Fifth graders bike along the Sarah Zigler National Recreation Trail in Oregon

Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) "National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day" initiative has gained support from the U.S. Congress. A joint resolution (H. Con. Res. 205/S. Res. 195) sponsored by Senator Richard Burr (NC) and Congresswoman Virginia Fox (NC) has been earmarked for swift passage this fall. Additional co-sponsors are Senator Ken Salazar (CO) and Representative Mark Udall (CO).

In 2004, thousands of kids participated in more than 100 events nationwide and in several other countries. IMBA expects even greater numbers of participants in 2005.

The legislation is in memory of Jack Doub, a teenage mountain biker from North Carolina. Doub was an avid teenage mountain biker who had a passion for the sport from an early age, but passed away in 2002. The Jack Doub Memorial Endowment helps fund the event.

National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day encourages adults and cycling clubs to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking. It is held annually on the first Saturday of October— Oct. 1 on this year's calendar.

Clubs and individuals who are interested in hosting an event should visit http://imba.com/resources/kids/index.html for information and advice. Trips for Kids, an organization that has been helping disadvantaged kids discover mountain biking since 1988, will provide additional assistance. Visit them at http://www.tripsforkids.org/