When a group of friends decided to tackle the Virginia Capital Trail from end to end, 100 miles out and back with overnight camping, they weren’t just chasing distance. They were chasing connection, adventure, and the simple joy of being outside, even in the rain!
A Little Friendly Push
My friends and I love riding bikes and have been riding different sections of the Cap Trail on fun group rides, and have wanted to always do the whole 100 miles out and back with overnight camping, which we also enjoy. A friend finally gave us the push, booked the campsite at Chickahominy, and set the date.
Favorite Moments
So many! Simply getting a chance to mentally check out, be present, enjoy good conversations with friends along the way, and being outside in nature. Add in a bite of a tasty burger and fries at Billsburg Brewery and waking up to sunshine and peacefulness at Chickahominy Riverfront Campground, and you have the perfect mix.
Hitting that last mile marker brought pure joy. “The downhill after 7-Eleven into Richmond was awesome! Seeing the Richmond skyline made me smile so big, I even did a happy dance inside.”
Trail Names for the Finish
Even the tough parts had their bright side. After reaching Charles City Courthouse, wet, cold, and hungry, the group needed a little Trail boost! We needed a moral boost, so we gave ourselves our own trail names then and there, which helped distract us and push us along to finish strong!
Bathroom Dryers Save the Day
The ride didn’t start without a fight. “Starting the ride from Richmond to Four Mile Creek with rain was a little challenging as the rain picked up some. We were all drenched, with soggy gloves and socks which made us feel colder at the start. We were so grateful for dryers at Four Mile Creek to get a little warmth and dry out some clothing. It made it more bearable for the rest of the ride. Soon after the rain stopped.”
Their pro tip? “Rain boots are a great option for a rainy ride, and always pack extra socks and gloves.
An Even Bigger Push
After conquering the 100-mile ride with an overnight stay, a bigger goal awaits:
“We’re interested to see if we can ride the whole 100 miles in a single day, which will push us even more.”
Special shoutouts
For our friend Lou who organised the ride and gave us the push we needed!
All my friends who joined us for the journey and made the whole experience worthwhile!
Abe - Trail Name (Rolled up pants - RUP)
Lou - Trail Name (Nut-sack)
Cat - Trail Name (Numb toes)
Amber - Trail Name (Gumboots)
Mallory -Trail Name (Bumble butt)
Support crew who helped bring some of our camping gear and camped the night with us - Chad and Zac
All the friends who cheered us on with text messages on the day or trained with us over the years to get us to this place!
Fun Trail Tidbits
Incy’s Cap Trail Shirt Slogan:
VA Capital Trail is for LOVERS of ALL kinds of adventure.Go To Trail Snack:
Fruit snacks/gummies, Salt and Vinegar Pringles on your front fork bottle cage.
Tuna packs with seaweed.
Thank you, Incy and crew, for sharing your rainy Trail adventure! We can’t wait to cheer you on as you crush your first century ride (hopefully with no rainclouds in sight!)!
Virginia Capital Trail Faces of the Trail
#FacesoftheTrail
