Breakaway Rides into RVA
In pro cycling, the “breakaway,” or “break” is about a small group of riders seeking to separate themselves from the crowd to gain a competitive edge. One of Richmond’s newest events, Breakaway RVA is about something very different. Organizers have created an afternoon break for a large group of cyclists seeking togetherness and (mostly) low-key […]
The Kickstand: RCC’s Earned-Revenue-Venture
If you’re biking along the Virginia Capital Trail in downtown Richmond, you’ll notice a shipping container 10 feet off the trail. It’s tricked-out and outfitted with an outdoor patio and lawn chairs. And there are bikes everywhere. More bikes than you’d even think could fit into the 40-foot container spill out into the surrounding grass. […]
Making RVA Active
By Kyra Oliver Dr Jo pumps a fist in the air and shouts, “Boom, RVA, Boom.” She then turns to the 250-plus crowd and asks everyone in their seats to make a pretend mirror with their hands and gaze into it. “Now yell – you sexy thing, don’t you ever die.” This was the […]
Gears in the Garden: Bike Gardens In Bloom At The Center of the Universe
A green bike with a yellow seat and an American flag sits in front of Cross Bros. Grocery with a country cured ham hanging from the handle bars. Nearby, two bikes – one baby blue and the other hot pink – sit atop the Ashland Theater marquee covered in lights. Decorated bikes sit in front […]
Exhibits, Helmets, and Community
With its knack for connecting the past with the future, The Valentine has launched “In Gear: Richmond Cycles,” a rich collection of photographs, bikes, and historical objects that span several centuries of cycling. Curated by David Voelkel, the exhibit celebrates all things cycling – from 19th century high wheel bikes to the local stories of […]
How We Roll: Richmond’s Inner-City Youth Cycling Program
By Craig Dodson What does cycling have to do with low-income kids from public housing? Nothing and everything. When I started Richmond Cycling Corps (RCC) in 2010, it was merely a project: a “let’s see what would happen if …” kind of thing. Well, in our first year, a group of four kids from Fairfield […]
Yoga Everywhere
By Leslie Strickler Richmonders work hard. We are a tough and resilient lot when we want to be. But we also understand the value of play, getting outside, and being active. While there are many ways to maintain our physical and spiritual core, there’s nothing quite like the practice of yoga to harness the power […]
On the Rocks: Ladies Who Climb RVA
My 30th birthday found me in Colorado, staring up at a sheer 45-foot rock face, strapped into a borrowed harness, and wearing shoes that were way too big. The climb was terrifying. Would the ropes hold? Would my belayer drop me? While my first send (climbing speak for making it to the top) wasn’t pretty, […]
Raised On Adventure
When you venture deep into the wilderness, far from Richmond, it’s good to surround yourself with individuals who are mentally tough. A few summers ago, Joey Parent, an assistant director at VCU’s Outdoor Adventure Program, and I were picking our way down an isolated creek not far from Durango, Colorado. The setting was spectacular – […]
Riverside Outpost on Brown’s Island Expands
By Andy Thompson Around the same time Outside Magazine named Richmond its “Best River Town” in September 2012, Matt Perry and his crew at Riverside Outfitters were wrapping up their first season operating the Brown’s Island Outpost. Rentals of kayaks, standup paddleboards, and mountain bikes from the island better known as a music venue had […]