no audio is a bit like Lance Armstrong on a mountain bike. You may see it but it’s hard to understand it all without the rest of the story.
To top off an evening full of good friends old and new, beer, food and a bike flick Richmond MORE will be raffling off some pretty cool prizes that you don’t want to miss out on.
The Richmond Chapter of Luna Chix will reportedly be bringing along some Luna Bar goodness for the sampling.
So call your buddies, have your wife text her friends and plan on being there. Come find out that the RaMORE crew likes to play just as much (or more) as we like to work.
See you there.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Forest Hill Trail Care - Saturday - Jan 30th - More good news!
Greetings Fellow Trail Enthusiants,
Nathan has decided to stage the reopening of the trails in Forest Hill Park. Gone is the plan to close the entire park until everything is finished. In place now is a plan to reopen each section as it is completed.
The first stage to be completed will run from the Reedy Creek bridge, along the ridge below the school, across the cobblestone walkway, and to the switchbacks above the creek. Before this section can be reopened there are a couple of things that need to happen. First, a small crib wall needs to be built behind the school. Next, a 16 foot bridge needs to be constructed across the small creek at the bottom of the switchbacks. In addition, some rock work needs to be done on the switchback turns. The rock work on the switchback turns does not have to be completed before the section is opened.
Nathan and his crew are working almost full time during the week to get this project finished. If you can't come out on the weekend, please consider helping Nathan during the week if you have the time. Because Nathan's schedule can change during the week, it is best to either email or call him before coming out. Nathan's email is nathan.burrell@richmondgov.com. His phone is (804) 357-8897.
On another note, if you have any concerns or questions about the work being done in Forest Hill Park or in the James River Park System, Nathan urges you to contact him to discuss the issue or question. It doesn't matter if you're a mountain biker, hiker, runner, etc., Nathan wants to hear what you have to say.
This Saturday we will be working on the first stage. Nathan will have a small but very experienced crew building the crib wall behind the school. The rest of us will be adjusting and refinding the trail until we get to the switchbacks. This will include fine tuning the backslope and pulling leaves back down onto the lower part of the trail edge.
Again, please respect Nathan's wish for the trails to be closed. The trails are in no condition to be used and if ridden will just make it harder for us to finish the work. As each section is completed, we will announce its opening here and on our website. Please be patient, we are trying our hardest to get these trails open.
If we get snowed out, I'll send this out again next week.
That's it for now, we look forward to seeing you this Saturday.
Nathan has decided to stage the reopening of the trails in Forest Hill Park. Gone is the plan to close the entire park until everything is finished. In place now is a plan to reopen each section as it is completed.
The first stage to be completed will run from the Reedy Creek bridge, along the ridge below the school, across the cobblestone walkway, and to the switchbacks above the creek. Before this section can be reopened there are a couple of things that need to happen. First, a small crib wall needs to be built behind the school. Next, a 16 foot bridge needs to be constructed across the small creek at the bottom of the switchbacks. In addition, some rock work needs to be done on the switchback turns. The rock work on the switchback turns does not have to be completed before the section is opened.
Nathan and his crew are working almost full time during the week to get this project finished. If you can't come out on the weekend, please consider helping Nathan during the week if you have the time. Because Nathan's schedule can change during the week, it is best to either email or call him before coming out. Nathan's email is nathan.burrell@richmondgov.com. His phone is (804) 357-8897.
On another note, if you have any concerns or questions about the work being done in Forest Hill Park or in the James River Park System, Nathan urges you to contact him to discuss the issue or question. It doesn't matter if you're a mountain biker, hiker, runner, etc., Nathan wants to hear what you have to say.
This Saturday we will be working on the first stage. Nathan will have a small but very experienced crew building the crib wall behind the school. The rest of us will be adjusting and refinding the trail until we get to the switchbacks. This will include fine tuning the backslope and pulling leaves back down onto the lower part of the trail edge.
Again, please respect Nathan's wish for the trails to be closed. The trails are in no condition to be used and if ridden will just make it harder for us to finish the work. As each section is completed, we will announce its opening here and on our website. Please be patient, we are trying our hardest to get these trails open.
If we get snowed out, I'll send this out again next week.
That's it for now, we look forward to seeing you this Saturday.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Sweco is here.
Well friends the dice tumbled and we hit a win. The Sweco arrived Monday and the boys got right to work Tuesday. As of Wednesday evening Nathan, “BigWorm” & Mike were basically a day up on the project. The workload was looking like (4) 10-hour days but the boys think they will have it finished in 3 days thanks in large part to the talent behind the blade who goes by the name “Big Worm” and the gratuitous efforts of all of you wonderful volunteers who came out in to help out in a big way. If not for your efforts the trail corridor would not have been ready and things would not be what they are.
Thank You all of you.
You can check out a few more pictures of the Sweco work in progress thanks to Greg Rollins behind the camera lens. Take a look here.
To quote Nathan from our monthly RaMORE meeting tonight “As soon as the Sweco work is done we can start the “FUN” part.” I will get into a bit of that in our next post. Nathan, {& Mike & Big Worm} who by the way pulled a 10 hour day of trail work then braved West End rush hour traffic to give his insight during the meeting tonight and provide us with an update on the Sweco work will be hard at it again for another 10 hour day tomorrow. Talk about dedication! There is a good reason that I envy the passion that these guys bring to the table. Thanks guys.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Forest Hill Park Fundraiser Event............its TRAILICIOUS
Help us raise funds for the Forest Hill park trail reroute. Stop by for a fun evening.
TRAILICIOUS is a benefit hosted by Richmond MORE to raise funds for the Forest Hill Park trail reroute project. The event will take place Saturday February 27 from 7-11pm at the Capital Ale House downtown Richmond. Free parking is available at 6th and Carey Street deck. Join us... for a fun evening of music, socializing and amazing raffle prizes. There will be a local Blue Grass/Americana band (fronted by fellow off road fixed gear aficionado Glenn A.) called Broke Bike Mountain, big screen videos of local riding and trail building and did we say tons of amazing raffle prizes! There may also be a few surprise guest appearances by some local legends as well as plenty of other great things that you will just have to be there to know about and see. So mark your calendars, come thirsty for fine beer and bring a few bucks for some raffle tickets. Admission is $10 at the door............or you can prepay on line. Sign up today; event is limited to 300 people. Click here to get your tickets!
For those of you who didn’t know about the JRPS fundraiser last year at Capital Ale House (long story short) there was a line of people standing outside waiting for the happy people inside to leave so that they could get in. Yup, it was sold out and people were outside trying to get in like it was free beer day or something. So if you know you want to be there you’d best buy some tickets early. It will sell out again this year in a bigger and better way.
So get your tickets now. Don’t be that guy who has to stand there and listen to his buddies talk about all the fun that he missed out on!
See you there.
TRAILICIOUS is a benefit hosted by Richmond MORE to raise funds for the Forest Hill Park trail reroute project. The event will take place Saturday February 27 from 7-11pm at the Capital Ale House downtown Richmond. Free parking is available at 6th and Carey Street deck. Join us... for a fun evening of music, socializing and amazing raffle prizes. There will be a local Blue Grass/Americana band (fronted by fellow off road fixed gear aficionado Glenn A.) called Broke Bike Mountain, big screen videos of local riding and trail building and did we say tons of amazing raffle prizes! There may also be a few surprise guest appearances by some local legends as well as plenty of other great things that you will just have to be there to know about and see. So mark your calendars, come thirsty for fine beer and bring a few bucks for some raffle tickets. Admission is $10 at the door............or you can prepay on line. Sign up today; event is limited to 300 people. Click here to get your tickets!
For those of you who didn’t know about the JRPS fundraiser last year at Capital Ale House (long story short) there was a line of people standing outside waiting for the happy people inside to leave so that they could get in. Yup, it was sold out and people were outside trying to get in like it was free beer day or something. So if you know you want to be there you’d best buy some tickets early. It will sell out again this year in a bigger and better way.
So get your tickets now. Don’t be that guy who has to stand there and listen to his buddies talk about all the fun that he missed out on!
See you there.
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