ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 31, 1997 TAG: 9703310123
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
Thirty-one rides have been featured for fans of West Virginia biking.
West Virginia has no plans to change its nickname, ``the Mountain State,'' but if that were the case it might consider adding the word ``Bike'' to the title.
The state has become a favorite of the East Coast's mountain-biking crowd, and at the heart of the interest is the 800,000-plus acres of the Monongahela National Forest.
A new Monongahela National Forest Mountain Bike Map is making it easier to locate riding opportunities. The map, which features 31 rides on forest lands in eastern West Virginia, is the product of Adventure Cycling, the organization that brought bikers the Oregon-to-Virginia Bikecentennial Trail in 1976.
The map was done in partnership with the Monongahela National Forest, the West Virginia Division of Tourism and the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association. Research began in 1993, but was stalled when the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the forest grew concerned that some of the routes intruded on prime breeding grounds for wild turkey. Alternate rides had to be found. Following three years of research, a contract was signed and the map was published.
It sells for $10.50 and is available from Adventure Cycling, 800-721-8719, Monday though Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
All rides include a detailed narrative, along with mileage, a difficulty rating, locations of water and food, and elevation gains.
West Virginia biking opportunities also are touted in a new publication, called ``Bicycle West Virginia Adventure Guide.'' The 60-page publication, which covers touring as well as mountain biking, may be obtained free by calling 1-800-CALL WVA.
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: The 800,000-plus acres of the Monongahela Nationalby CNBForest offer wide-open spaces for bikers. color.