CAMBC continued to focus on new trail building during 2026 with construction of drops and finishing work at Biscuit Run, new trails at Mint Springs, some finishing work and installation of sign posts at Heyward, and beginning the plan for a new trail system at the 34 acre Bent Tree area in Biscuit Run. Bent Tree is designated by Albemarle County as a mountain bike area. Presently the Board has a tentative trail plan for Bent Tree but the character of the trails, and funding for them, is still to be determined.
A big “Thank you” goes to CAMBC member Jeff Claman for leading a productive Saturday workday and post-work burgers! In addition to volunteer work at Mint Springs, CAMBC has scheduled the Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) for four weeks of dedicated trail work in March 2027. This is a big project and will keep us all busy for the next year.
Grants Applied For / Secured:
CAMBC relies on donations and grants to fund many of our projects. Several years ago, when CAMBC was fundraising for the Next Chapter at Heyward (subsequently built mostly by machine work provided by Earth Rock and Wood) we were lucky to secure a $15,000 grant from Dicks Sporting Goods that helped CAMBC reach a $65,000 goal to fund that trailwork. And several years later when CAMBC launched fund raising to build the Biscuits & Gravity downhill & skills park, we secured a $16,000 grant from Dominion Energy to contribute funding to that $80,000 project and help pay for the shaping and machining provided by Rugged Trail Company.
Future Grant and Funding Needs: The Board is developing funding plans for the following new projects currently:
Charitable Giving: CAMBC supports other cycling groups through charitable giving with the goal to help drive a healthy and vibrant community..
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CAMBC works with a variety of land and trail managers including City Parks & Rec, Albemarle County Parks & Rec, UVA Facilities Management, Rivanna Trail Foundation, Charlottesville Bike & Pedestrian Coordinator, Piedmont Environmental Council, Fluvanna County Parks & Recreation, and the Charlottesville Area Trailrunners (CATs).
For the last 4 years the CAMBC Board has fostered these critical relationships through monthly Land Manager Lunches where we discuss topics such as next steps at County or City trails/parks, acquisition of new land or funding for future trails, trail maintenance, reroutes, and future trail development. CAMBC’s Land Manager Lunch is the primary platform in Central Virginia that brings all Land Managers together to share updates about trails between many organizations and promotes collaboration to build a more robust trail community.
CAMBC collaborates with multiple local businesses to support fundraising, trail work, and social events including Blue Wheel Bicycles, Blue Ridge Cyclery, Blue Pallet Events, Endeavor Cycles, Earth Rock and Wood, Rugged Trail Company, Random Row Brewing Co., Kardinal Hall, Alloy Architecture and Construction, and Bartlett’s Tree Service.
CAMBC is excited about our collaboration with the Trailblazers program, a community collaboration between the City of Charlottesville, the Shenandoah National Park Trust, Rivanna Trail Foundation, Appalachian Conservation Corps, and CAMBC. This program runs from late June to early August and functions as a part-time summer trail crew job for older teens in Charlottesville. CAMBC will contribute $5,000 this year to help fund this $80,000 program. The goal of Trailblazers is to reverse the growing disconnect between America’s youth and the natural world, introduce new audiences to the outdoors, and build a skilled workforce committed to preserving local natural spaces. This summer the Trailblazers will be working to maintain and improve some of our favorite local trails in Heyward, Mint Springs, and the RTF. The Cville published a story describing the value of the Trailblazers program (Cville Trailblazers).
Celebrating the Success of the 2026 Summer Trailblazers Cohort:
CAMBC is excited to celebrate the graduation of the summer 2026 Trailblazers crew!
Key Milestones achieved this Season:
Overcoming Challenges through Resilience
Working with heavy tools in the peak summer heat requires immense mental fortitude and self-confidence. The crew met these challenges head-on, discovering the deep professional satisfaction that comes from completing difficult, physical projects. They left with confidence, knowing they can achieve success performing hard tasks in difficult environments.
A Community-Backed Effort
The Trailblazers extend their sincere gratitude to the local community members who supported this crew through sponsorship and even providing weekly lunches. This personal recognition showed the Trailblazer the direct, positive impact their labor has on the public spaces we all share.
Looking Ahead
While the summer trail crew session has concluded, the Trailblazers work continues. The Trust is currently collaborating with local organizations like TeensGIVE to offer volunteer trail maintenance opportunities for more youth throughout the fall and spring.