Happenings on the other end of the Va. Capital Trail

Interesting stuff from Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation:

Picture this: You decide to spend a Saturday enjoying the Virginia Capital Trail. You park at the Jamestown Settlement and head towards the trailhead across the street. What’s this? A place to rent bikes and kayaks? And a store with snacks (and worms) and cold drinks?

Welcome to Eco Discovery Park, a new operation within two pedal strokes of the eastern end of the Virginia Capital Trail. Steve Rose, owner of Williamsburg Event Rentals, recently leased the marina from James City County and in addition to renting boat slips, he now rents bikes, kayaks, canoes and SUPs (stand up paddle boards).

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Gear Up for the Gran Fondo

Credit: Sports Backers

What’s all this talk about some sort of cycling event coming to Richmondin the fall?  A Gran Fondo? It sounds like an elite racing event that you might want to check out as a spectator. Don’t be fooled – this event is for everyone who loves riding on the open roads, but it is different from many of the charity rides and events that have been hugely successful in bringing areas cyclists together on weekend mornings. It is time you sign up and start training for the October 6th event, the Martin’s Tour of Richmond.

 What the heck is a Gran Fondo?

Gran Fondo, which is Italian for “big ride,” events are popular in Europe, but have been popping up all over the United States. Think of it as a long distance citizen’s race. It is a timed road race, which is not a mass phenomenon (yet) here in theU.S.You can typically choose among distance options. TheRichmondevent is offering course length options of 102 miles, 59 miles, or 29 miles. 

If you are accustomed to bands, snack stations, and rest stop chit chat on the charity rides you have completed, expect the vibe for a Gran Fondo to be a bit different.  There are rest stops, SAG support vehicles, and post-race festivities planned, but here will be folks racing against the clock. 

I just like riding, why would I want to compete?

This is a unique opportunity for amateur riders to feel like a pro! You can personally challenge yourself to achieve a certain time. There will be people just trying to finish, riders shooting for a specific time, uniform-clad teams pushing the pace, and sponsored riders going for the win. Similar to a foot race, like the annual Richmond Marathon or theMonument Avenue10k, a Gran Fondo can satisfy anyone from the laid back participant to the die hard competitor.

How should I train differently for a Grand Fondo?

You do not need to train differently for a Gran Fondo than you would for any other road riding event of a similar distance. If you want to challenge yourself, because this is a timed event, here are some tips to get yourself into “race” shape:

 Are there any good routes for training?

There are great riding resources all over theRichmondregion. Try to ride at times when traffic volume is low. Sunday mornings are ideal. Bring your cell phone and try to ride with a buddy for safety.

Credit: Sports Backers

 There is no better practice than training on the Gran Fondo course itself. Scroll down for turn-by-turn instructions and a course map on the event website

 The Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA) offers turn-by-turn print out sheets of rides starting from within city limits and from surrounding counties. Ron Corio, former RABA President, offers some course highlights of his favorite routes. Ride these on your own or try out many of the great group ride options offered by the club on these very routes. You will also make some great friends.

 Just print out a cue sheet, wrap it in plastic wrap, and get going:

 

 

 

 

 And most importantly, do I have to wear spandex?

Of course not! There will be lots of people with loose fitting clothing.  It is smart to consider, though, that riders of all ability levels wear spandex on long-distance rides for a good reason.

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Pedal Power picks up where Rowlett’s left off

A few months ago, Rowlett’s bicycle shop, near the corner of Staples Mill and Broad, closed its doors for good. Today another bike shop goes into the same space. Pedal Power had been a Mechanicsville-based shop, now it’ll add a Richmond location. The doors open at 10 a.m. this morning, and shoppers can expect sales and deals all weekend long — 10% of all new bikes and 20% off all parts and accessories. In addition, Pedal Power, like Coqui Cyclery on Forest Hill Ave., will carry Giant bicycles. If you visit this weekend, you can enter to win a Giant mountain bike (no word on the model).

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Interview with Jakob Helmboldt

The Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Metro Business asked Jakob Helmboldt, Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails coordinator for the city of Richmond, about what businesses can do to encourage cycling.Read More

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