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
Showing posts with label RaMORE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RaMORE. Show all posts
Friday, December 3, 2010
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.*
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.
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.
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