Around the Worlds: Taking A Trip to the Virginia Capital Trail

The recently-completed Virginia Capital Trail is a destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, and it is getting even more attention this week thanks to its proximity to the road circuit course for the UCI Road World Championships. Racing will take place on that circuit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and today saw many of the elite riders taking a few practice laps to get a feel for the route. Many residents and visitors hit the Capital Trail as well for a run or ride and got the opportunity to take a break and cheer on the pros that were constantly passing by. Three of those visitors were Mike Boss, Shawn Downing, and Bill Gary, who traveled from Baltimore this week to watch the races and check out Richmond (and in the case of Boss, to participate in the ‘Conquer the Cobbles’ ride on Friday night).

Prior to Baltimore, Boss lived in Richmond and was really impressed with what he experienced on the Virginia Capital Trail. “This didn’t exist when I lived here,” he said. “I think it’s beautiful and will attract more people to this area of the city. It’s nice to have this access to get to Rocketts Landing and to stop and watch the pros today.”

The group also enjoyed the blend of urban, suburban, and rural settings that can be found on a trip on the Capital Trail. “It’s really unique how you 
can start out in the city with the downtown skyline, and then very quickly you’re out in a more rural area,” said Downing. “It’s a really nice contrast.”

The riders each mentioned how welcoming the region has been, especially towards people on bikes. “The people here are very friendly – while I’ve been riding this week, I’ve gotten a lot of friendly honks from car horns and waves,” said Downing, adding that it’s been a pleasant surprise because that’s not always the reception he gets while cycling in other places. Gary echoed those sentiments. “I’ve ridden a lot in Europe, and generally there is a difference in attitudes there about sharing the roads when compared to the U.S.,” he said. “Here in Richmond, people have been very willing to share the roads and it’s made for a great trip.”

Nearby, office workers from businesses in the area had come out for a quick break to cheer on the riders, and activity continued to pick up on the trail – including a jogger with several dogs in tow and a unicyclist heading towards Rocketts Landing. And a few minutes later, a group of riders from the Great Britain team competing in the World Championships came by on the trail. It seems word is starting to spread far and wide about the Virginia Capital Trail, with people from around the world and right here in Richmond eager to give it a spin.