Organizers hope Saturday’s Loop de’Ville Fest will invite more local residents to discover an outdoor gem that’s tucked away in the midst of Charlottesville’s city bustle: the Rivanna Trail Loop.
Runners, hikers and bicyclists are expected to head to the Rivanna River Co. at 1520 E. High St. to travel the Rivanna Loop’s 20-mile distance and smaller portions of it. One doesn’t have to be an elite athlete to participate, either; different paces are welcome, and help is available for folks who need to stop early.
“I’m hoping we’ll reach quite a few people who haven’t been there,” Peter Krebs, festival organizer and community advocacy manager for the Piedmont Environmental Council, told The Daily Progress. “If I hear people say, ‘I’m going back, and I’m going to bring my friends,’ that’s what success looks like to me.”
“You’re out in nature, but it’s also a celebration of the city,” he added. “It’s almost like a hidden gem, and its hiddenness is part of its charm. It’s 20 miles long, and we can fit a lot of people in there and still have a lot of solitude.”
More than 300 people already have signed up to take part, and pleasant weather could lure as many as 500, Krebs said. “Last year, we had several hundred people, even though it had been rescheduled twice,” he said.
New this year is a planned “fully inclusive walk” of about 3 miles on a shorter and more level paved surface that will work for less experienced hikers and people using wheelchairs, Krebs said. People who try this option will be able to learn more about the trees surrounding the trails when Steve Gaines, forester for the city of Charlottesville, joins the trek.
The 20-mile run is set to start at 8 a.m. There is to be seven aid stations along the way, but all participants are expected to take care of their own water, snack and navigation needs. Most of the aid stations should have portable toilets or restrooms.
Loop de’Ville originally grew out of an annual trek by loyal Rivanna Trail Foundation members who wanted to cover the entire distance. The trail festival was opened to the public at large a few years ago, and this year, Loop de’Ville coincides with National Public Lands Day, which Krebs said calls more attention to “a celebration of all the outdoor spaces.”
The Rivanna Trail Foundation’s dedicated crew of “trail adopters” keeps brush trimmed and surfaces safe during monthly work parties and other regular maintenance sessions. High school volunteers, groups involved in United Way Day of Caring projects and employees attending team-building projects also have been pitching in to prepare the site for participants.
Krebs recommended bringing personal water bottles, hats and sunscreen.
“It’s a lot of time outdoors, and it goes by quickly,” Krebs said. “Even though it’s wooded, sunburn can be an issue for some people.”
Runners are advised that the terrain is uneven in spots, and Saturday won’t be the best day to try out a new pair of shoes.
The hike is to start at 8:30 a.m. for hikers of all speeds and experience levels. Runners and hikers who’d rather cover the half-loop of 10 miles are scheduled to get going at 10 a.m.
Bicyclists also have options. Riders who prefer a slower pace to cover the 20 miles in six to seven hours are to set out at 11 a.m., followed at 1 p.m. for those who prefer a brisk pace and expect to finish in four to five hours and at 2:30 p.m. for faster cyclists who plan to get the job done in two and a half to three hours.
Cyclists who’d like to travel the 30-mile “Super Loop” are set to get started at 11:30 a.m. Those riders can expect to finish in 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours.
“Nobody will get lost; nobody will be left behind,” Krebs said.
The finish line is back at Rivanna River Co., where beer, cider and food trucks should be waiting starting at noon, plus music by a DJ.
For those who run out of steam before returning to Rivanna River Co., organizers recommend catching the free Charlottesville Area Transit bus closest to the closest “cheer zone.” Each cheer zone should have a captain who can help.
Getting an early start is recommended for participants; they should plan on parking and being at 1518 E. High St. behind Hogwaller Brewing by 7:30 a.m. Parking can be found along Riverdale Drive and in the Sunrise Elementary School, formerly Burnley-Moran, parking lot across High Street.
Motorists should keep in mind that Old Ivy Road is to be closed between Faulkner Way and the Ivy Road intersection from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jane Dunlap Sathe (434) 978-7249
jsathe@dailyprogress.com
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