Single Track Sunday
Place: James River Park System Trails, Richmond, VA
Ridden: January 2015
Click on video to play
As the Northeast was being hit by a winter snow storm, the Nankman family decided to head out of town to a warmer climate. We also used this as an opportunity for the maiden voyage of our new van, purchased specifically so that we could sleep in it overnight. What a great weekend, seems like the van life will work out for us; additionally we found sunshine and temperatures in the 50s. Much better than riding on the home trainers while watching the snow fall outside.
After a night sleeping in a Cracker Barrel parking lot our adventures took us to Richmond, VA; to ride the James River Park System (JRPS). This area is a unique part of Richmond's Department of Parks that includes over 550 acres of shoreline and islands along the James River in the capital of Virginia. Rocks, rapids, meadows, and forests make for an area of unspoiled natural beauty in the heart of the city. Mountain bikers, kayakers, runners, dogs, rock climbers, and families are everywhere.
The trails of the James River Park System consist of a loop combining the five major downtown trails: Buttermilk, Buttermilk Heights, North Bank, Belle Island, and Forest Hill Park. In addition, we traveled the pavement a bit to also ride the Dogwood Dell Trail. Loops of the system can range between 8 and 13 miles depending on the route taken. Overall the trails are twisty and turny with short, punchy climbs that typically involve at least one switchback. Roots are not uncommon, and the Buttermilk Trail offers some rocky sections. Belle Island has a small skills park and a pump track. Many unique features remaining from the old pump houses and urban development remain and become part of the riding there- tunnels to pass through, a spiral staircase, concrete pipes/bridges to ride over, and a suspension bridge across the river are just a few of the interesting things encountered.
The JRPS is one of our favorite destinations. Always good riding and always warmer than Pennsylvania
- words by Jess
- video by Joël
- staring roll by Clifford