FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wilkesboro, NC – October 26, 2015 – It was a great day at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir on Saturday, October 24th for the inaugural Wilkesboro Trail Fest. Organized by the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance (Alliance), along with the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club (BMCC) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The goal was to bring people together to rally for trails. The “Fest” included a Saturday morning “work party” on the Overmountain Victory Trail (OVT), followed by demos and group rides at Warrior Creek in the afternoon.
Over 25 volunteers were present for the trail work. These individuals hailed from the communities of Wilkesboro, Boone, Morganton, Lenoir, and Hickory, and some traveled from as far away as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greenville, NC. Maintenance performed on the OVT included trash pickup, vegetation trimming and drainage work, as well as touch-up to some of the turns. Another group of volunteers worked on the new flyover bridge being constructed near Berry Mountain.
Jim Horton, trailbuilder and architect of the Kerr Scott Trails system thinks the great turnout reflects the popularity of the trails in the state and beyond: “When people have travelled a good distance to help as well as ride, it’s obvious that the trails are making a big impact. Brad Carey, Natural Resource Specialist at W. Kerr Scott, was also impressed with Saturday’s group effort: “It was great to see a lot of new people working alongside the local regulars,” Carey said. “The continued commitment of volunteers has always helped us achieve our goals at the Project.”
The bike demo Saturday afternoon hosted the factory “Demo Tour” of Juliana Bicycles, along with their new range of women’s bikes. Local shops were featured also as Brushy Mountain Bicycles (Wilkesboro) and Magic Cycles (Boone) had their demo bikes out for riding. Other exhibitors included DeFeet and Bell Helmets. Shannon St. Clair, Owner of Brushy Mountain Bicycles, had the following to say about the demo: “I was thrilled to participate; it was a great way to connect with customers and answer questions right at the trailhead.”
The groups hope to have the event again next fall.
About the Alliance
The Alliance is a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), promoting land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in the geographic area of Northwest NC’s mountains and foothills. Joining the Alliance helps promote these goals and memberships are dual with IMBA-SORBA and the local chapter. Find out more at www.rideNWNCtrails.com, or contact the Alliance at info@ridenwnctrails.com.
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