Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, November 13, 1993                   TAG: 9311160265
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MOUNTAIN CYCLISTS WANT TRAILS TO REMAIN OPEN FOR THEIR USE

In fact, the Iron Ridge Mountain Bike Association wants all trails designated as multiuse, which means that hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists would all be allowed equal access.

``Furthermore, we request that all future hearings, meetings and correspondence between the public and the National Forest Service be announced publicly and open to all user groups,'' said Gary Carter of Galax, association president.

He said mountain bike riders from this part of the state are willing to join equestrians and hikers to create a safe and enjoyable situation for all trail users, commit time and resources to maintain trails and other features of the natural forest, and join with others to make sure all have a say in the future of those forests.

``All of our lives and livelihoods are bound up with these mountains,'' he said. ``We now have an opportunity to join together to shape our futures. If we hesitate, our future and the future of these mountains will be decided by the federal government, wealthy vacationers and retirees, and those among us who would sacrifice what is precious for personal gain.''

Mountain bike shops have opened recently in the Fort Chiswell area near the border of Wythe and Pulaski counties, and in the town of Pulaski where New River Trail State Park, a linear park popular with mountain bikers, is to be extended into the town.