[CAMBC - mtb] Biscuit Run Master Plan Public Meeting tomorrow Sept 19th 7pm - no Monday Ride

[William Sanford]

I can't swing the Monday ride and the meeting, so the ride is canceled. This is the second public meeting for the master plan (and perhaps the last), the last meeting was in June. There are a couple key points cyclist and the larger community need to communicate at the meeting.  Lane Auditorium at 7pm.

1) with 1,200 acres, the park is suitable for more than the 10-12 miles of trail currently on the table. Be understanding of the fact that State Parks may not want to manage more than 12 miles at the moment or near future, but we need to encourage State Parks to design the original 10-12 miles in a manner that doesn't hamper the potential for future trail development in the event more distance is desired. Suggest that they route the trails not through the middle of an available area, but closer to the edge or one side such that it leaves room on the other half for a future trail.  If a trail has to be relocated in the future to accommodate new trails, it will only make that new trail more expensive. Design Phase I and II trails on paper. Build Phase I and see how it goes.


2) With only 120' of elevation from bottom to top, this isn't going to be Douthat in Charlottesville. The phrase "making a mountain out of a mole hill" comes to mind, Byrom Park and Mint are your mountains! Two weeks ago I mentioned we're supporting the development of 5-6 miles of beginner trail, think the Preddy Loop but missing the several 10%+ climbs.  Instead of duplicating the intermediate trail experience that's available at multiple local parks, a 5-6 mile beginner specific trail would provide an experience not available within a 1 hour+ drive. I'm not advocating a dirt sidewalk, there's no reason it can't flow like a pump track with the right professional building it. The other 5-6 miles would cater to more intermediate to advance level riders with narrower tread and more climbing, but again this isn't Douthat or even Walnut from a topo perspective. I've had lots of positive feedback on this plan, no negative feedback. If you want something different, come and speak your mind at the meeting (and tell me what's on your mind, I might like the idea but can't think of everything!). 


3) We need to support several neighborhood bike/pedestrian access points. Right now, the plan provides an RTF trail connection (good!) but State Parks only wants to manage two other trail access points. One is on Old Lynchburg Road, but further south than subdivisions where access would be most desired. The second other trail access point is right next to the main gate on Route 20, so it's not really a separate access point, nor does it serve a specific population base. Specifically, neighborhoods in the designated Growth Area along the northern end of the park like Southwood and Mill Creek should have an official access point (assuming it's supported by those communities). Without official access points, Park Staff and park neighbors will forever be at odds writing/getting tickets for informal trails into the park and dealing with destruction/reclamation/reconstruction of informal trails. 

I'd like to meet up 10 minutes or so prior to the meeting, and we can try to sit in the same section. The organization and numbers of equestrian enthusiasts and dance pavilion fans  was impressive in June. We can do the same.  Being on the advisory committee, the State Park folks have already heard and ear full from me, it's time they hear from you.

Maybe we get a beer after?  --Will
  		 	   		  
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