My name is Jaruchan Palakawongs, and I have been an Albemarle Country resident in the Rio District for the past 16 years. I am on the Board of the Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club, the Board of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, and General Manager of Blue Ridge Cyclery. I began cycling 10 years ago at the age of 45 when I wanted to feel more connected to nature and found an amazing group of women riders which were inclusive and welcoming. Through them, I was introduced to CAMBC, which is now MY community. I have never been more proud of our community of outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers as I am right now where we have ALL come together to voice our concerns in regards to Ragged Mountain Trails. Ragged mountain trails are as integral to our community as any other trail system we have, and should be accessible to all, not just a select group of outdoor enthusiasts.
Please update the code to allow ALL healthy activities, including hiking, running and biking
I am a resident of Albemarle County and love going to Ragged mountain with my daughter as a family. Part of the appeal of living here is the easy access to trails that are available for hiking, cycling and walking. We were looking forward to using the beginner trails at Ragged mountain to help get our daughter into mountain biking in a fun, beautiful and safe environment. I believe it is a disservice to our community and our children to disallow biking at Ragged mountain especially given that there has been shown to be no impact on the reservoir and drinking water supply.
For years the trails around the reservoir have been an almost sacred path. I walked with my wife, spotted eagles with friends, and my son spent time there when he went to the nearby forest school. And, of course I rode my bike there when it was available. I hope to enjoy the trails on bike in the future. I know it’s possible that the natural area can be shared respectfully by more than walkers, and I hope that those voting on this matter can see that there is a great many people who are caring and principled about using the land. Thank you for reading this and your consideration. - Ian Ayers, Charlottesville
My name is Amanda Brookman. I am an Albemarle County teacher and reside in the Scottsville District. I have spent a lot of time with various groups teaching mountain biking skills and trail etiquette. The most difficult part of leading these groups is matching the skill of the rider to the trail that will be used and making sure that the trails are safe and easily accessible. The beauty of the Ragged Mountain trails is that they are a perfect match for beginning and intermediate riders AND they are easily accessible. The trails are maintained and well traveled which adds to the safety that people need when recreating in nature. As a leader of mountain bike rides, and also as a woman in mountain biking, the safety that Ragged Mountain Trails provide is of utmost importance. As a community, we should be adding more of these kinds of recreational opportunities for our citizens, not limiting them.
As a Cville native who has hiked and biked the local trails since childhood, I cannot think of a more caring, responsible and forward looking group than CAMBC. To disallow them/us/the local biking community access to the trails they (CAMBC) created would be a great disservice to our community as a whole.
As a lifelong resident and property owner in the Albemarle/Charlottesville area, I very strongly oppose the denial of access rights for mountain bikers and runners on the Ragged Mountain Trails, and encourage the board to update the code to allow equal access for all, in perpetuity. These local, maintained, and safe, multiuse trail systems are one of the very few things that make our community such a special and desirable place to live. Restricting access to these places would erode the foundation of what this community stands for (lively, healthy, social, and equitable recreation) and would diminish the value of a community asset that so many of us are enriched by. It seems so obvious that limiting access to the Ragged Mountain Trail system would be a detriment to the public good, and frankly I’m upset that it’s even up for discussion. Please listen you your constituents and put an end to the debate for good.
Dear Board Members—I propose an update to the code for granting hikers, runners, and cyclists access to Ragged Mountain Reservoir for recreational purposes. This will enhance community engagement while promoting health and wellness through outdoor activity. Additionally, it aligns with the ethos of sustainability and inclusivity by providing another avenue for individuals to enjoy the natural beauty of our region.
I am not a resident of Albemarle County, however I visit frequently and enjoy the access to Ragged Mountain. I would encourage the board to consider keeping access to the trails around the lake open to cyclists which is our preferred form of recreation there. Thank you for giving us a space to be heard.
Dear Board. My family is a middle class family solidly. We are avid cyclists and last year spent over $15,000 on bike related trips, race registration fees, and expenses. A great deal of that locally. If you believe we are odd, you are wrong. The VAHS race series has over 600 racers signed up. That's a lot of families just like us. It is surprising to me that the county would even entertain the thought of reducing investment in cycling when other localities around us (Richmond, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Waynesboro...) are bending over backwards to invest more. Take a peek at Knoxville. They have invested in not just having places to ride, but connecting those places with greenways. Other localities have figured out what Albemarle has yet to, that investment in cycling is economic development. Unlike other forms of economic development, trail systems can't be outsourced to other countries.
I have been a resident of Albemarle County or over 30 years. I am not a biker, I am more of a walker, hiker and/or birdwatcher. And, I totally and completely support changing the code to permit families of hikers and cyclists to enjoy the beautiful Ragged Mountain trail together. The location is centrally located and impeccably maintained [due to the [volunteer] hard work of our local CAMBC and local cycling community]. My family has been involved in the cycling for years and I cannot think of any group of people who respect the environment more, or work harder on keeping these trails nice for all of us to enjoy together. I [and my entire family] ask for your consideration to update the code to match the needs of the community. Thank you.
Please update the code to allow hiking, biking, and running at Ragged Mountain Natural Area. With outdoor access increasingly limited, Ragged provides an essential resource for many County kids. Its proximity to County residents and the Rivanna Trail provides equitable and environmentally-friendly car-free access to the outdoors. Pointing to parks like Preddy or Walnut ignores their significant distance from most residents and the very real barriers to access.
As a 20 year resident and a parent of 3, I have seen Ragged’s positive impact. When our kids were little, we hiked together, discussing the reservoir and resource stewardship. As they grew up, they started biking with local clubs, learning about friendship and respect. Now, as high-schoolers, they bike to Ragged with friends, building independence and healthy habits.
Ragged is not just a nice-to-have resource. It’s an essential part of equitable and environmentally-friendly access to the outdoors.
As Albemarle residents for 21 years we adamantly oppose the denial of access rights for runners and mountain bikers on the Ragged Mountain trails. (RMT)
Please recognize how much the MTB community has contributed & maintained the RMT system over the last many years.
‘Water Quality’ is a NON issue. The very authority (RWSA), responsible for the H2O quality has stated it’s a non-issue. And now 7+ years after their report there’s surely data to support that running and MTB have no effect on H2O quality.
The RMT system is a valuable asset to this entire community and visitors and should remain accessible for everyone.
We have raised 5 kids here and use these trails for MTB, Running, & Hiking. It is critical that we continue to provide all possible opportunities that support getting our youth out into the community and off their phones. This value cannot be overlooked.
We implore you to restore the rights of access to RMT for ALL of your constituents.
Trebour Family
I have been a resident of Albemarle County for 17 years, and for the past several years, Ragged Mtn has been my favorite (and most frequent) place to mountain bike and, occasionally, run. The loop is the perfect post-work length, and the place is one of the most magical and beautiful around. The health benefits of getting outside in the woods are priceless. It's a safe and accessible/nearby way to regularly get into the woods and do what I love. I have felt the loss tremendously. Everyone, regardless of whether they mountain bike, run, or hike, should be allowed to responsibly experience this wonderful place. Thanks for your consideration.
Dear BOS, I am a longtime county resident (1988) and support changing the county code to allow mountain biking and trail running at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. As a physician I have spent over 30 years encouraging people to get outside and exercise; the RMR is a beautiful resource for all ages and all types of healthy activity. Mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers have successfully shared the trails at RMR for the past 8 years. There does not seem to be a sound reason to limit access at this time. The RWSA has stated that biking does not affect water quality. National Park Service studies have shown no difference in trail wear between foot traffic and bicycle traffic. Please change the code to allow shared use of trails at RMR.
I would like to voice my support of inclusive use of the Ragged Mountain Reservoir for running, bike riding, picnicking, and other uses beyond what the existing Code allows. As a long-time Albemarle County resident, I value our public spaces and want them to be available to all. Please revise the Code to allow more varied activities. Thank you.
Dear Board of Supervisors,
I encourage you to allow running, biking, and hiking at Ragged Mountain Reservoir. I am a Albemarle county resident and a mother who has hiked often at Ragged and found it a good place for both my very beginning mountain biking and for the more advanced biking of my son and his colleagues. Encounters between different users have always been very polite and friendly, and Ragged is a wonderful recreation place for all ages. Mountain biking is very important to the Albemarle/Charlottesville Community (we are the only community in the state with so many high school teams) and having this public space matters. Recreational uses do not affect the water quality, but they do positively affect the health and quality of life of county and city residents.
I have been an avid mountain biker with my son for the past 15 years. I served as the head coach of the Albemarle High School mountain bike team for several years, and I have witnessed how mountain biking can be a transformative activity and sport for our local youth of all ages and skill levels. The local high school teams provide a welcoming environment to beginners as well as highly competitive riders, and the team enjoyed regularly riding the beautiful trails at Ragged Mountain.
The RSWA has found that they “do not anticipate any significant impact on water quality” from recreational uses including “hiking, biking, running…” on the trails around ANY of the county reservoirs. Furthermore, I have witnessed for years that trails can be shared and enjoyed by bikers and hikers without incident.
For these reasons, I ask that you and Board change the county code as necessary to make Albemarle’s great outdoor areas available for all uses, including mountain biking.
W. Scott Greco
As a city resident and long time user of the local trail system, I would like to advocate for shared use at Ragged Mountain. Please allow cyclists and runners to enjoy the trail system at Ragged Mountain.
My name is Jaruchan Palakawongs, and I have been an Albemarle Country resident in the Rio District for the past 16 years. I am on the Board of the Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club, the Board of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, and General Manager of Blue Ridge Cyclery. I began cycling 10 years ago at the age of 45 when I wanted to feel more connected to nature and found an amazing group of women riders which were inclusive and welcoming. Through them, I was introduced to CAMBC, which is now MY community. I have never been more proud of our community of outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers as I am right now where we have ALL come together to voice our concerns in regards to Ragged Mountain Trails. Ragged mountain trails are as integral to our community as any other trail system we have, and should be accessible to all, not just a select group of outdoor enthusiasts.
Please update the code to allow ALL healthy activities, including hiking, running and biking
I am a resident of Albemarle County and love going to Ragged mountain with my daughter as a family. Part of the appeal of living here is the easy access to trails that are available for hiking, cycling and walking. We were looking forward to using the beginner trails at Ragged mountain to help get our daughter into mountain biking in a fun, beautiful and safe environment. I believe it is a disservice to our community and our children to disallow biking at Ragged mountain especially given that there has been shown to be no impact on the reservoir and drinking water supply.
For years the trails around the reservoir have been an almost sacred path. I walked with my wife, spotted eagles with friends, and my son spent time there when he went to the nearby forest school. And, of course I rode my bike there when it was available. I hope to enjoy the trails on bike in the future. I know it’s possible that the natural area can be shared respectfully by more than walkers, and I hope that those voting on this matter can see that there is a great many people who are caring and principled about using the land. Thank you for reading this and your consideration. - Ian Ayers, Charlottesville
My name is Amanda Brookman. I am an Albemarle County teacher and reside in the Scottsville District. I have spent a lot of time with various groups teaching mountain biking skills and trail etiquette. The most difficult part of leading these groups is matching the skill of the rider to the trail that will be used and making sure that the trails are safe and easily accessible. The beauty of the Ragged Mountain trails is that they are a perfect match for beginning and intermediate riders AND they are easily accessible. The trails are maintained and well traveled which adds to the safety that people need when recreating in nature. As a leader of mountain bike rides, and also as a woman in mountain biking, the safety that Ragged Mountain Trails provide is of utmost importance. As a community, we should be adding more of these kinds of recreational opportunities for our citizens, not limiting them.
As a Cville native who has hiked and biked the local trails since childhood, I cannot think of a more caring, responsible and forward looking group than CAMBC. To disallow them/us/the local biking community access to the trails they (CAMBC) created would be a great disservice to our community as a whole.
As a lifelong resident and property owner in the Albemarle/Charlottesville area, I very strongly oppose the denial of access rights for mountain bikers and runners on the Ragged Mountain Trails, and encourage the board to update the code to allow equal access for all, in perpetuity. These local, maintained, and safe, multiuse trail systems are one of the very few things that make our community such a special and desirable place to live. Restricting access to these places would erode the foundation of what this community stands for (lively, healthy, social, and equitable recreation) and would diminish the value of a community asset that so many of us are enriched by. It seems so obvious that limiting access to the Ragged Mountain Trail system would be a detriment to the public good, and frankly I’m upset that it’s even up for discussion. Please listen you your constituents and put an end to the debate for good.
Dear Board Members—I propose an update to the code for granting hikers, runners, and cyclists access to Ragged Mountain Reservoir for recreational purposes. This will enhance community engagement while promoting health and wellness through outdoor activity. Additionally, it aligns with the ethos of sustainability and inclusivity by providing another avenue for individuals to enjoy the natural beauty of our region.
Hello Board of Supervisors!
I am not a resident of Albemarle County, however I visit frequently and enjoy the access to Ragged Mountain. I would encourage the board to consider keeping access to the trails around the lake open to cyclists which is our preferred form of recreation there. Thank you for giving us a space to be heard.
Dear Board. My family is a middle class family solidly. We are avid cyclists and last year spent over $15,000 on bike related trips, race registration fees, and expenses. A great deal of that locally. If you believe we are odd, you are wrong. The VAHS race series has over 600 racers signed up. That's a lot of families just like us. It is surprising to me that the county would even entertain the thought of reducing investment in cycling when other localities around us (Richmond, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Waynesboro...) are bending over backwards to invest more. Take a peek at Knoxville. They have invested in not just having places to ride, but connecting those places with greenways. Other localities have figured out what Albemarle has yet to, that investment in cycling is economic development. Unlike other forms of economic development, trail systems can't be outsourced to other countries.
I have been a resident of Albemarle County or over 30 years. I am not a biker, I am more of a walker, hiker and/or birdwatcher. And, I totally and completely support changing the code to permit families of hikers and cyclists to enjoy the beautiful Ragged Mountain trail together. The location is centrally located and impeccably maintained [due to the [volunteer] hard work of our local CAMBC and local cycling community]. My family has been involved in the cycling for years and I cannot think of any group of people who respect the environment more, or work harder on keeping these trails nice for all of us to enjoy together. I [and my entire family] ask for your consideration to update the code to match the needs of the community. Thank you.
Please update the code to allow hiking, biking, and running at Ragged Mountain Natural Area. With outdoor access increasingly limited, Ragged provides an essential resource for many County kids. Its proximity to County residents and the Rivanna Trail provides equitable and environmentally-friendly car-free access to the outdoors. Pointing to parks like Preddy or Walnut ignores their significant distance from most residents and the very real barriers to access.
As a 20 year resident and a parent of 3, I have seen Ragged’s positive impact. When our kids were little, we hiked together, discussing the reservoir and resource stewardship. As they grew up, they started biking with local clubs, learning about friendship and respect. Now, as high-schoolers, they bike to Ragged with friends, building independence and healthy habits.
Ragged is not just a nice-to-have resource. It’s an essential part of equitable and environmentally-friendly access to the outdoors.
As Albemarle residents for 21 years we adamantly oppose the denial of access rights for runners and mountain bikers on the Ragged Mountain trails. (RMT)
Please recognize how much the MTB community has contributed & maintained the RMT system over the last many years.
‘Water Quality’ is a NON issue. The very authority (RWSA), responsible for the H2O quality has stated it’s a non-issue. And now 7+ years after their report there’s surely data to support that running and MTB have no effect on H2O quality.
The RMT system is a valuable asset to this entire community and visitors and should remain accessible for everyone.
We have raised 5 kids here and use these trails for MTB, Running, & Hiking. It is critical that we continue to provide all possible opportunities that support getting our youth out into the community and off their phones. This value cannot be overlooked.
We implore you to restore the rights of access to RMT for ALL of your constituents.
Trebour Family
I have been a resident of Albemarle County for 17 years, and for the past several years, Ragged Mtn has been my favorite (and most frequent) place to mountain bike and, occasionally, run. The loop is the perfect post-work length, and the place is one of the most magical and beautiful around. The health benefits of getting outside in the woods are priceless. It's a safe and accessible/nearby way to regularly get into the woods and do what I love. I have felt the loss tremendously. Everyone, regardless of whether they mountain bike, run, or hike, should be allowed to responsibly experience this wonderful place. Thanks for your consideration.
Dear BOS, I am a longtime county resident (1988) and support changing the county code to allow mountain biking and trail running at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. As a physician I have spent over 30 years encouraging people to get outside and exercise; the RMR is a beautiful resource for all ages and all types of healthy activity. Mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers have successfully shared the trails at RMR for the past 8 years. There does not seem to be a sound reason to limit access at this time. The RWSA has stated that biking does not affect water quality. National Park Service studies have shown no difference in trail wear between foot traffic and bicycle traffic. Please change the code to allow shared use of trails at RMR.
I would like to voice my support of inclusive use of the Ragged Mountain Reservoir for running, bike riding, picnicking, and other uses beyond what the existing Code allows. As a long-time Albemarle County resident, I value our public spaces and want them to be available to all. Please revise the Code to allow more varied activities. Thank you.
Dear Board of Supervisors,
I encourage you to allow running, biking, and hiking at Ragged Mountain Reservoir. I am a Albemarle county resident and a mother who has hiked often at Ragged and found it a good place for both my very beginning mountain biking and for the more advanced biking of my son and his colleagues. Encounters between different users have always been very polite and friendly, and Ragged is a wonderful recreation place for all ages. Mountain biking is very important to the Albemarle/Charlottesville Community (we are the only community in the state with so many high school teams) and having this public space matters. Recreational uses do not affect the water quality, but they do positively affect the health and quality of life of county and city residents.
I have been an avid mountain biker with my son for the past 15 years. I served as the head coach of the Albemarle High School mountain bike team for several years, and I have witnessed how mountain biking can be a transformative activity and sport for our local youth of all ages and skill levels. The local high school teams provide a welcoming environment to beginners as well as highly competitive riders, and the team enjoyed regularly riding the beautiful trails at Ragged Mountain.
The RSWA has found that they “do not anticipate any significant impact on water quality” from recreational uses including “hiking, biking, running…” on the trails around ANY of the county reservoirs. Furthermore, I have witnessed for years that trails can be shared and enjoyed by bikers and hikers without incident.
For these reasons, I ask that you and Board change the county code as necessary to make Albemarle’s great outdoor areas available for all uses, including mountain biking.
W. Scott Greco
As a city resident and long time user of the local trail system, I would like to advocate for shared use at Ragged Mountain. Please allow cyclists and runners to enjoy the trail system at Ragged Mountain.
Dear Albemarle BOS,
Let's update this code for diversity, equity, and inclusion of all area residents.
Thank you.
Please change the code to allow multi-user access to trails at Ragged Mtn. Thank you.