| 06/08/2005 |
Gov. Joe Manchin this week proclaimed June as Mountain Bike Month in West Virginia at the state Capitol.
Noting that West Virginia was the top-ranked state in the 2004 Mountain Biking Report Card by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Gov. Manchin remarked how mountain biking remains a positive mainstay of the state's tourism activities.
"Mountain biking continues to be a key component of our outdoor recreation tourism," the governor said. "Many individuals have worked hard to help West Virginia earn its reputation as a world-class mountain bike destination. Division of Tourism research shows that mountain biking is one of the top outdoor recreation activities for visitors to this state."
Gov. Manchin commended the many mountain bike enthusiasts in the private and public sector who work hard at promoting and maintaining the state's lofty mountain bike destinations and events.
"West Virginians take pride in the many endeavors they undertake and certainly it is no different with those who keep our state's reputation at a premium for mountain biking."
June is when the state's mountain bike activities swing into full gear with events like the 24 Hours of Big Bear (formerly Canaan and Snowshoe) on June 18-19 and the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association race series which continues until September. In August, the National Off-Road Bicycle Association national race series makes one of its eight nationwide stops at Snowshoe Mountain which is also host to several other prestigious mountain bike competitions and camps. Non-profit organizations, IMBA-affiliated mountain biking groups, and dedicated individual advocates continue to enhance and expand the state's trails, many of which are known around the world for their backcountry settings and endless singletrack.
"We are proud of the state's reputation as a bicycling destination," said Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver. "When you combine mountain biking with camping, whitewater rafting, climbing and our other four-season outdoor sports, you can see that West Virginia has a complete package for outdoor enthusiasts."
More West Virginia Bicycling Info
Mountain Bike Month Proclamation:
Whereas, West Virginia has established itself as a premier mountain bike destination providing hundreds of miles of picturesque trails and rail trails for mountain bike enthusiasts; and,
Whereas, in 2004, the International Mountain Biking Association rated West Virginia as the top destination for mountain biking in the nation, which was the first time a state east of the Mississippi has earned this distinction; and,
Whereas, mountain biking is an integral part of the state's tourism industry and provides quality-of-life recreation for citizens and tourists alike; and,
Whereas, West Virginia is the birthplace of 24 hour racing, which is one of the most popular forms of mountain bike racing today, and Snowshoe Mountain is an annual stop for the National Off-Road Bicycle Association National mountain bike series; and,
Whereas, our state is home to some of mountain biking's most notable racers, promoters and advocates who tirelessly publicize the state's great destinations while making the sport better for everyone;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Joe Manchin III, Governor of the state of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 2005 as: Mountain Bike Month in the Mountain State and encourage all citizens to experience the enjoyment of mountain biking and recognize all our state has to offer.
www.imba.com
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