Exchequer Mountain Bike Park Near Yosemite Is West Coast Finalist to Win $100K Grant

By SAMANTHA HOLLIS (Open Post)

Voting has begun to determine the ultimate winner of a $100,000 grant from Bell-Helmets. Exchequer Mountain Bike Park, located near Lake McClure, is the West Coast finalist, competing against finalists from the Central and East Coast regions of the United States.

If Exchequer Mountain Bike Park emerges as the winner the grant will be used to develop a 700-acre bike park that includes a downhill, double black-diamond trail, considered to be among the most extreme in the sport. Once completed, the bike park will also have trails for all skills levels and abilities, including riders with disabilities.

Every online vote will be crucial to winning the grant.

The Exchequer Mountain Bike Park, located in Mariposa County, is being managed by the Parks Department of Merced Irrigation District.

“This is an amazing opportunity to win one for our local community – in fact for the entire state of California,” said MID General Manager John Sweigard. “This grant would ensure that we can include the double-black diamond trail feature, making the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park the premiere sought - after cycling experience.”

The bike park is considered unique among bike enthusiasts for its central location, less than two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and less than an hour drive from Yosemite National Park. Also it features beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra Nevadas and Lake McClure, as well as varying terrains, and numerous on-site amenities.

“We are actively spreading the word to our partners throughout the state and even internationally,” said Terry Selk, Executive Director of Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau. “A bike park of this caliber would be a great asset to our region to draw year round visitation.”

The vote to determine the ultimate winner will continue through June 4th at http://www.bellhelmets.com/bell-built.

Learn more about the project athttp://www.lakemcclure.com/index.cfm/bike-park/

About Yosemite/Mariposa County

Located in the heart of California and home of Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County is a world class destination for all seasons. Combining the rich history of California’s gold rush with its engaging events, international iconic landscape, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder Yosemite/Mariposa County attracts millions of travelers from all over the world each year. For more information, visit the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau atYosemiteExperience.com or call 209-742-4567.