North Shore Trail - Richmond
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bdgood
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« on: November 18, 2007, 10:16:04 PM »
Anyone know anything about the North Shore trail in Richmond and also about riding in general in the Richmond and Williamsburg area?  I have friends in Richmond and family near Williamsburg so I want to plan a trip and ride while I'm there.  Got any good links?  What's the local mountain bike club?

Thanks.
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mtrostle
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« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2007, 10:49:47 AM »
Dude, if you're in downtown Richmond, or a close drive with in city limits, you never have to leave the city to ride some really outstanding trails!!!! Richmond has an amazing outdoor scene. The East Coast Xterra Championship race takes place in the city and the site of the trail race starts on Bell Island and crosses over into the neighborhoods. Check out this local group, they're the club that maintains the trails and group rides:

http://www.richmond-more.org/home/

Anywhere with in the James River Park System (JRPS) is good to ride, but I always start on Bell Island and ride clock wise west to east. You actually park at an old foundry downtown on the east side of the river, ride over to the island on a pedestrian suspension bridge hanging under a highway (nice view of the river) and ride the island, then cross over to the other side of the river onto North Bank, and then eventually hooks up with Buttermilk. The entire JRPS is the entire loop. Trust me, you'll like it there!!!

Poor Farm Park (north of the city) is another great trail to ride!!

We have friends who live in the city and we make the trek there at least twice a year. PM me, or respond here and I'll hook you up with as much info as I have to offer for Richmond.


PS. I'm a little jacked on Caffine this morning  Shocked , so I apologize for the rambling...............
« Last Edit: November 19, 2007, 11:31:45 AM by mtrostle » Logged
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bdgood
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« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2007, 10:51:15 AM »
Cool, That's exactly what I was looking for.  I'm not sure when I'm going to head down there but it may be this coming spring...  maybe earlier but probably not.  I'll get in touch with you as I plan it if I need anything else.  Thanks!

Brad
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mtrostle
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« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2007, 11:17:40 AM »
Let me know when you're planning on heading down. We make the trek there at least twice a year, one for the 10k in Richmond and at least one other time to hang out with friends. Plus, we have friends graduating from VCU this year and may have an additional visit.
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bdgood
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« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2007, 03:25:13 PM »
OK will do.  Sounds good.
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2007, 09:06:21 PM »
I wish I had started this thread a couple months ago. I was there and brought my bike but never found the good stuff. Oh well, if there's a next time I'll know where to go.
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Kman
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« Reply #6 on: November 21, 2007, 04:47:12 PM »
That sounds like a road-trip ride if I ever heard one.....
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mtrostle
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« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2007, 04:56:18 PM »
5 hour drive with traffic to get to Ricmond, take a few days days worth of time to slowly work your way north and the chance to hit a sh#t ton  Shocked of outstanding trails between Virgina, Md, Del and Pa. Sounds like a great road trip. Plus, the opportunity to reach out to the local clubs in those areas and establish a relationship/joint club ventures. Anyone???
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MADDOG
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« Reply #8 on: November 21, 2007, 10:05:00 PM »
Just though I'd add my 2 cents.  I go to Richmond twice a month on business and ALWAYS ride Bell Island.  It is almost as good as the Wiss but not quite.  The trails are tight, technical single track with some decent drop offs. I'm over the bars just about ever time I ride there.  I usually book at any hotel downtown which will get me close enough to ride right from the hotel.  Bell Island  actually crosses onto the the mainland and has some kick ass single track.  Just get there, be ready to ride, and find someone in the parking lot who looks like they know where to go.  If you tag along I promise you will not be disappointed.  If you are anywhere close to Richmond it is worth the ride.  And the guys who run Richmond-More are some pretty cool cats.  Have fun!
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2007, 03:45:44 PM »
I went otb in Richmond while riding along side a moving frieght train. It was sweet. One of the pics was taken before I got up. Attached  below is my ride report from another forum. You can tell by my report that I did not find the really good stuff.

http://www.phillymtb.com/component/option,com_rsgallery2/Itemid,35/catid,30/

My most recent OTB happened yesterday in Richmond VA on the North Shore trail. I've never ridden there and was checking out the eastern virginia mountainbike scene. A short out and back bout 3 1/2 miles, its rated as technical and for advanced skills only (not if you're from around here). No big hills but tight and flowy. I went out kinda checking different trails and trying to learn the lay of the land. When I started to run out of time I headed back to the truck and found my flow on the trail since I knew the way back. One fast rolling section was right next to some trian tracks and I had the luck of cruising just as a freight train was passing going my direction...looks like this guy wants to race...I picked up the pace to try and match the speed of the train but it was moving. At this point I am grinning ear to ear and riding smooth. I come to one of the more technical sections. Short steep climb that turns left at the top through a rock garden and immediately into a narrow downhill wooden bridge. The rock section has a good line and bad line. Did I mention I've never ridden here before. Jam my front wheel and end up on my back, in the middle of the bridge facing back at my bike, which is stuck standing staight up to the side of the wooden railing, and the train passing in the backround. Dug out my camera and took a picture from there. Stood up checked for injury. Couple cuts...the smile never left my face.
« Last Edit: November 24, 2007, 03:53:28 PM by Lust4singletrack » Logged
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crabapple hits
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« Reply #10 on: December 03, 2007, 10:10:01 PM »
When I lived there in 1994-97 I rode the island and South side along the river. I had a hard tail Raleigh with a 2" fork! I was just getting into Mt. bike Riding with Danny at the time. Was really cool near the tracks and seeing the river so wide. After a few good storms it does wash out but I am sure the club there fix's it up. A few OTB's for me as I remember... Ride on...
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