RICHMOND – A record number of participants are expected to participate in the annual Cap2Cap Richmond-Williamsburg bike ride on May 9. The ride will raise money for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, which is enhancing the Virginia Capital Trail, a pedestrian and bicycle trail that connects the Commonwealth’s past and present capitals of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond along more than 50 miles of the Scenic Route 5 corridor.
The Foundation also announced that it has received a commitment of $110,000 from the Dominion Foundation to install electronic kiosks at the new trailheads to enhance the quality of the biking experience for future trail users.
The annual Cap2Cap ride largely follows along the path of the yet-to-be-completed trail. “We are so grateful for the support we get from businesses. The trail enhancements funded by Dominion and the superb “green” design donated by HomeMasons architectural firm, will make the unique experience that the trail offers truly memorable and educational,” said Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.
The electronic kiosks will provide trail visitors a wealth of information on historical, environmental and business points of interest as well as trail conditions. The kiosks are similar to those installed in Virginia State Parks that were also funded by the Dominion Foundation.
“This technology has enhanced the State Park system and allowed visitors to experience in greater detail some of Virginia’s most beautiful locations,” said Robert Blue, a member of the board of the Dominion Foundation and senior vice president-Public Policy and Corporate Communications for Dominion. “We believe that this technology will draw more trail users and enhance their experience.”
The Dominion Foundation grant coincides with the adoption of the design of the Jamestown trailhead by Richmond area architect Mason Hearn. The plans for the trailhead will incorporate sustainable building materials and the use of solar energy to power the kiosks.
“It can be a challenge to make a trail seem like a destination, but with the addition of the trailhead and kiosks I think we have accomplished that,” said Hearn. “To me it was only natural that a trail surrounded by natural beauty should have ‘green’ trailheads and I’m thrilled that my design was greeted with such enthusiasm.”
The Dominion Foundation grant enables the construction of the trailhead to begin soon and a groundbreaking is expected this summer. The design plans for both projects are available on the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Web site at www.virginiacapitaltrail.org, along with information on the progress of the trail construction.