By Dave Kern, RichmondOutside.com contributor and RideKore owner/operator

Personally, I don’t know where I would be without the multi-use trails in the Richmond area. They provided a place of enjoyment for a multitude of users, including mountain bikers, runners, dog walkers, hikers, and your everyday lover of the outdoors. Now, imagine if these trails did not exist? This might be difficult for some of you who have come to know these world-class trails as part of the outdoor fabric of Richmond. So then, imagine if these trails didn’t have a passionate support group that ensured the trails were maintained and advocated for on behalf of all users in our fine city?

On August 25^th, there will be a free event to promote awareness of Richmond’s trails and the people who make sure these trails remain in existence. Richmond MORE and RideKore will be co-sponsoring an event at the Byrd Theater to raise awareness for the services that each respective organization provides. The free event will showcase a groundbreaking film created by Freeride Entertainment and Redbull Media House called Where the Trail Ends (http://www.wherethetrailends.com/). Where the Trail Ends is a film following the world’s top freeride mountain bikers as they search for unridden terrain around the globe, ultimately shaping the future of big-mountain freeriding. This unparalleled story documents the many challenges mother nature can throw at you and showcases the pioneering spirit of riding through a cast of colorful characters. This is the most progressive and ambitious mountain biking ever attempted resulting in an entertainment adventure unlike anything experienced before.

Richmond MORE is a nonprofit organization committed to environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain biking, facilitating recreational trail cycling, educating about the sport of mountain biking, maintaining local trails, and advocating for increased multi-user trail access.  Richmond MORE’s work includes but is not limited to the following; organizing rides, maintaining and developing trails, raising funds for trail projects, promoting inclusion, promoting and protecting cycling rights, and conducting educational programs for adults and children. RaMORE is the most integral part of Richmond’s trails and your support of this organization will help support future endeavors and the longevity and vitality of Richmond’s trails for years to come.

RideKore provides Richmond with IMBA certified mountain bike skills instruction for all ages and ability levels.  RideKore is here to teach you the proper mountain bike skills and techniques so you can ride safely, with more control, more speed, and more fun! We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills clinics as well as guided mountain bike tours, and private skills sessions. Our skills clinics focus on approachable and progressive coaching that enables riders to progress at their own pace and comfort level.  RideKore is owned and operated by RVA natives dedicated to providing a quality outdoor service and acting as stewards of our local trails.  Furthermore, we are advocates for our local parks systems and trail building organizations. In fact, 10% of the revenue from each clinic gets donated back to the Richmond chapter of MORE.

So come on out to the Byrd on August 25^th at 1:30pm to support your local trails.  Please spread the word about this FREE event and we look forward to seeing everyone for an afternoon of excitement!