Richard Hotchkiss, the new volunteer coordinator for Petersburg National Battlefield Park, would like to have mountain bikers patrol the trails on a formal basis.

[the following is adapted from message #878 on Yahoo's Richmond area ridefinder group]

PNB park is looking for 6 or more volunteers who have: the ability to ride 4 hours a month at the volunteers’ discretion, the willingness to help folks needing directions, the willingness to distribute park maps to those who need them, the willingness to call (on a provided radio or own cell phone) law enforcment if any illegal or emergency activity is noted, the willingness to move small debris from the trail and to document any hazards or other maintainence issues that need to be addressed, the willingness to carry a radio and small first aid kit, and the willingness to wear a safety vest with a park emblem on it.

There is no age requirement, no gender requirement, no height, weight or fitness requirement; no CPR or any type of law enforcment training is needed.

The rides can be a part of any organized group ride with a minimum of 2 riders. They can be an hour at a time or more, once a month or more, on foot if your bike or body is not able to do a bike ride. If you and a friend/loved one decide to volunteer 15 minutes before hand thats advanced notice enough, just sign in at the entrance of the park and sign out when done. Whatever you can give will be enough. Just sign up and be registered so the park can log you in when you volunteer.

What you will get in return: A fun place to ride with free admission on volunteer days, food at the end of the year in an appreciation banquet, prizes for the most hours, free stuff after reaching certain volunteer hour increments, a National Park Service volunteer hat, giving something back to the community and military personnel from Ft. Lee.

If interested, email Richard or call him at 804 732 3966 ext. 113