The many faces of the James.

Recently many old photos of the Belle Isle area have surfaced and created some interest on this rainy day. While it’s no secret that Richmond is deeply rooted in history that history may be a secret to you if you’ve never stopped for a minute to take a look around on your latest run or ride.

Ever wonder what the area looked like in 1908? A lot like this!



My how things have changed huh? Yet there are still so many tell tale signs all around the James River Park and it’s trail systems.

How about another shot from the later part of the 50’s when Interstate 95 came to town?


It’s great that the James River Park System allows the area to remain as natural as possible and gives us the opportunity to get out and experience it while out for a nice trail run, dog walk, bike ride or just a walk in the park. I don’t know about all of you but I know that I sometimes take for granted all of the incredible things that we have downtown. So when the weather warms up I urge you all to get out and visit one of the many trail systems of the James River Park and keep your eyes open for some of historical artifacts.

Cycling Events Around Town

Hey guys and girls there are a few events going on in town that we think you will enjoy.

First up is the Blanchard’s Coffee Community Night on Friday March 4th from 6-9pm. The River City Cycling Collective and Tom Thorogood are teaming up with friends, family and local artists to support Richmond Area MORE and help fund their 2011 racing seasons. Come for the coffee, jam to the music, stay to win big and take something home. For more info check out the Community page at Blanchard’s Coffee. Keep up with The RtripleC here.

Sunday March 6th the trails of Camp Hilbert will come alive with the sound of knobby tires humming through the woods as Run Ride Race hosts the 1st Camp Hilbert mountain bike race of the season. This race is usually full of folks out looking to test their winter base miles but fear not as it’s also a great race to do as a beginner mountain biker. Visit the Run Ride Race website for details.

Then on Wednesday March 9th at 7pm our friends at the Richmond Cycling Corps are presenting a screening of the great film “2010 Race Across The Sky.” We hope that you had a chance to catch the original “(2009) Race Across The Sky” video and hear the racer’s stories. Now you have a chance to catch the sequel. Click on over here to get the details.

And finally on March 11th & 12th the Banff Mountain Film Festival will be rolling into town at the James River High School. This is an event not to be missed by any outdoor enthusiast. Take a look at the Banff Mountain Film Festival website or check out some info with our friends at RABA.

There you have it folks. While planning your social calendar don’t forget that a Saturday morning trail building session is a great way to prepare for a Sunday bike race.

See you around town,
The Richmond MORE Board

Super Bowl Ride quickie and Saturday Morning Trail work

Greeting Fellow Trail Enthusiasts,

We saw a lot of familiar faces at the top of Flagpole Knob on Super Bowl Sunday and it was great to see all of you guys and girls as well as other friends from several other bike & trail advocacy groups from all over the state. CAMBC and SVBC were both well represented. Speaking of the SVBC one of the crew (Kyle maybe) was able to snap this great photo of the group rolling through one of the many beautiful low traffic roads just south of Harrisonburg.



A fellow RaMORE member snapped this photo of a part of the group up at the top of Flagpole Knob.



An adventurous group of local riders decided to lengthen the traditional ride route by a few miles and rode up to Reddish Knob managing to snap a nice little memento before a fun descent down Timber Ridge & Wolf Ridge.



Ok, enough bragging about a great ride. We wanted to let you know about the trail work that is happening this Saturday.

Saturday 2-12-11 we will continue trail work on Belle Isle but this weekend we will be working on the top of the island not on the new connector trail. Nathan plans to have a city vehicle parked just past the access bridge that I’m sure you are all familiar with by now. The plan is to meet up by the vehicle at 9am then head up to the top of the island to the work site with tools in hand to start work. The weather is supposed to be another nice weekend again and we sure hope to see your smiling faces there. If you want to show up fashionably late just head up to the top of the island and listen for the crew.

Thanks for your time,
The RaMORE board

When: 2-12-11 Saturday @ 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. You can also park on 21st St. and ride your bike over to come in the back side.

Bring: Same as always; gloves, comfortable shoes or work boots, water, a snack and a smile.