By Wendy Holdren
Register-Herald Reporter
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Responsible trail riding with responsible people.
That’s the motto of a newly organized off-highway vehicle club, Mountaineer Trail Riders.
Club president Rob Atha said he has been planning to form this club since last summer, but it is officially being organized this month.
“Basically, what we’re doing is just forming a club to promote good, safe operation of ATVs and promote a family atmosphere, provide contribution to events and contribute to local charities,” he said.
The home base for the club will be at Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park in Sophia.
Burning Rock Director of Marketing Lisa Gale said the adventure park has 8,000 acres and more than 100 miles of trails, which are professionally designed and maintained.
“Our park is new. We’re not very old. We were established in October in 2008, so we’re building our park, so any partnerships that we can form with people like this, or clubs like this, it helps us grow and brings more people in, so then in turn, Rob can generate more funds for charities.”
Club riders will primarily focus on trail systems within Burning Rock, but Atha said other legal trail systems will be incorporated as well.
Annual membership fees for juniors, ages 17 and under, are $20. Fees are $30 for members 18 and over.
“One of the best benefits for members is they get to participate in all the club events,” Atha said. Members may be asked to help out at some events, but their membership will cover the event fee. Some event fees can cost up to $85.
Atha said members in good standing, after one year, will receive a trail pass at Burning Rock.
Other benefits for members include sponsor discounts, a club decal, a T-shirt, and access to club events, rides and trips.
Several sponsors, including Street Side Auto and Extreme Metal Products, offer members discounts, but Atha said the club is seeking even more sponsorship for upcoming events.
The club will co-host Thrills in the Hills June 15-17 with Burning Rock, which Gale said will be an “off-road extravaganza.”
Fireworks, food vendors and racing competitions will be scheduled during the three-day event.
Mountaineer Trail Riders will host several additional events, such as Poker Run and Moonshine Run, to benefit charities. Atha said before the club was formally organized, a Poker Run was held to benefit Toys for Tots, which he said was very successful.
Along with supporting charities, Atha hopes this club will bring awareness to the community on proper ATV operation and safety.
He said the club has a certified ATV instructor and classes will be available for members, and may eventually be offered to nonmembers as well.
“Everyone has been very encouraging to get this club started. We want to help protect the sport. Different off-road clubs and organizations form together and help keep trails open. Every day, trails are being closed all across the country just because of people using them improperly, but an organized club will help keep places like Burning Rock open so we can have a place to ride. Riding on an organized trail system like Burning Rock is much safer than riding on a renegade trail just out in the woods somewhere.”
For more information or to join, visit mountaineertrailriders.com or call 304-237-4085. For more information about Burning Rock, visit burningrockwv.com or call 1-877-683-9240.
— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com
