FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sun Valley Gets First Idaho “Epic Ride Center” Designation

From International Mountain Bike Association

SANTA FE—Oct. 15, 2012 — The Sun Valley area has received a rare recognition from the International Mountain Bike Association, confirming what Sun Valley riders have known for years: that the Wood River Valley has some of the best, most diverse mountain biking opportunities in the country.

The Wood River Bike Coalition accepted the “Epic Ride Center” designation from IMBA, an award given to very few areas annually, after a competitive review process by the organization. The Epic Ride Center program, according to IMBA, is the organization’s way of “spotlighting places that exemplify what mountain biking looks like when it’s done right,” according to IMBA.

“The Wood River Valley takes its trails seriously and puts a lot of sweat equity into making them the best that they can be. This award is a reflection of a lot of hard work,” said Wood River Bike Coalition trail manager Greg Martin, who accepted the award along with Eric Rector, the trails director at Blaine County Recreation District. “I’m grateful to live in a place where people are willing to work to protect and enhance our riding opportunities.”

So far in 2012, the Wood River Bike Coalition’s volunteers have put in more than 400 hours of labor, at a value of well over $6,000.

IMBA’s Epic Ride Center designation recognizes large-scale mountain bike facilities that offer something for every rider. From backcountry adventures to shuttle-served gravity trails, and from expert-only to family-friendly, visitors to an IMBA Ride Center are going to encounter the best the sport has to offer.

About Wood River Bike Coalition: Through partnerships, a large membership base and grassroots advocacy, the Bike Coalition works to create a more bicycle-friendly Wood River Valley. Find them at www.woodriverbike.org