The North Bank Trail Is Pure Money
I went for a bike ride Sunday morning to get some exercise and ended up getting my ass kicked and feeling like I had gone 12 rounds with Apollo Creed.
I headed down to Belle Isle around 11am and rode up around on top and then came back down and around, dodging the already crowded island and enjoying the river, as always.
When heading back, I decided to hit the North Bank Trail for the first time. The trail was completed two years ago by dedicated bike enthusiasts and volunteers and completed the long sought-after loop with Buttermilk Trail on the southside, linked by the Boulevard Bridge and Belle Isle.
I recalled a friend's story who told me the trail was pretty difficult as I sat there and read the sign below Oregon Hill - which warned this was a very technical trail and for experts only.
I know I am not an expert rider, but also no novice. I'd say above amateur but below intermediate. I'm also in pretty good shape and exercise at least 4-5 times a week.
After negotiating the tight trails, avoiding the steep drop-offs to the canal below, getting out of the way of other real expert riders, one near face plant, and one near miss with a tree as I was wiping sweat away, I realized what my friend had told me was beyond true - this trail is not only hard, it is serious.
By the time I arrived at the North Bank parking lot just over half way on the 3.5 mile trail, I was pummeled and practically begging for mercy. I felt like I had done two hours of yoga or played eight games of hoops with guys that can really run. It was sheer exhaustion - but in a good way - physically.
The trail is connected from the North Bank lot to the second part of the trail near Maymont via the street, and it was a welcome few blocks of smooth asphalt. The entry into this part of the trail is steep as you negotiate a ramp that takes you down along the canal next to the Japanese Gardens at Maymont and the zoo area.
Other than the steep ramp, this part of the trail is fairly easy and flat, although it gets a little tight below the Boulevard Bridge. After making it all the way without wrecking or injuring myself, I was almost killed by a man who was running the trail with three un-leashed dogs as they came around a corner. Smart.
When I came out in the lot next to the Boulevard Bridge toll plaza, I felt like Rocky at the top of the steps. I am glad I got to finally hit the trail, and even more happy I survived because the trails along both sides of the river are no joke, and I was reminded of several important lessons:
~ Don't ride this trail alone - have at least one partner.
~ Wear a helmet! (which I did not have because I was not planning on riding the trail).
~ Have a spare tube and pump (also did not have) - there are tons of rocks.
~ Have more than just a small bottle of water - you will need it.
~ Be ready to have your ass kicked.
The North Bank Trail is a testament to the biking community in Richmond that builds and maintains all these trails. Without them, we would not have the incredibly unique biking experience that gains more and more popularity with locals as well as visitors.
I look forward to riding it again soon (as I am sure subsequent runs will get easier with familiarity) and completing the entire loop in one run. See you on the trail!
~
I headed down to Belle Isle around 11am and rode up around on top and then came back down and around, dodging the already crowded island and enjoying the river, as always.
When heading back, I decided to hit the North Bank Trail for the first time. The trail was completed two years ago by dedicated bike enthusiasts and volunteers and completed the long sought-after loop with Buttermilk Trail on the southside, linked by the Boulevard Bridge and Belle Isle.
I recalled a friend's story who told me the trail was pretty difficult as I sat there and read the sign below Oregon Hill - which warned this was a very technical trail and for experts only.
I know I am not an expert rider, but also no novice. I'd say above amateur but below intermediate. I'm also in pretty good shape and exercise at least 4-5 times a week.
After negotiating the tight trails, avoiding the steep drop-offs to the canal below, getting out of the way of other real expert riders, one near face plant, and one near miss with a tree as I was wiping sweat away, I realized what my friend had told me was beyond true - this trail is not only hard, it is serious.
By the time I arrived at the North Bank parking lot just over half way on the 3.5 mile trail, I was pummeled and practically begging for mercy. I felt like I had done two hours of yoga or played eight games of hoops with guys that can really run. It was sheer exhaustion - but in a good way - physically.
The trail is connected from the North Bank lot to the second part of the trail near Maymont via the street, and it was a welcome few blocks of smooth asphalt. The entry into this part of the trail is steep as you negotiate a ramp that takes you down along the canal next to the Japanese Gardens at Maymont and the zoo area.
Other than the steep ramp, this part of the trail is fairly easy and flat, although it gets a little tight below the Boulevard Bridge. After making it all the way without wrecking or injuring myself, I was almost killed by a man who was running the trail with three un-leashed dogs as they came around a corner. Smart.
When I came out in the lot next to the Boulevard Bridge toll plaza, I felt like Rocky at the top of the steps. I am glad I got to finally hit the trail, and even more happy I survived because the trails along both sides of the river are no joke, and I was reminded of several important lessons:
~ Don't ride this trail alone - have at least one partner.
~ Wear a helmet! (which I did not have because I was not planning on riding the trail).
~ Have a spare tube and pump (also did not have) - there are tons of rocks.
~ Have more than just a small bottle of water - you will need it.
~ Be ready to have your ass kicked.
The North Bank Trail is a testament to the biking community in Richmond that builds and maintains all these trails. Without them, we would not have the incredibly unique biking experience that gains more and more popularity with locals as well as visitors.
I look forward to riding it again soon (as I am sure subsequent runs will get easier with familiarity) and completing the entire loop in one run. See you on the trail!
~
posted by Jon Baliles | 11:15 AM
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