A record number of bikers and onlookers are expected to participate in the annual Cap2Cap Richmond-Williamsburg bike ride and celebration this Saturday, 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.

Currently, the Virginia Capital Trail has 8 of its 55-miles open to the public. This portion is in James City County (the eastern end of the alignment), and can be accessed at multiple locations. The Chickahominy Riverfront Park is the western end of this 8-mile stretch, and there is abundant parking available. The eastern end is adjacent to the Jamestown Settlement along Jamestown Road.

The Foundation also announced that it 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."

This year's Cap2Cap ride is going to be a great experience with some new features:

* More distance options of 100, 50, and 25 miles leaving from Rocketts Landing in Richmond and Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg.

* Also offering a special 15 mile family course, completely on the Virginia Capital Trail, available from Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg.

* A mass start for each distance, complete with lead vehicles and police escorts the first couple of miles.

* A delicious lunch at the finish lines with refreshments throughout the route.

* A post-ride celebration at Rocketts Landing in Richmond featuring TransAcoustic Radio from Noon - 2pm and Royal Pain Acoustic from 2pm - 4pm.

The Route

Choose which capital to start from, our modern capital in Richmond or our colonial capital in Williamsburg, and ride through diverse landscapes along one of the oldest routes of commerce in the New World. The corridor is well-known for its generous tree canopy, storied plantations, Civil War battlefields and farmland that remain largely unchanged. Route 5 is also part of the Trans-America Bike Route and now a designated link of the East Coast Greenway. As you ride, you will see portions of the beautiful Virginia Capital Trail under construction in Charles City County. Check back to virginiacapitaltrail.org for route maps in the future.

For start times and other ride details, click here to download the pdf brochure.