James River gives up ancient fishing secrets

 

If you know what you’re looking for, the remains of the fishing weir are obvious.

The recent return of spawning sturgeon is a fantastic feather in the cap for Richmond and the James River. And for those of us who enjoy, protect and promote the James it was no surprise that RVA was recently named “Best River Town Ever” by Outside Magazine.

The big and bony prehistoric fish, once on the edge of collapse and now making headlines as they return to their historic love nests, validate what we have always known, and that the rest of the nation is starting to recognize – the James River is a destination worth the journey.     

That journey can be spatial or temporal. A friend and fellow river aficionado, Capt. Mike Ostrander, recently commented to me that “the James River is a time machine.” He was referring to the river’s way of making one feel as though you are lifted out of your 21st century environs and transported to a place that is timeless. I get that feeling every time I go to the river. 

Last week I had the opportunity to travel through time with Andy Thompson, his son Sam and their dogs. We were searching for an artifact that was documented by other river fans in the last century but hasn’t been noted recently. In 1995, retired professor and river history buff Bill Trout wrote the Falls of the James Atlas that documents historic sites along James River in the Richmond area. Of all the features he wrote about, one in particular has always stood out in my mind – a Native American fish trap, or “weir” near the Boulevard Bridge.

A weir is a structure that redirects the flow of water and the movement of fish in order to facilitate their capture. In shallow-river environments weirs were often made of stacked stones in the form of the letter V. The broad, open top of the structure received water from upstream and there was a small outlet at the downstream point. A large cone-shaped basket made of saplings or reeds was placed at the downstream opening. These traps were usually made in shallow and swift parts of the river where fish (such as sturgeon) tend to spawn. Often, exuberant Native American children were encouraged to chase the trapped fish down the weir and into the basket!   

See the “V” shape?

As a lover of history and the river, this weir is something I have wanted to see since I read about it in Mr. Trout’s atlas years ago. As a professional who endeavors to protect the river and as a 21st century husband and father, it has been very tough for me to carve out enough time to find it. Last year, I spotted a V-shaped object near a pipeline on an aerial photograph of the river on an internet search. I was quite surprised to see it. I figured it had been wiped out by years of subsequent flooding and floating debris. I was pretty sure this was the weir documented by Bill Trout. This discovery rekindled my desire to seek it out in person. Last Thursday afternoon, after a particularly hectic day at work, I finally had the chance.

I met Andy and Sam (who were fishing, of course) by the riverbank. The water was relatively low and very clear – perfect conditions for spotting stuff in the river. We saw a pipeline just under the surface of the water. It led to a large island where another pipeline led upstream toward the area where I suspected the remains of the weir would be found.

We excitedly headed out along the first pipeline toward the island – me with my camera and Andy’s fishing rod in-hand and Andy with his son on his shoulders. The water was low but swift and it made crossing the pipeline with our cargo a bit tricky. After some effort we made it to the island and headed upstream along a narrow path to the second pipeline. When we go to the second pipeline it was clear that the water there was too deep and fast for Andy to proceed with Sam. So, with a tinge of guilt, I pushed on alone.

One side of the “V.”

Andy and Sam happily resumed fishing.

It took several minutes to negotiate the tough current and the algae-covered pipe, but as I reached the halfway point it was clear that my search was not in vain. The weir was clearly visible from my vantage point on the pipe. A V-shaped assortment of stacked stones pointed downstream toward the Boulevard Bridge! The structure might not attract the attention of the casual river user, but it would be obvious to anyone looking for it.

At this place on the river there a very few modern distractions. A couple of houses peek through the trees on the horizon downstream. Looking upstream, you can see the graceful arches of the Atlantic Coast Railroad (currently CSX) bridge. I imagine the place looks much like it did when Native Americans used the weir to catch their dinner. At that moment, the only sound was that of the gushing riffles. Suddenly the excitement of the search and the urgency of workday subsided. The time machine had worked. I was calmly resting in another place and time. It’s good thing I brought a camera. 

It is impossible to determine exactly when the weir was constructed or by whom. The Powhatan and Monacans Indians both utilized the richness of the rapids in the Richmond area for centuries. In fact, it is generally acknowledged that the Fall Line was a combative “no-man’s land” between the rival groups. It is possible that the weir was maintained and reused by generations of both nations as their borders fluxed through time. By the early 18th century, both groups had been displaced by European colonists.  

 It is pretty clear that the builders of this weir chose a location that was already well suited for it. This location is relatively shallow and swift and has very large boulders (too big to carry) that were incorporated into the walls of the weir. The builders augmented the site with numerous small rocks found nearby to complete the structure. One of the large stones at the downstream point has a single hole bored into it; presumably a pole was inserted in it as an anchor for the cone-shaped basket that collected the fish.      

Bore hole to secure the fish-catching basket?

 The sun was starting to set and I was running late for dinner. As tempted as I was to soak in the stillness of this timeless place, I had to get back to modern life (as a matter of f act a large portion of this story was written the next day in a hotel room inWashingtonD.C.). I took as many photographs as time allowed. I thought it was important to document this piece of history before the passage of time take takes its toll. It seems though, centuries of raging water, brutal war, irresistible colonization and utility construction have not had much impact on this particular weir. It just might outlast us all.

 

 

 

The “V” is below the dam on this aerial shot.

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Feeling froggy? Try an MTB road trip

 

A good place to start any MTB trip in the Harrisonburg area.

The recent honor of Best Town Ever from Outside Magazine should have come as no surprise to those outdoors-minded folks here in Richmond. Whether it’s on the river or the trail, Richmond offers some of the most convenient outdoor recreation in the southeast region. Richmonders are also geographically fortunate enough to live only two hours from both the ocean and the mountains. In order for me to keep ‘the mountain’ in mountain biking, I think it is critical to escape to the high peaks every once in a while. There are many places within just 2 hours of Richmond to get your big mountain fix. Recently my buddy Ryan and I ventured off to an ol’ familiar playground in the George Washington National Forest for some much needed outdoor experience.

The primary goal of our trip was to achieve maximum enjoyment through riding our bikes. Residually, this trip became an outlet for connecting the mind, body, and soul by being immersed in the outdoors. Seems pretty simple…right?  Well, we left out of Richmond only to get pulled over after being on the road for ten minutes…not a good start to the trip.  We were determined not to let this spoil our mood and soldiered on to Harrisonburg.

After a short two hours in the car, we arrived at Shenandoah Bicycle Company http://www.shenandoahbicycle.com/to talk shop with some locals and pick up a supplementary ride map they sell for $10. I highly recommend stopping in to SBC and getting the ‘skinny’ on the local trail network. The staff is very familiar with the trails in the area and can point you in the right direction to suit your riding style. We became increasingly anxious for a ride before the sun went down so we headed out to Hone Quarry Campsite.  This site is easy to locate and has about a dozen established campsites for a small fee. This would be our home for the next three days. There are also a few other camp grounds in the area that are just a short drive from Harrisonburg. Check out Todd Lake and North River Campgrounds as well for other options.  Both are located in the North River Ranger District and more primitive camping is also available throughout the area. 

Sweet rock garden

Once camp was set up and gear was unpacked, we grabbed the bikes and headed out for a “quick” evening ride.  We choose to ride a trail new to us called Narrowback Ridge which consisted of a mix of technical singletrack, fast fire roads, and undulating, wooded doubletrack.  The ride supplement we picked up at Shenandoah Bike Shop clearly outlines each ride in detail to ensure that you don’t get lost and you kind of know what you are getting into. The nine-mile “warm up” trail took us almost three hours to tackle and proved to be a bit of a wakeup call. It’s easy to forget just how challenging, steep, fast, and exhausting these trails can be when you don’t ride them often. The payoff is that these are some of the most fun trails in the state! With the adrenaline raging, we headed back to camp before night fall to cook up some dinner and enjoy some post ride beverages.

Day two started with a fresh brewed press of coffee and a huge sausage, potato, and onion omelet. Temperatures were above normal, and we were anxious to get out on the trail again. The first run of the day was 13 miles of Timber Ridge into Wolf Ridge and we had a history with this trail. About a year earlier, this trail had dished out a beating on us and our bikes resulting in eight flat tires and two seriously bruised egos. We ended up having to zip tie a tire that wouldn’t stay seated on the rim in order to get off the mountain before night fell. Needless to say it was time for some redemption with this run and we were ready.

This trail offers such a variety of terrain making it one of the gems in this area. You start at the top of Reddish Knob with 360 degree views and beauty that is awe inspiring. The trail drops off the fire road into a very narrow, off-camber section of trail with bowling ball size rocks. Next up are a few fast and rocky chutes that lead into a giant rock garden that opens up to the valley below.  The next few miles are filled with technical saddle work ending in some ‘hike a bike’ uphills before dropping you into the first trail intersection at breakneck speed. The bottom of the trail is called Wolf Ridge and it has recently had a facelift thanks to the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition http://www.svbcoalition.org/.

It’s not just mountain bikers that enjoy the GW national forest.

This section of trail is pure mountain biking bliss!  It is a veritable roller coaster of big berms, water bar rollers, s-turns, and fun around every corner that lasts for almost 6 miles…think Forest Hill Park on the side of a mountain with no climbing. Once at the bottom we could hardly contain our excitement from all the adrenaline pumping. We had just ripped this trail and conquered a demon that had haunted us for over a year.

The most interesting part about this particular run was that we are here just one week after the Derecho that blew through Virginia. The remnants of the storm stopped our flow too frequently due to downed trees and limbs. We decided to do as much trail work as was humanly possible with my trusty 14 inch Felco handsaw. By the time we reached the bottom we had cleared close to 15 different downed obstacles blocking the trail. After a quick lunch, we decided to hit this same trail one more time so we could enjoy all the trail clearing we did…AMAZING!  Heading back to camp exhausted and satisfied we cooked up some chicken stir fry and sat by the fire sharing old ghost stories and exalting in the day’s ride. The next morning we broke down camp and set out for one last ride on Trimble Mountain to completely destroy our atrophied muscles. 

The adventure wasn’t over yet! We ended up stopping on interstate 81 to change a tire that blew out on our car while other cars zipped by…not fun!  However, the rest of the drive home gave us both a chance to reminisce on the weekend and the reason why we visit places like the George Washington National Forest. When you are completely enveloped by nature you are at peace. There is a calm and focus that seems innate when you are able to forget your troubles and leave the world behind you. There are no traffic jams, cell phones, or deadlines. There is just you, your bike, and the mountain. The ability to regain clarity through outdoor experience is a therapy that is impossible to imitate. I will always return to the higher elevations to seek out new adventures and big mountain riding. However,  I often remind myself how fortunate I am to have places like the James River Park and Pocahontas State Park to find this type of outdoor solace right here at home. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this column.  Now, go out and ride!!!

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Virginia Boat Club excels on James, beyond

One of Richmond’s oldest surviving outdoor recreation clubs has transformed itself into a thriving producer of national champions and fresh converts, crediting the mighty James for its feats.  And you’ve probably never heard of it. 

The Virginia Boat Club(VBC) was founded about a decade after the Civil War ended and has existed continuously in some shape or form since a few baseball players began rowing regularly from what is now a boat ramp in Byrd Park in 1876. While membership has peaked and waned in competitive focus over the years, the 2012 club men’s team won every regatta it entered and brought home a silver medal in the Men’s Quad (four-man boat) from the National Championships in Worcester, Mass. 

Credit: Lauren Modny

The club currently boasts a downtown division at Rockett’s Landing and a suburban division, taking off from Robious Landing Park in Midlothian. Sculling (two oars) and sweeping (one oar) rowing styles are equally popular at the two locations. With easy river access and multiple specialization options, it is easy to understand why the club is growing and also winning.

Sean Bamman, VBC Secretary and Robious training leader, was a successful high school and collegiate rower. He sought an outlet while in the midst of starting his own business.

“Lots of parents are getting involved in rowing when they see how much fun their kids are having. A lot of people are Northeastern transplants (where rowing is very popular).

Molly Brannan, downtown leader and club Vice President, sees rowing as an opportunity for the throngs of Richmond endurance junkies to change the routine.

“Lots of members are active already, people who enjoy the outdoors. People who seem to take to the sport the most are not necessarily the youngest, but those who love the thrill of starting a race. Most people pick it up pretty quickly.”

She also adds, “Rowing is a combination of ballet and powerlifting…it matters where you put your pinky, but you have to be really strong and technical.”

The club offers Learn-to-Row and Learn-to-Scull programs in the summer from its downtown boathouse.  A winter training program focuses on technique and conditioning in preparation for the summer “Sprint” season followed by the long course “Head Races” rounding out the late summer.

In addition to fielding teams and offering conditioning programs, VBC members are using their sport as a vehicle (or a vessel?) to share with the community. The club partners with Sportable to help athletes with physical or visual disabilities get out on the water. Boathouse time is shared with VCU’s team when school is in session.

Team members all pitch in to orchestrate an annual “Rockett’s Landing Sprints” regatta, which showcases the James to teams from around the country each June.  According to Bamman, the event was twice as big this year as in previous years. While the goal is not to grow the event by adding more teams, Bamman intends to create a fun spectator atmosphere that includes the whole community.

“I would love to see everyone come out for race day to watch the races and socialize….sort of like a Strawberry Hill or a Foxfields.”  (These are annual horse races in Richmond and Charlottesville, respectively, which are known for festive tailgating and race-watching).

Both Brannan and Bamman hold the James in high regard.

“Because it is a tidal river, training conditions are ideal…the James is almost always perfectly flat and we can focus on rowing well,” says Bamman.

He said he gets a thrill from sightings of soaring bald eagles, and from gliding past densely wooded nooks hiding all sorts of wildlife on the river’s banks.

The two agree that one disadvantage to “ideal” training waters is lack of preparation for the choppy Northeastern rivers, where most of the competitive events are held.  Based on the past year’s results, however, the more placid James has not impacted the team’s ability to win.

So, if you happen to be out for an early morning jaunt to the river and hear the coxswain shout of “Way’nuff!,”  you know that the Virginia Boat Club is finishing up its pre-dawn work out. 

 To find out more about team events and programs, check out the Virginia Boat Club website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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History, hiking converge at Lake Anna State Park

Summer is on the wane, but there are still more than enough daylight hours to invest an hour’s drive for a hike in Lake Anna State Park. Here you not only can enjoy the scenery, but also find how past events have shaped today’s Virginia.

Every bit of land on Earth has gone through countless changes in its topography, natural history, and uses by the human race. Long before humans set foot on North America, a fault formed near what is now the state park. Lava welled up and poured through, with the liquid spreading eastward and the leading edge cooling into an iron-rich area. Behind, the flow was compressed into a narrow band now called the Gold-Pyrite Belt.

Lake Anna covers 13,000 acres.

Mannahoack Indians lived in the area at the time settlers from the Old World began to arrive. The natives, being hunter/gatherers and small-plot farmers, had little use for the minerals and the land remained unchanged. Within a hundred years, though, the colonists needed a steady supply of nails, farm implements, and other tools, and the early 1700s saw the rise of numerous iron furnaces. Iron mines pockmarked the countryside and logging roads crisscrossed the landscape. The lumber was made into charcoal to fire the furnaces, but by the end of the century many had closed, victims to other furnaces on the more easily navigable James and Potomac rivers.

Agriculture became the region’s means of livelihood, yet farmers found that “panning” their water runs resulted in small rewards. The first recorded gold mine in Virginia was in western Spotsylvania County in 1806, and Virginia became the nation’s third largest gold producer from 1830 to 1850. The California gold rush of 1849 diverted attention from Virginia and the local population once again adopted an agrarian way of life.

Lake Anna was created for Virginia Power Company’s North Anna Nuclear Power Station. When the dam was completed in 1971, the company gave the lake to the state. With eight miles of shoreline, the state park offers picnic areas, rental cabins, a campground, boat ramp, nature and history exhibits, swimming (Memorial Day to Labor Day), interpretive programs, and concessions. A network of trails allows you to roam the more than 2,400 acres. My favorite hike, at 12.9 miles, consists of two loops, with my car parked in the middle, so I can decide to do the loops on separate occasions if I don’t have the time to do the entire outing all at once.

A highlight is Pigeon Run where Hailey’s gristmill ground corn from 1857 to 1889. Some of the huge stones that made up the mill dam are still visible in the water. Although private homes are on the other side of the cove, this is one of the quietest spots on the hike, so I often take a break at water’s edge and have been able observe a heron trolling the water in search of a meal, a muskrat taking an early morning swim, and a hawk surveying its domain.

Along the Glenora Trail—an old country lane through a forest of sweet gum, hickory, oak, holly, maple, sassafras, and cedar—is a renovated smokehouse. This is the only structure still standing from the Glenora Plantation; most of what was once the plantation is now under the waters of Lake Anna. A chimney on the oldTaylor homesite (with nearby cemetery) signifies that the hike is coming to a close.

Please note: This article is adapted from one of my books, 50 Hikes in Northern Virginia, published by Countryman Press and available through www.habitualhiker.com. The book provides a detailed description of the hike.

Getting There: Take I-95 Exit 118 (40 miles north of Richmond), turn left on VA 606 and drive 8.9 miles, turn left onto VA 208 and continue for 7.2 miles, bear right onto VA 601, and drive an additional 3.3 miles to turn left into the park.

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Feeling the “flow” with SUP yoga

Author Camille Smith, of Black Dog Paddle, has refined the art of yoga on a SUP.

Standup paddleboarding is catching on in Richmond. Two years ago, I’d be the only person on the river with a SUP, then last year we started teaching classes and saw more people, now I see other SUPer’s frequently on the James. It’s an amazing cross-training sport, low impact on all the joints, and it’s an outstanding way to improve your balance, core strength and coordination.

For me, paddling is also the only time I am able to completely quiet my mind and be present — that elusive state I had been chasing in yoga studios around the Greater Richmond Area for years. The cadence of each stroke, the quiet sound of water rushing beneath my board and the natural beauty surrounding me. Finally, it all came together.

Honestly, the moment you’re not present on your board — for example: “Geez, that was a complete kerfuffle at work today!” — that’s the moment you’re going to get wet! After paddling for years, I began a transition to SUP yoga. I looked down and saw a large, soft, floating yoga mat and took my practice to the water, to the stand-up paddleboard. I started with Plank, Downward Facing Dog, Chaturanga, and Up Dog, and discovered it added a heightened level of awareness and intensity to my practice. It’s a fun new level! 

Each pose is more physical because you have to stabilize your mat while holding each pose longer to find your stability. You move in and out of poses slowly because you’re adjusting with the movement of the water and your board during each vinyasana. Ah yes, there it is, vinyasa – flow, the river flows and you with it. The first time moving into Warrior I, you might get wet, but it’s part of the experience and fun of practicing SUP yoga!

The board is a perfect yoga mat, and nature is the best studio with blue herons, bald eagles, sunsets, and clouds overhead. Grab the rails during Child Pose and dangle your fingers in the water for shavasana. Namaste.

SUP yoga is a fun, physical, and meditative practice, but it’s also done on an oxygen deprived environment (the water).  As an ACA Level 2 SUP instructor (and YogaFit), I stress water safety. If you take a SUP yoga class, make sure your instructors are certified and have the proper gear, are trained in rescue techniques, and are currently CPR & First Aid certified. If you take your own practice to the water, at the very least – please have a USCG approved and required pfd, bring a SUP buddy or tell someone where you’re paddling, and take a dry bag with a cell phone so you can make a call if you get in trouble.  Have fun, be safe, and see you on the water!

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Discovering a Bay icon in Richmond

First of all, let me thank Andy Thompson for asking me to join the RichmondOutside.com team. I love exploring the natural and historical sites of my hometown and letting other folks know about the endless diversity and heritage that is virtually in their backyard. Contributing to this fine online resource helps me do just that. Thanks, Andy!

Even though I have lived in Richmond all my life, I am constantly trying to find something new and unexpected. Not too long ago, I did just that.

Prospecting for blue crabs on the James. Credit: Rich Young

One of my favorite summer activities in Richmond is snorkeling in the James River. I know what you’re thinking: snorkeling in Richmond? It turns out that the water in the Fall Line section of the James (the part noted for its rocks and rapids) is crystal clear on most days. It is not unusual to see all the way to the bottom even without a snorkel mask.  The water in this area is also highly oxygenated thanks to the turbulence of the rapids and the underwater plants that photosynthesize during sunny afternoons. This special combination of conditions supports one of the most dynamic habitats anywhere on the James. In short, there are a lot of critters to see!

Knowing this, I was very eager to visit the area near Mayo Island and Pipeline rapids one afternoon after work. I was expecting to see smallmouth bass, catfish, turtles (which I did, of course) and a big assortment of the usual suspects. I was most surprised, however, to see a large number of spiny, blue crustaceans reposing at the bottom of the restless river –Chesapeake Bay blue crabs! At first I doubted my own observation, so I moved in for a closer look. Indeed, the river was full of them. Some were as large as dinner plates!

 The next day at work I told my boss about it. At the time I worked for the James River Park System and my boss was Park Manager, Ralph White. Ralph informed me that male blue crabs migrate to the warm, shallow reaches of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries in the summer in search of food. It turns out the rich James River not only supports the locals. After feasting on insects, dead fish and whatever else they can find in the James and other rivers, the male blue crabs leave their summer bachelor pads and head back to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in search of love. After mating, males and females bury themselves in the mud of the lower bay to wait out the winter. In the spring, females (a.k.a “Sooks”) return to the saline parts of the upper bay to spawn and males (“Jimmies”) head back up the tributaries.

Male blue crabs are easy to identify. Their claws are blue. The females have pink claws!

If you go snorkeling in the James and you spot a blue crab you can be sure it is a male. The females do not come up this way. They prefer salty water to spawn. Honestly, I was a little moved to learn about all this. It has always been my belief that all creatures in nature are connected, and sometimes it is difficult to discern the link. Here is a tangible tie to the Chesapeake at my favorite playground in Richmond!  

If, after reading this, you feel cravings for steamed crab and think you might grab a few form the James there are a few things you need to know. The state of Virginia requires a license for recreational crabbing and there are limits on the number you can take.  The Virginia Marine Resources Commission website has all the information you need about licenses and harvest limits. Click here.   

Mmm…tasty

Now is the best time to spot the big blue guys before they begin their fall journey downstream. I think I’m headed to the river now with a can of Old Bay. I hope to see you there!

 Where to Go….

The best place to spot blue crabs in Richmond is at the toe of the rapids. (Generally, the channels and islands below Pipeline Rapid and around Mayo Island)

Go to Brown’s Island and find the Pipeline Trail. The trailhead is next to the bridge abutment where the concert stage is set up. Follow the trail downstream (east) and walk along the suspended pipe (it has a walking tread and hand rails). When you get to the first sandy beach, hop off the pipe and follow the big river channel south between the islands. Head upstream from there and start exploring. There are countless little channels and swimming holes!

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Gear Up for the Gran Fondo

Credit: Sports Backers

What’s all this talk about some sort of cycling event coming to Richmondin the fall?  A Gran Fondo? It sounds like an elite racing event that you might want to check out as a spectator. Don’t be fooled – this event is for everyone who loves riding on the open roads, but it is different from many of the charity rides and events that have been hugely successful in bringing areas cyclists together on weekend mornings. It is time you sign up and start training for the October 6th event, the Martin’s Tour of Richmond.

 What the heck is a Gran Fondo?

Gran Fondo, which is Italian for “big ride,” events are popular in Europe, but have been popping up all over the United States. Think of it as a long distance citizen’s race. It is a timed road race, which is not a mass phenomenon (yet) here in theU.S.You can typically choose among distance options. TheRichmondevent is offering course length options of 102 miles, 59 miles, or 29 miles. 

If you are accustomed to bands, snack stations, and rest stop chit chat on the charity rides you have completed, expect the vibe for a Gran Fondo to be a bit different.  There are rest stops, SAG support vehicles, and post-race festivities planned, but here will be folks racing against the clock. 

I just like riding, why would I want to compete?

This is a unique opportunity for amateur riders to feel like a pro! You can personally challenge yourself to achieve a certain time. There will be people just trying to finish, riders shooting for a specific time, uniform-clad teams pushing the pace, and sponsored riders going for the win. Similar to a foot race, like the annual Richmond Marathon or theMonument Avenue10k, a Gran Fondo can satisfy anyone from the laid back participant to the die hard competitor.

How should I train differently for a Grand Fondo?

You do not need to train differently for a Gran Fondo than you would for any other road riding event of a similar distance. If you want to challenge yourself, because this is a timed event, here are some tips to get yourself into “race” shape:

 Are there any good routes for training?

There are great riding resources all over theRichmondregion. Try to ride at times when traffic volume is low. Sunday mornings are ideal. Bring your cell phone and try to ride with a buddy for safety.

Credit: Sports Backers

 There is no better practice than training on the Gran Fondo course itself. Scroll down for turn-by-turn instructions and a course map on the event website

 The Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA) offers turn-by-turn print out sheets of rides starting from within city limits and from surrounding counties. Ron Corio, former RABA President, offers some course highlights of his favorite routes. Ride these on your own or try out many of the great group ride options offered by the club on these very routes. You will also make some great friends.

 Just print out a cue sheet, wrap it in plastic wrap, and get going:

 

 

 

 

 And most importantly, do I have to wear spandex?

Of course not! There will be lots of people with loose fitting clothing.  It is smart to consider, though, that riders of all ability levels wear spandex on long-distance rides for a good reason.

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Exploring Kerr Reservoir’s infinite shoreline

 

Many great blue herons call Kerr Reservoir home

Summer’s longer daylight hours provide the opportunity to do some hikes a little farther afield, so I’m going to suggest a drive of a little less than two hours south from Richmond to Kerr Reservoir, a.k.a. Buggs Island Lake, along the Virginia/North Carolina border.

The reservoir has more than 800 miles of shoreline and is managed for electrical power production, recreation, timber, environmental protection, and flood control. In addition to Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks, more than a dozen camping and recreation areas are dispersed along the shoreline (making this a nice, overnight weekend destination if you wish). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineersmaintains many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) along the Buggs Island Lake shoreline, which provide large tracts of land to wander. In the Greenwood WMA, the marked 7.1-mile Robert Munford Trail is worth the trip.

The area receives more than 4 million visitors annually, but almost none of them (except during hunting season) take advantage of of this pathway, making it a pristine and quiet walk in the woods. Although the white-blazed route is lightly used by nearby residents and equestrians, please be aware that trail may be somewhat vague at times. Be prepared to make use of some of your route-finding abilities.

Robert Munford was a prominent 18th-century citizen of Mecklenberg County who lived on the land the trail traverses. (You’ll pass his grave a little more than a mile into the hike.) As you hike the trail, lined by dogwood, oak, sweet gum, holly, poplar, beech, pine, and cedar trees, you’ll occasionally be on narrow points of land where water is visible through the vegetation on both sides. Covering 50,000 acres, Kerr Reservoir is Virginia’s largest inland body of water. This large expanse attracts boating enthusiasts of all kinds. Near the developed campgrounds and boat ramps, scores of power boaters, water-skiers, sail boaters, and jet skiers skim across the water, seemingly trying to outdo each other in speed. Yet, from the trail you will probably only see a few canoeists or kayakers searching out hidden coves and inlets.

Bass fishing is a popular pasttime on Kerr Reservoir

The sound of your approaching footsteps may cause scores of frogs to jump into the safety of the lake or even mud puddles. Although they live much of their lives in the water, frogs don’t drink it the way people do. Instead, they have a permeable skin through which liquid and gasses can pass. Additional water comes from the food they eat and, in times of drought, they are able to redirect it back into their bodies before it becomes a waste product. The waters of the lake also make for great waterfowl watching, including ducks, mallards, herons, and Canada geese.

One of my books, 50 Hikes in Southern Virginia, provides a detailed description of the hike and well as outings in Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks.

Getting There: Unless you are willing to backtrack, this is a one-way hike, so a car shuttle will be necessary. Drive to the lower trailhead by taking I-85 Exit 12 in South Hill, follow US 58 west for 18.5 miles, turn left onto VA 756, make a right onto VA 705 .2 mile later, and continue an additional 5.1 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. Leave one car here and retrace your route for 2.7 miles, and turn left turn onto VA 823, on which the other trailhead parking will be found on the left in 2.0 miles.

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Beginner’s knowledge: Fix a flat

There a number of basic repairs that every mountain biker should know. However, the flat tire remains the Achilles heel of most beginner riders. There is a great quote that reads, “A bad attitude is like a flat tire…you can’t go anywhere ’til you fix it.” Anyone who has attempted to change a tire on a bike knows that it can lead to a bad attitude. Hopefully, following the steps below might help you figure out a system of changing your tires with less of a headache. More importantly, I hope it helps you get back on the trail quicker and with the peace of mind you need to keep the wheels rolling!

Before you get started, you will need a few tools. You will need a floor pump/hand pump (that fits either a Presta valve or Shrader valve), tire levers (also known as tire irons), a replacement tube (be sure to buy the correct wheel size and tube size), and a 15mm wrench (if your bike does not have a quick release). (Picture 2) Removing the rear wheel – this requires a few steps.  First, you will need to loosen the brake cable to enable getting the rear wheel out. Note: If you run disc brakes, this step is not necessary. (Picture 3)

Then you will need to flip the bike over so it is resting on the handlebars and seat.  For bikes with a quick release, pull the lever and gently loosen the quick release.  If you have bolt-on axles, you will need to use a 15mm wrench to loosen both bolts. (Picture 4)  In order to get the wheel off easier, use your left hand to ‘open up’ the rear derailleur.  You can do this by pushing on the back of the lower derailleur wheel with your thumb while simultaneously pulling the body of the derailleur.  You might have to practice this motion a few times to get the feel of it.  (Picture 6).  While you have the rear derailleur ‘opened up’, lift the rear wheel out with your other hand.  All right, now the hard part is over…your wheel is out!

Removing the blown tube – Be sure to let any remaining air out of the tube before trying to take out the tube.  First, pull the tire to one side using your hand to better access the lip of the tire.  Then, insert the ‘scooped’ end of the tire lever, catch the lip of the tire, and press the other end of the lever down until the tire lip ‘pops’ off the rim (picture 7).  Now, run the tire lever around the lip of the tire until one side of the tire is ‘unseated’ from the rim. (picture 8 ). Now, remove your blown tube.

Replacing tube – Note: it is best practice to run your hand gently on the inside of the tire in order to check for any debris or anything that might have punctured your tire.  Then, you will want to pump up the new tube just enough so it takes shape (picture 9).  Next, insert the new tube starting at the valve.  Make sure the valve goes in straight through the hole in the rim (picture 10).  Now you can begin to insert the rest of the tube and seat it inside the tire (picture 11).  Once the tube is in the tire, then you can begin to ‘seat’ the tire onto the rim.  Use your thumbs and broad part of the palm to push the tire back on the rim. Note:  in my experience, this is easiest when the wheel is lying on your lap to give you some leverage (picture 12).

Pump it up and reassemble – Now all you need to do is pump up the tire the rest of the way (picture 13). You will need to follow the steps in No. 1 in reverse order in order to get your wheel back on the bike. Don’t forget to connect your brake cable again before jumping on to ride!

 Hopefully, this brief explanation has helped and hasn’t further confused you. A great way to practice is to let the air out of a perfectly good tube and pretend it is flat. Practice all the steps until they are ingrained in your head. Once you know how to change a tire, then pack away the tools you need on your next ride so you never have to deal with the frustration of a flat tire again. (Picture 14)

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Local photographer runs in front of the pros

Before you toe the starting line, Jesse Peters, already knows your high point in the race – where you will be feeling strong, smiling and enjoying yourself. How could he possibly predict this? It’s because he ran the entire course to stake out the best picture spots and fan gathering points in the woods of the James River Park System

“The course sweep lets me envision where I would want someone to take my picture looking my best.”

Peters is the slight, thoughtful-looking guy with the screaming day-glo sneaks and spiky blonde hair you see unassumingly snapping pictures at most outdoor athletic events held in Richmond. He is the go-to guy for running, mountain biking, Xterra, and other river-focused adventure sports. If it was not for him, your framed and matted Christmas gift for your sweetie would not be quite as nice.

Credit: Jesse Peters

Since the first time he secured a media pass to snap skateboarding photos at the now-transformed Dominion Riverrock (previously James River Adventure Games) Festival, the Metropolitan Richmond Sport Backers have hired Peters to capture the most exciting moments of many of the events they produce.

Peters’ biggest opportunity was being tapped for the once-in-a-lifetime World Duathlon Championships, overtaking Richmond city streets in 2007.

“I was still new to biking events. I had to ride on the back of a motorcycle balancing all of my equipment – it was pretty challenging, but I got the perfect up close shot of a racer on the Lee Bridge with the city skyline in the background.  They used it on a lot of the international press releases.”

Peters has proven he has an instinct for catching competitors looking their best.  At the June Xterra East Championships, he was asked to create a visual picture book of some of the pro athletes from their arrival in the River City through finish line victory.

“That’s the cool thing about top trail athletes – the access,” he said. “I was able to hang out at the family’s house where Melanie McQuaid (2012 female Xterra East champion) was staying and then catch her in action on the Buttermilk.”

Credit: Jesse Peters

Living less than a mile from the North Bank and Buttermilk Trails, Jesse knew where he would plant himself for the Xterra race, but didn’t expect all of the company.

“In Buttermilk Heights (South Side), there is this huge cliff, where the riders make a steep climb before turning.  It was me and forty guys, two of whom were dressed as Disney characters, and a propane gas grill. There were riders who could not have gotten up that climb otherwise without those dudes cheering them on.”

Without fully realizing it, Peters discovered he has long been “in training” for his current profession as a photographer. While at VCU, he attempted to major in filmmaking through the Theatre Department, only to shift to a philosophy degree after he was told that filmmaking was not an option. He then became a City of Richmond cop, while also managing race-day logistics and operations for the Richmond Roadrunners and Richmond Sportsbackers on the side. He had always pursed competitive triathlons and ultra-running races for fun, too.

Sportsbackers staff spotted his talent after viewing his amateur skateboarding action shots. His athleticism, experience with course operations, and a creative flair would produce something different from your standard auto shots in races.  They knew Peters would be able to uniquely capture the most exciting moments as the Richmond community gathered and competed in its urban outdoor playground.

“Those auto snapshot cameras in the big races always capture people in the worst stride stance – I want to shoot angles of racers that I know I would want for myself.”

While Peters continues to be the regional all-season action shot guru, he dreams of being invited to the Stanley Cup or a high profile boxing match. 

“I want to capture events where the atmosphere and background are just as important as what the athletes are experiencing….like when Muhammad Ali stood over Joe Frazier in victory in 1971.”

This dream is perhaps the inspiration behind his one-man company, Backlight Digital.

In an outdoor setting, through, Peters can’t think of a better backdrop than a meandering North Bank trail littered with fall foliage, stretched out behind you panting up the hill on your mountain bike…looking your best.

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