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2005
Governor's
Conference on
Greenways,
Blueways & Trails
Excursions |
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On
Sunday, May 1, explore the Richmond area with local
outdoors groups. Experience a variety of trails
by foot, bike, canoe or raft. Pre-registration
is required for all excursions except the canal boat
rides. An additional fee is required for excursions
where noted. Sign up for an excursion and logistical
details will be sent to you. Note:
all excursions take place on Sunday, May 1.
On
Foot
Hike
Along the James River -- The Old
Dominion Appalachian Trail Club is sponsoring
two hikes, leaving from the Omni's lobby at 12:30
p.m., that will travel along sections of the James
River to historic sites such as James River Park,
Hollywood Cemetery and then, return to the Omni.
One hike will be 3- to 5- miles long and take about
2 hours. The other will be 7 to 8 miles long
and take about 4 hours. Each hike is limited
to 12 people. Free.
Virginia
Volkssport Walk -- The Peninsula Pathfinders
will lead a 2-hour, 4- to 5- mile guided walk, leaving
from the Omni at 3:00 p.m., to explore the James River
Trail system by following the Kanawha Canal Walk and
crossing the pedestrian bridge for a circuit loop
on Belle Isle. Historical, cultural and environmental
interpretation will enhance the trip. All walkers
will receive a Virginia Volkssport Kit that can be
used for other Volkssport walks throughout Virginia.
More
Cost is $10.
CANCELLED
-- Capital of the Confederacy Historic Walk
-- Join your guide for a fascinating look at Civil
War history and Richmond architecture as you explore
the area around the Museum of the Confederacy, the
State Capitol and St. Paul's Church. This walk
includes a visit to the Valentine
Richmond History Center. The tour
begins at 10:00 a.m at the Valentine Richmond History
Center, and the museum visit is at noon. Limited
to 25 people. $15 each.
On
Bike
Mountain
Bike Excursion -- The Richmond Area Chapter
of the Mid-Atlantic
Off-Road Enthusiasts will offer a guided
mountain bike group ride through the Buttermilk Trail
in the James River Park System. The group will
meet at Brown's Island at 9:00 a.m. Participants
should bring a mountain bike (in good condition) and
helmet. Free.
Bike
Ride with Richmond Area Bicycling Association
-- RABA
will lead a bike ride showcasing some of the most
historic and scenic sites in Richmond. This
10- to 15-mile tour will leave the Omni at 1:00 p.m.
and travel through downtown and some interesting outlying
neighborhoods. Bring your own bicycle and helmet.
Limited to 30 guest riders. Free.
By
Water
Canal
Boat Ride -- Enjoy a half-hour narrated tour
of the historic James River and Kanawha Canal presented
by Richmond's
Riverfront Corporation. Tours will
depart from Richmond's Canal Walk at 14th and Virginia
Streets between noon and 5:00 p.m. No reservations
are required. The $5 cost is payable at the
site.
Wetlands Paddle
at Dutch Gap Conservation Area -- The Chesterfield
Parks and Recreation Department will lead a wetlands
paddle that begins at the peninsula in Dutch
Gap Conservation Area from 9:00 a.m.
to noon. The trip will cross a tidal lagoon
and marsh where you can search for osprey, herons,
egrets, pickerelweed, swamp rose and more. Participants
should meet at the Henricus Visitor's Center Parking
Lot.
Paddling time is approximately 2 hours. Change
of clothes, towel, hat, sunglasses and water are recommended.
Limited to 12 people; $15 each.
Whitewater
Rafting on the James River -- Richmond
Raft Company will lead a raft trip on
the James River through downtown Richmond, among the
best urban whitewater in the U.S. Tales of local
tradition, historic sites and scenic beauty alternate
with exciting whitewater to make this a memorable
occasion. The trip will leave at 1:00 p.m.
Bring signed waiver (waiver sent upon registration),
shoes, warm/dry clothes. Cost is $50.
More
Fun
Introduction
to Rock Climbing -- Want to learn to rock
climb? Peak
Experiences is hosting a class to teach
you everything you need to know to be belay certified
for climbing. Come experience one of the East
Coast's largest indoor rock climbing centers.
The class will begin at 1:00 p.m. Limited
to 35 people. $25 each. Other opportunities
are available. Call (804) 897-6800.
Photo
Credit: Buddy Mays.
Courtesy
of Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Vistor's
Bureau |
