FAQs
CAP2CAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CAP2CAP?
Cap2Cap is an annual bike ride and event hosted by the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation to showcase the Virginia Capital Trail and celebrate its cycling community! This year's event commemorates 20 YEARS! Join us for this fun, family-friendly event and help support the Virginia Capital Trail at the same time.
WHAT IS THE VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL?
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7-mile multi-use, paved trail that runs from Williamsburg, VA to Richmond, VA along the Route 5 scenic corridor.
WHERE ARE THE ROUTES?
The routes are up to you! If you want to receive all of the Cap2Cap perks and experience everything the Trail has to offer, we suggest you plan your route on the Virginia Capital Trail and stop by your designated Ride Day's Party Zone for lunch and a beverage. Need some help? Our friends at Road Tested Bike Tours have put together some itineraries based on starting point, distance, and ride day. You can view the itineraries here.
WHAT DAY CAN I RIDE?
Riders can select which day they would like to complete their ride, Friday, May 9th or Saturday, May 10th. Once you have chosen a date, that is the day you must participate in Cap2Cap. If you want to change your Ride Day, follow the Edit Registration instructions by 11:59 PM on April 17th.
Want to ride on both days? Check out the 2-Day Challenge! You will select a distance goal for each and get access to both Party Zones (includes lunch and beverage tickets for each day).
Virtual participants can ride and submit their results anytime in May.
*A Ride Day and/or an overall event capacity may be capped.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Price varies depending on the event and timeframe. Please see the below pricing schedule:
WILL THERE BE SAG/TECH SUPPORT?
Yes. SAG will be available on the Trail from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. SAG should be contacted only in the event that fatigue or a mechanical issue precludes further cycling. SAG is not a shuttle service.
Mechanical support will be available both event days. Specifics TBD. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
WILL THERE BE A SHUTTLE?
Yes, but it's only an option for Half Century riders and is a $52 add-on option in registration. Out-and-back rides, Amtrak, and coordinating a car drop with friends are all great options!
Please note, that limited spaces are available for the shuttle. There is also a minimum of registrants needed to run the shuttles. If the minimum isn't met, the service will be canceled and the fee refunded. This is the only reason a refund would be applicable. Otherwise, the shuttle will run rain or shine.
Additionally, due to the enclosed trailers' capacity and in an effort to keep all bicycles safe and secure, the shuttles can only accommodate two-wheeled, non-reclining, single-rider, seated bicycles weighing under 60 lbs.
WHERE CAN I GET MY LUNCH?
Lunch will be available at the Party Zone on your selected Ride Day (the day you selected to ride during registration).
Friday, May 9th: Party Zone at Chickahominy Riverfront Park (1350 John Tyler Highway Williamsburg, VA 23185)
Saturday, May 10th: Party Zone at Dorey Park (7200 Dorey Park Drive, Henrico, VA)
Lunch will be served from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Beer service ends at 4:00 PM.
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?
TBD!
There'll also be food trucks at each Party Zone which anyone can purchase from.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RIDE CAP2CAP?
That depends on your selected distance and your ride speed. This page will help you calculate your ride time so you can plan the best Cap2Cap ever!
WHAT IS A REST STOP?
Rest Stops provide snacks, water, and a great cheering section to support riders. Cap2Cap Rest Stops will be active between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM along the Virginia Capital Trail at Great Shiplock Park (Mile Marker 51.2), Four Mile Creek (between Mile Markers 39 and 40), Herring Creek (near Mile Marker 27), Charles City Courthouse (near Mile Marker 20), and Skalak Memorial right by Chickahominy Riverfront Park (between Mile Markers 6 and 7). To limit crowding and keep our volunteers and riders safe, you will only be able to utilize Rest Stops on your selected ride day.
There'll be specialty food at some of the Rest Stops again this year from Ukrop's, Breez-In, and Pickle Juice.
WHERE/WHEN DO I PICK UP MY RIDE PACKET?
Ride packets can be picked up at the following times and locations. You will select one of these options during registration. If you would like to change your Packet Pickup selection, please see the Edit Registration tab. Changes to your Packet Pickup (or any registration detail) must be made by 11:59 PM on April 17th.
You can only pick up your packet at the location and time you select. You need your packet to ride. You must present a photo ID to pick up your packet.
1. Thursday, May 8th, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: in Williamsburg, Billsburg Brewing
2. Thursday, May 8th, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: in Richmond, VA, exact location TBD
3. Friday, May 9th, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Chickahominy Riverfront Park (1350 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185)
4. Saturday, May 10th, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Dorey Park (7200 Dorey Park Dr, Henrico, VA 23231)
5. You can instead choose to have your packet mailed to you for a fee of $15 (until April 17th). If you would like your packet mailed, please follow these steps.
If you're unable to pick up your packet, you may have someone else pick it up for you. They just need to provide a copy of or photo of your ID.
IF I OPT TO HAVE MY RIDE PACKET SHIPPED, WHEN WILL IT BE SHIPPED?
All in-person mailed ride packets will be shipped by April 25th for the best chance of arriving in time for Cap2Cap weekend.
*Virtual packets will be sent early June and are not needed to complete your Cap2Cap ride.
WILL CAP2CAP BE SUPPORTED BY POLICE/EMS?
Police/EMS are not needed since the event is on the Virginia Capital Trail, NOT public roads. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
There will be medical available at each Party Zone from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM as well as both days at the Charles City County Courthouse.
WILL THERE BE A PARTY?
You betcha! Friday, May 9th’s Party Zone will be at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Saturday, May 10th’s Party Zone will be at Dorey Park. The Party Zone on your Ride Day is where you can redeem your lunch and beverage tickets, as well as interact with other riders, listen to music, talk with vendors, and more!
Thanks to James City County Parks and Recreation for sponsoring the Chickahominy Riverfront Park Party Zone!
Thank you to Henrico Parks and Recreation for Sponsoring the Dorey Park Party Zone!
HOW/WHERE DO I REDEEM MY 10% DISCOUNT CODE?
Your one-time use coupon code is in your registration confirmation email. You can redeem it at our online Trail Store until the end of May: https://www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/trail-shop.
*Coupon code cannot be used on the 2025 Cap2Cap jersey.
WHAT SIZE JERSEY SHOULD I GET?
Reference Starlight Apparel's sizing guide for cycling apparel here.
*March 10th is the last day to preorder your jersey! Extra jerseys will be ordered and available for purchase at Cap2Cap, however, due to limited quantities, we cannot guarantee sizes. Additionally, you cannot exchange your jersey for a different size.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
All riders have different needs and we do our best to meet all of them. Bring your bike (of course!), helmet, water, and any riding gear you may need and you're pretty set. Some other items to consider are sunglasses, sunscreen, specific snacks, extra clothes/gear, tools, and portable phone chargers. Cap2Cap is a rain or shine event, so keep your eye on the weather and dress/prepare/pack appropriately!
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY RIDE DATE OR PACKET PICKUP?
April 17th will be the last day to change your Ride Day selection (space permitting) and Packet Pickup location (as well as other registration details). This lead time is necessary to allow us to organize with our food vendors, suppliers, volunteers, and venues for a successful Cap2Cap. If you would like to change your Ride Day or Packet Pickup location, please see the Edit Registration tab. The day you choose to ride is the day you will be able to use your lunch and beverage tickets at the corresponding Party Zone site. Please note: We may need to limit our rider capacity on a given ride date. Decisions will be made before April 17th.
CAN I JOIN A TEAM AFTER REGISTERING?
Absolutely! Click here to learn how.
WHAT DISTANCE SHOULD I RIDE? CAN I TRANSFER RIDES?
We encourage everyone of all skill levels to participate in our ride which is why we offer five different distances. Should you choose to change your ride distance, follow these instructions by 11:59 PM on April 17th.
WHERE CAN I FIND LODGING INFO?
Right on our website: Lodging along and near the Virginia Capital Trail.
CAN I GET A REFUND FOR THE RIDE?
No. Refunds, deferrals, and transfers are not allowed for this event. Cap2Cap happens rain or shine. In case of severe weather or a local/state/national emergency, VCTF reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify the event for safety concerns. We do not refund event fees, defer registration to another year, or transfer registration to other riders. In the unlikely case a ride is cancelled or you are not able to attend, please contact VCTF to claim your registration fee as a tax-deductible donation.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? E-MAIL INFO@VIRGINIACAPITALTRAIL.ORG
