Nathan Burrell Builds a Bike Course on Belle Isle

It’s no secret that Greater Richmond has become a region known for its outstanding trails and outdoor recreation. At the center of it all is Nathan Burrell, Trail Manager for the City of Richmond.

“We are notoriously known for having one of the hardest trail systems in any urban area,” Burrell says.

Burrell, an Essex County native, has spent the past 10 years building, developing and maintaining more than 27 miles of multi-use trails. The most recent feature added to the city’s trails was the Belle Isle mountain bike skill area, which was completed this summer.

The low-risk practice course allows bikers of all ages and skill levels to challenge themselves and build their skill sets before tackling the city’s trails.

“We are notoriously known for having one of the hardest trail systems in any urban area,” Burrell says. Burrell credits the help of Richmond Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE), a group of hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, for making the project a success. “Without the community, we wouldn’t be able to produce the great trail systems and bike park that we have now,” he notes.

Article from Issue #16