MOAB, Utah (April 18, 2014) — Michelin North America Inc.'s BFGoodrich Tires brand, in collaboration with United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and Blue Ribbon Coalition, has selected three trails as winners of the 2014 Outstanding Trails program.
Winners are nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following.
The trails selected for this year's program are:
- The Pole Line Trail: This trail is part of the 6,500-acre Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), a motorized recreation facility with its trailhead located in Coal Township, Pa., according to Michelin The AOAA frequently holds events, trials and family-oriented rides along this trail.
- The Mineral Base Trail: The trail takes its name from the rich history of mining in the area from the late 1800s and is one of the most popular trails in North Utah. The Dirt Hedz Offroad Club helps maintain the track and is applying to the Forest Service's “Adopt- A-Trail” program to become the trail's official caretakers.
- The Billings Canyon Trail: This 10-year-old trail is one of the early extreme trails in Colorado. It was developed by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club and is still maintained by the club. Rock Junction and The Grand Mesa Jeep Off-road Show are both held here.
Since its inception in 2006, the Outstanding Trails program has been dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of off-road trails. In the last eight years, according to Michelin, Outstanding Trails has recognized more than 33 off-road trails throughout the country and has awarded over $130,000 in grants in support of trail conservation efforts.
“BFGoodrich Tires is about providing driving enthusiasts the capability to discover the best of what we call Playground Earth,” said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires.
“The Outstanding Trails program is a reflection of that commitment to work with four wheel clubs to enhance the trail system in North America and provide more opportunities to get out and play.”
During the course of the year, BFGoodrich Tires will be at club events associated with these trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location, educate off-road enthusiasts on the responsible use of the trails and present a $4,000 grant to each club to assist in the preservation of trail access.
“The three trails and clubs recognized in 2014 truly live up to the name ‘Outstanding Trail,'” said Del Albright, Blue Ribbon Coalition ambassador. “These clubs are doing some great work to help improve and conserve access to these trails.”
Jim Mazzola, president of the UFWDA, said the association has been honored to partner with the Outstanding Trails program and “the more than 30 grants provided by BFGoodrich as part of the Outstanding Trails program have made a tremendous impact helping preserve some of the most beautiful off-road trails available.”