6:00: Morning News

Pocahontas County biking center earns distinction

 

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain’s Highland Ride Center has received a unique and prestigious designation. The International Mountain Bicycle Association has named the facility an official IMBA Ride Center. It’s not an easy distinction according to Cara Rose, Executive Director of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“There are 40 ride centers around the world, we are the first in West Virginia and there are five in the Mid-Atlantic area, so we’re with a very premier group,” she said.

The designation will enable Pocahontas County to market to a world wide group of mountain biking enthusiasts.

“It means economic development. We’re inviting mountain bikers and insuring we meet their expectations as a ride center,” she explained. “IMBA has a couple million members so not only are those members seeing our information, but we can also put this designation on all of our marketing.”

The criteria for the IMBA Ride Center designation includes having a variety of terrain and skill levels available to riders. The Snowshoe Highland Ride Center includes everything from a beginner to the highest degree of difficulty. The course was a result of a collaboration of local groups and organizations working together.

“The Monongahela National Forest, Snowshoe Mountain,Pocahontas Trails, West Virginia University Extension Service and the Pocahontas County CVB have been working on this project for more than two years,” said Rose.

Rose said the designation is the association’s “Bronze Level” designation and she expected the ride center could achieve the group’s “Silver Level” status within 12 months.

The designation continues the efforts to make Pocahontas County and West Virginia a destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm