Bike path near Lake McClure competing for $100,000 grant
A proposed bike path near Lake McClure trails in a national race for grant funding with just a few days left to vote online.
Exchequer Bike Park is one of three finalists vying for a $100,000 grant from Bell Built Helmets.
As of Sunday, the Merced-area project was trailing projects from Minnesota and Tennessee in the online voting contest. Voting continues through Thursday, and local enthusiasts are hoping for a come-from-behind victory.
Mike Jensen, spokesman for the Merced Irrigation District, has said the trail would bring competitive races to Merced County.
“If Exchequer receives this grant, people will be coming here for competitions from across the state and they will need places to eat and sleep. It will be good for our entire community,” Jensen said previously.
The trail would complement Exchequer Bike Park, which is still being developed but remains open for riding.
Exchequer Bike Park will have trails for riders of all skill levels and abilities, including riders with disabilities.
The proposal emerged in April as the top vote-getter from the western United States, beating out competing parks in Nevada and Oregon.
Each national region has advanced one finalist to compete against Exchequer Bike Park in the national runoff that began last week.
The Exchequer Bike Park is managed by the Parks Department of Merced Irrigation District.
Cast your vote
- The competition for the trail grant is being conducted completely online by sponsor Bell Helmets. Votes for Exchequer can be made by clicking here.
- To vote for the Exchequer Bike Park, click on the small round circle to select it as your option.
- Below that, enter your email. Enter the requested verification code. Finally, go to your email inbox and open the confirmation email to finalize your vote. The entire process takes less than a minute. You will see your vote counted in the running totals for the competition.
This story was originally published May 31, 2015 at 6:46 AM with the headline "Bike path near Lake McClure competing for $100,000 grant."