Richmond RPD to step-up JRPS Patrols

As the title suggests, this is an update about Richmond PD police presence in the JRPS; which I believe to also entail normal planning and in response to any recent events in JRPS.

A first point that must be made it that the JRPS falls under two different precincts, the 1st & 3rd:   Just about everything but Belle Island is out of the 3rd precinct.  The following was given by someone of the 1st.

RPD P1 has initiated "overtime" positions which should increase police presence on Belle Island (most of the overtime is on the weekends). There are also have several larger initiatives planned for the park system that will involve more resources and personnel.  

Our local contact is not involved with any of the new initiatives, but wanted to give an update as to how RPD is paying attention to issues around Richmond, and in particular, in the parks where so many of us go as a form of recreation, gather with friends and family, etc.  

Lieutenant Timothy Wyatt of the 1^st Precinctis responsible for Belle Island is fine with any posting of this information.  He also would be happy to speak on the subject at any meetings that may arise from such topics. 

Side Note: About 3 weeks back, Lisa and I were hiking through Forest Hill Park and came across 3 RDP uniformed officers on some Kawasaki duel-sport bikes; they appeared to be practicing maneuvers, etc.   

And we have also noticed patrol cars cruising through Forest Hill Park, so some one in Richmond is paying attention.  

Fixing your chain

If you ride a bike, it's pretty much a must to know how to fix your bike's chain, because it will inevitably fail at some point; more times than not at the furthest distance from where you need to be!

Fixing a chain usually requires  removing the damaged links and putting it back into working order by installing a "quick" link or link-pin, which creates the seamless chain loop.

In order to fix the chain, you'll likely need a tool called a "chain-breaker," don't worry, it's also a chain fixer! (Park Chain Tool: right)

When a chain breaks in two, it usually will look a little like the photo to the upper left corner.

To keep this article from getting too complicated, a basic understanding of what makes up a chain is this; a chain has four basic parts, inner-links which are 2 plates that as spaced apart with rollers, and outer-links that hold together inner-links by sandwiching them between 2 plates that are held together with pressed-in pins.  1 set of inner and outer links mated by pin = 1 full link.

When a chain breaks, like in the above photo, the outer plates usually cracks or gives way where the pin is pressed in; which allows the outer plates to peel apart / chain to split.

Depending on whether you are using a Quick-link or a link-pin for the chain repair, makes a difference about what steps you need to take next.  Either way, you will need to do is remove the broken sections of the chain using a chain-tool (below right pic) by "de-pinning" the broken sections until they fall apart, leaving only the desired chain.

Take a look at the photo on the left, you'll see 3 items, in the middle and left, are a pair of half-links (outer plates and two pre-installed pins), also known as a Quick-link, the item on the right is a link / press-pin.

Link/Press-Pin Installation:   To install the traditional press-pin, you'll need to get the chain to a point where you have a pair of good outer-plates and a pair of good inner-plates that can be mated by  inserting a press-pin.


Quick-Link Installation:  Unlike the link-pin fix, the idea behind the a Quick-Link is simple.  Remove the broken outer-plates to the point that you have a pair of inner-links at end of the chain;  once at this point, install quick link by slipping each half-link (pin side in) through the open holes in the inner-links until each half-link pin groove meets the other.  Now grab the chain on each side of the fix point and pulled length wise; you should hear a "snap" as the plates and pins lock together. (Photo right: quick-link in locked position)


People will argue to the end of time which system in better, and I myself have used both and see the potential in each system, but we can save that discussion for it's own post in the future.

Side Notes: No matter which "fix" you decide on, make sure that you are using the correct size for your application!  Chains differ in size and based on number of gears and brand.  So you must make sure that your "fix" is for SRAM, Shimano, Campy, Single-speed, 7,8,9,10 or even 11 speed compatible and everything in between!

Installation Notes Expanded: 
Quick-Link Installation NOTES: Quick-links have oval looking holes which are really two holes side-by-side, the inner most hole is what the pin head initially fits through by aligning both sets of inner plates, one side of the power link from the back side of the chain, one side of the power link through the front side of the chain, bring together and connect the pins and plates on the inner most hole making sure the front and backside pins  are through the plates.  Now just pull the chain backwards to slide and set the pins in the holes furthest out. You should feel a "click."

National Bike Month 2013

May is National Bike month!

So the goal is simple; get those bikes out of storage and start riding!

National Bike to School Day is May 8th.
National Bike to Work Week is May 13-17.
National Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 17.

But...  Don't let these few announced days limit your riding!  Consider taking the bike to the local store for that gallon of milk, to run visit a friend, run a small errand, etc!

Have kids that want to ride to school?  Join them!
Wondering what you can do as a family this weekend?  Explore a park or battlefield via bike as a family.  We promise, it'll be fun!


Talk About it-CCVA Forums

James River Parks System's New Manager = Nathan Burrell

A huge and well-deserved congratulations to Nathan Burrell! 

After a nation-wide candidate search, Nathan J. Burrell, who has worked in the parks system full-time for approximately 10 years now, and has been Richmond's Trail Manager since around 2005, will be the City's new JRPS Manager.

Nathan will be now be moving from acting Interim-JRPS Mgr. to adopting the position permanently.  A position that has been open since Ralph White retired from the department after more than 30 years back in Dec. 2012. 

A quote from Nathan Burrell, “I’m excited about this opportunity to help in making Richmond one of the most livable cities in the U.S. with my focus on the management and development of one of our greatest resources, the James River Park,” said Burrell. “I am especially committed to maintaining a balanced approach between adventure recreation and environmental stewardship, which is critical to the future of the park.”

Talk About this-CCVA-Forums
Link to Times Dispatch Article:

Brakes | Traditional Cantilever vs Direct-pull

Brakes | Traditional Cantilever vs Direct-pull  

This topic is not to argue which one is better or pro's & con's of either system, but rather to simply point out the differences between the two systems which becomes critical when shopping for replacement brake shoes or even replacement brakes.  

Traditional, cantilever brakes used two cables in tandem to create the brake force; a main cable running from the lever and bike, to a second, "transverse" cable which connects both arms of the cantilever units, one on each side of the wheel.  As the main cable lifts/pulls upward on the middle of the transverse cable, causing the cantilever arms to rotate inward, applying pressure on the rims to slow the bike.

"Direct pull" brakes, while also a type of cantilever, are also commonly known as "V-Brakes" (a Shimano trademark).  V-Brakes offer a cleaner design by using only a single cable from the brake levers to you brake arms.  So unlike the canti-brakes that use a cable-cable-arm system, V-Brakes offer a cable-to-brake are system, hence "Direct-pull" and as you squeeze the brake lever, the cable initially pulls the right-side arm until it meets the rim and then the left arm is pulled inward to the rim, together squeezing against the wheel to slow you down.

While those are the basic variances in the two systems, both systems use levers on the handlebars, cables and cable housing to protect both the frame and cable from rubbing, as well are mechanical arms that pivot from the frame to push against a rim that provides friction to slow the bike down. 

This is a very simplistic article as there are many, many complicated designs of each system on the market, some include hydraulic-lines in place of cables, multi-pivot designs to offer maximum braking force, weight savings and more... 

Note: Often important to note which brakes you own, at least by brand name and by the type of pads installed for when you need replacement parts. Your local bikes shops are usually pretty friendly, so you can always bring the bike to them so they can see in person what you own, or make is simple, just snap a photo with the old cell-phone. 

A Few Good Reasons To Upgrade Your Wheels

A Few Good Reasons To Upgrade Your Wheels 

Whether you are talking about road, cross-country, downhill, commuter, or BMX bikes, the reason for a good pair of wheels remains the same.


Stock wheels are often there to "get you by" and are far too often left inadequate even on higher-end

bikes when all the other components are absolutely top-notch!   Don't get me wrong, many bikes come equipped with wheelsets that work well enough that you may never find a need to change them.  This article is simply to point out a few reasons to consider an upgrade.  

Let's look at a few of the more common issues with stock and inexpensive wheels.   First, even if the wheelset itself is strong, the likely downside is the weight of the components that make up the wheel itself.  A wheel is made up of 3 main parts:

1. Hub: Center component that holds your cassette which is held center by one end of the spokes.
2. Spokes: Spoke and spoke nipples are the interface between the hub and rim.  They also give the wheel most of its strength (through tension).
3. Rim: Outer most part of the wheel that is connected via spokes. This part of the wheel is often where the "integrity" of the wheel comes from and makes up a majority of the weight.

Wheel technology is ever changing and much faster than we can keep up with.  We often think of wheels in 3 ways: cost, strength, and weight.   There are far too many reasons as to the how's and why's of wheel components in terms of weight, strength, etc.; but to keep it short we'll just say that it is all through design and materials.

Most folks look at a wheel and see a round object, but wheels really are a marvel of engineering.  Even if they are only made with "fair" or "mediocre" components, they can be remarkably strong and exceptionally well suited to cycling.

One of the cost cutting areas where manufacturers save money is building a wheel via machine instead of a good hand-build. While machines can do many things well, none can build a wheel like a person with the know-how.  Truing and tensioning a wheel is a delicate process and could be compared to tuning a string instrument. 

So what should you look for in a wheel and how can new wheels benefit you? 

- Ride Quality: Wheels are the primary contact point to the ground; they have a lot to do with how the ride feels as it moves over terrain, during braking, and acceleration.  For example, a BMX wheel is made to withstand the short and stout with usually 2x as many spokes as a road or mountain bike wheel.  This is to help it resist flex and withstand large impacts.  Typically, ride quality is measured in compliance and comfort.

- Reliability: As touched on above, wheel reliability will stem from various parts that come together to form a system that works in harmony; the wheel. There are no silver bullets for wheels, meaning no one wheel will work 100% in all circumstances.  Choosing a wheel that fits your needs is usually more important then the cost.   A wheel for commuting, for example, should not only be strong, but should be picked with the mindset of low maintenance, and while you may want a light wheel set for commuting, it is not a "must" have as it would be if you were racing. 


- Pedaling: Best place to begin is with inertia; not familiar with it? It's easy:  Inertia is the resistance of any physical object to a change in its state of motion or rest. In other words, a wheel ability to accelerate or stop is directly related to it's weight. On a bike,  inertia also effects the way a bike reacts to steering. Typically speaking, less weight means more efficient use of energy, but usually at the loss of strength or much higher costs.



Wheels are argueably the hardest working components on your bike!  They absorb the forces that your tires don't, they flex when your frame doesn't and they take all the stresses from your acceleration and braking.  It's precisely these reasons why it's so important to spend the time and money on finding the proper wheels for your bike. Spending your money wisely on a pair of quality "purpose" built wheels will help to ensure they'll keep your world spinning for years to come.

 Tip: Create a checklist before you look for that next wheelset:

• Rider Weight
• Purpose:
• Discipline: Mountain, Road, Commuting, BMX, etc.
• Racing, Stunts, Jumping, Light Weight, Maintenance 
• Type of Brakes 
• Rim, Disc, or both?
• Type of Rim
• Clincher (Tubed), Tubeless, Tubular (Glue-on)
• Material: Carbon, Aluminum, etc.
• Write down a paragraph or two about your intent and goals for the new wheels.
• Budget
• List of Quality known wheel builders

Don't be shy to call bike shops, ask friends, even someone you meet in public that might have a wheel that catches your eye.  How do they like it? Who build it? Cost? What has the maintenance been like? Cost of broken or replacement parts? How long have you owned them?  Miles on them? 

EVMA: A Call to Action.

EVMA: a call to action. 

When:  Saturday, January 12 @ 9AM
Where: York River State Park

Take up your tools and fight for trails at York River State Park! We have over 12 miles of new trail flagged at YRSP and are waiting for approval. 

At 9 am on Saturday, January 12, the YRSP Park Manager will be meeting with DCR Officials and our crew of trail volunteers. We want YOU there to represent the EVMA and ask for approval for the proposed new trail. 

A good turn-out of volunteers will demonstrate to DCR our commitment to this project. 

We will be meeting in the maintenance area, look for the EVMAbanner. 

Come out and show your support for more trails at York River State Park. After the meeting we plan on 2 - 3 hours of trail maintenance. Please stay for the trail maintenance if you can. 

The meeting should be brief, but good attendance is critical. If you plan on staying for trail maintenance please bring work gloves and a rake. 

If you have a high powered backpack leafblower, bring it.