I am a vcu student and just got my rig down here, FINALLY. Are there any spots for jumping anywhere within the Richmond area?
Yeah, it sucks. They have been there FOREVER. From what i've heard, at least 25 years!Man, I can't believe those dogwood dell jumps got bulldozed. I've been away from the commonwealth too long.
Mike that wouldnt have been a certain banned TFK someone would it?Yeah, it sucks. They have been there FOREVER. From what i've heard, at least 25 years!
Oh well, all it takes it one d!ck to screw it up for the rest of us.
But look at it this way, at least we'll have a bunch of XC to ride when he's done!
Richmond MORE is not opposed to this, we just need to step up and make it happen.
I know. I just sayin'.No one is blaming MORE, as far as I'm concerned, MORE had nothing to do with it
I know. I just sayin'.
Don't tell anyone where you are diggin and when you are finished don't tell anyone. It's my tried and true method and it works.
As long as you don't mind the occasional bulldozing you're fine.
Let's try to see if we can get something going near the BMX track at Gilles.
With regard to Dogwood Dell, RIP, (semi-confirmed) rumor has it that a couple of concerned non-biking citizens actually complained to the city council, et al. about the Dell's demise. Apparently they argued that it was a waste of resources to demolish something that was providing a positive outlet for some of the citiy's youth.not anymore. we hve a special someone to thank for that....
There used to be some dirt jumps down at Dogwood Dell park, they had been there since the 80's, but they got bulldozed.
I've been around, where YOU been?EDIT: I are teh fale at intarwebs.
EDIT2: BigMike, where the heck you been?
I'd be willing to entertain the idea of / help with the digging at the BMX track again, but there are a lot of negatives and only one positive from my perspective.As long as you don't mind the occasional bulldozing you're fine.
Let's try to see if we can get something going near the BMX track at Gilles.
Wait, do you have permission to build the jumps at the BMX track again? BMX track is private land, correct?I'd be willing to entertain the idea of / help with the digging at the BMX track again, but there are a lot of negatives and only one positive from my perspective.
Mike, I think that would be a great idea. We should also get Shawn (BCG) involved he is an ace with a shovel and bafflingly motivated.Chuffer is wise.
I value your comments very much and I think you're spot on. Thanks.
Since the whole point of this is to have a legal place to build and spend our efforts but that is only going to work if everyone buys in to the idea. There has to be ownership from the DJ community for this to be successful. There are some other parks in the city where this may work better. Belles is a no go, I asked.
Perhaps you, Mike and I could get together for a ride and discuss sometime?
That would be nice for us mountain bikers...but not for everyone else that goes to Belle to see the historic landmarks.Mike, I think that would be a great idea. We should also get Shawn (BCG) involved he is an ace with a shovel and bafflingly motivated.
Sadly, I am going to be out of town for most March. When I get back, lets grab that beer and do some strategizing.
(Too bad that the powers that be arent interested in Belle Island. Everytime I ride through there I envision a huge field of DJs under the overpass. Protected (somewhat) from rain and sun. Oh well...)
10-4 on Shawn.Mike, I think that would be a great idea. We should also get Shawn (BCG) involved he is an ace with a shovel and bafflingly motivated.
Sadly, I am going to be out of town for most March. When I get back, lets grab that beer and do some strategizing.
(Too bad that the powers that be arent interested in Belle Island. Everytime I ride through there I envision a huge field of DJs under the overpass. Protected (somewhat) from rain and sun. Oh well...)
I understand your concern for the historic landmarks. That said here are a few counterpoints:That would be nice for us mountain bikers...but not for everyone else that goes to Belle to see the historic landmarks.
actually, things have been going very well with the legalization of our 10+ year old dirt jump park (495) up here. the park service has been downright friendly and helpful. if you guys need any help or want info on how we've done it so far, let me know. i have a vested desire to see DJs in richmond as hopefully i'll be moving there within the next year or so.Just look towards Northern Virginia and the problem with people creating illegal TTFs at various local parks.
That would be a great help. I think the best way is to show the city that this concept works and is succesful in other areas. Rich Edwards showed them the slides he took at Santos in FL. which seemed to spark some interest among some of the city staff.actually, things have been going very well with the legalization of our 10+ year old dirt jump park (495) up here. the park service has been downright friendly and helpful. if you guys need any help or want info on how we've done it so far, let me know. i have a vested desire to see DJs in richmond as hopefully i'll be moving there within the next year or so.
I have no problem with it, I'm just playing devils advocate because I'm sure this is the type of questions that will be raised. The area under the overpass is a former prison site, so I'm guessing it is some sort of local landmark which would logically follow that there are rules governing what can and cannot be put on top of the site. I'm thinking that even if the city puts dirt there, they would have a problem 'building' dirt piles for people to ride on. It would be worth looking at the zoning regulations on Belle Island.I understand your concern for the historic landmarks. That said here are a few counterpoints:
1. The piles of construction refuse and topsoil that are currently (for as long as I have lived in RIC) under the bridge are not historic landmarks. They are an eyesore and a well groomed set of DJs look like sculpture. Building and maintaining a DJ park = value add to the piece of land.
2. There is no reason why historic land marks and DJs cannot co-exist. Would a group of people enjoying the outdoors, sports and camaraderie really detract from experience of visitors to historic jails, warehouses, etc.?
3. The presence of a group of people who value the opportunity presented by the city / park will improve the location. In other words DJ riders would have a need to keep the park from becoming unkempt and littered (I am being very nice here. Belle Island looks like a landfill at times). Why? Simply the fear of losing a great opportunity.
Perhaps I am missing the point entirely. Is there some historically important relic hidden among the dirt piles and the weeds under the overpass?
Please explain why our presence would be so negative and intrusive to other users.