This information was posted on the VAcycling google group.  It is so important for everyone who rides on two wheels!

The Governor would like to flush bike/pedestrian transportation funds down the toilet. Literally.

Transportation Enhancement funds are a small pot of money dedicated primarily to advancing transportation alternatives (provided from USDOT/FHWA). Last year VDOT took a great step by reducing the eligible categories for funding and aiming the funds primarily at projects that a) provide true transportation alternatives, and b) place an emphasis on improving bike and pedestrian transportation. The intent is to truly start aiming the money at projects that aren’t just a recreational path from nowhere to nowhere.

That includes sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths, traffic calming and streetscape projects. These are some of the only funds that many smaller localities (and some big ones) actually allocate to bike/ped improvements. The requests for the funds always vastly outstrip what is available, as a result a lot of projects take a long time to come to fruition.

Now Gov. McDonnell wants to use those funds to pay for reopening the rest stops. So in order to maintain a pointless campaign pledge he wants to use some of the minimal funds that are aimed at improving bike/ped conditions. It is partly being spun as enhancing tourism. Ironically, Rep. Cantor wants to completely eliminate TE funds nationally, but here in VA we are looking to pay for our toilets with them. So bike/ped money is literally facing the prospect of being flushed down the toilet.

TE money is distributed by a competitive grant application, but the Commonwealth Transportation Board has a lot of say over what gets funded. I suggest contacting your CTB member and any other elected official, especially local ones, to oppose this (if you are so inclined). CTB members are listed here: http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/members.asp

Here is a link to the Governor’s web page announcing this. See bullet #3.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=226

As athletes, we understand the importance of massage therapy. That’s why we were so happy to meet up with Sara Rennie Heretick.  Sara, native Richmonder, is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and clinical sports therapy.  After over 15 years in the healthcare industry, Sara made the decision to leave the medical field and learn non-invasive techniques for injury rehab, pain management and therapeutic massage.  She attended the American Institute of Massage in Richmond, VA for her basic therapeutic massage training and then received further training in the areas of sports performance and injury rehab.  She discovered a passion for helping physically active individuals get back to their sport of choice.  Whether side-lined due to injury or other reasons, Sara assists the athlete at all levels (elite athlete to the recreational enthusiast) to get back on the field, on the court, in the saddle or on the course since 2005.  Sessions (30, 60, 90 or 120 min) are offered and incorporate a wide variety of techniques.  Sessions may be problem focused, particularly in the case of injury rehab or for specific performance improvement goals or generalized overall therapy for maintaining an achieved base line.

Sara has proudly supported and provided sports massage therapy for the North American Open Professional Squash Tournament for four consecutive years (2007-2010); Richmond Pro Cycling 2010 season; Race Across America solo riders in 2009-2010; Badwater 135 Ultramarathon runners 2009-2010 and USA UltraTri Triple IRON 2008-2010.

Sara is offering services within the 3Sports River Road location.  Morning, afternoon and evening appointments are available after 8/2/2010.  Sara will be out of the office from 7/14/2010 through 8/2/2010 while she provides crew support and sports massage therapy for ultrarunner, Bill Bradley, in his attempt at a Double Badwater Ultramarathon with Mt. Whitney.  More information as well as online scheduling is available on Sara’s website, www.handsonwellnessmt.com .  Please feel free to contact Sara with questions at 804.241.8425 or email, www.sara@handsonwellnessmt.com.

The 4th is always a fun holiday in Richmond. There are so many options….with kids, without kids. We were doing some prep work for our 3Sports gang and thought we’d share what we found.

* Diamond with the Flying Squirrels We are thrilled to see the Diamond’s fireworks extravaganza is back in full effect this year! We sorely missed the show last year and are stoked that the Diamond and the Flying Squirrels are offering three days of fireworks. Beginning Thursday, July 1st and continuing Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets now, this is sure to sell out quickly!
* Genworth Financial Celebrate Freedom Concert & Fireworks Kick the weekend off right and head to the Genworth Financial building on W. Broad St. where you and your family will enjoy live music performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of American Band. This event is entirely FREE and includes lots of great activities for kids. After the family fun, listen to music and watch as the amazing fireworks show lights up the sky!
* Brandermill Parade & Fireworks Spend Saturday, July 3rd in one of Richmond’s most enthusiastic neighborhood’s while you enjoy an exciting Fourth of July Parade. The theme, “Batter Up Brandermill” is a tribute to baseball and will feature Grand Marshal Nutzy, the Flying Squirrels’ Mascot. The parade begins at Swift Creek Middle School and ends at Sunday Park. As the parade stops the festivities begin with a watermelon-eating contest, face painting, and balloon sculptures, not to mention all-you-can-eat popcorn!
* Parham Road Independence Day Parade & Festival It may be more convenient for some of us on Saturday to check out the Parham Rd. Independence Day Parade and Festival. Beginning at 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church, this parade will primarily feature people in uniform that you will surely want to tip your hat to as we celebrate our nation’s independence. The festival afterwards will include inflatable games, a dunk tank, great food and live music!
* Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks at Dogwood Dell On Sunday, the 4th, enjoy the beautiful natural setting at Dogwood Dell as you groove to music by local favorite R&B group Bak N Da Day. The music transitions to a carillon concert and closes with patriotic tunes from the Richmond Concert Band. The fireworks will start around seven.
* Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration & Sky-Diving Shows If you have your heart set on celebrating Fourth of July the way you did in your childhood, check out the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Sky-Diving Show in Crump Park, Glen Allen. Music, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo will surely please your inner-child! Watch with excitement as Uncle Sam performs two skydiving shows!

Stay safe and enjoy the weekend whatever you decide to do!

Happy 4th,

The 3Sports Gang