Loudoun County ’ s network of unpaved roads is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts , attracting cyclists , runners , and equestrians from throughout the country . Community knowledge and public feedback are crucial for ensuring the accuracy of county GIS data the Office of Mapping and Geographic Information manages .
value . BikeLoudoun was founded in 2008 by Pat Turner , who for many years worked tirelessly with Loudoun County to develop the “ Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan ” adopted in 2003 . This is the blueprint for all the new trails in Leesburg and Loudoun County we now enjoy — with more to come .
BikeLoudoun is also involved with the mapping of sidewalks , trail connectivity , Linear Parks and Trails ( see article on page 8 ), access to future Metro stations , and numerous corridor studies to include shared-use paths such as the future Rt . 15 interchange north of Leesburg , Rt . 15 South from Leesburg to the Prince William County line , and Rt . 9 from Rt . 7 to the West Virginia line . Additionally , BikeLoudoun is working with Loudoun County Public Schools ’ “ Safe Routes to School ” to develop a plan to add a bicycle fleet for PE classes for 8- to 12-year-olds .
Word is spreading about the unpaved roads and the enjoyable biking experience they provide . Bike Loudoun is collaborating with out-of-state bike tour groups to create customized self-guided routes with a variety of themes . Civil War battlefield and skirmish locations , mills and bridges , historic villages , breweries , wineries and cideries are some of the themed route options being planned .
Local cyclists have also come together to build communities , foster fellowship , and promote wellness around their activities on these roads . One such group is the Gravel Rats , led by Marcus and Tina Pluntke . Averaging 20-25 miles each Sunday , the Gravel Rats start at Plum Grove Cyclery and take many stops for photography along their chosen route , invariably ending with an after-party in the parking lot , or at a local brew-
wander I spring • summer 2021 19