Bike path near Lake McClure competing for $100,000 grant

A bike path located near Lake McClure is competing for a $100,000 national grant to build an extreme downhill mountain bike trail, Merced Irrigation District officials announced Tuesday.

The local Exchequer Mountain Bike Park is a top contender for the grant, according to MID spokesman Mike Jensen. The bike park is managed by the Parks Department of the Merced Irrigation District.

The trail in the Sierra foothills would be a “downhill double-black-diamond trail,” according to a news release. Such trails are considered to be among the most extreme in the sport.

If Exchequer park is chosen, the new trail could help attract visitors from across California and beyond.

Exchequer has placed among the top nine regional finalists being considered for the Bell Built Grant. The nine finalists are divided among three regions: the West Coast, Central and East Coast.

A voting process will occur in mid-April through the Bell Built website, said Jensen. Every online vote will be crucial for success.

If constructed, the trail would complement Exchequer park, which will remain open while development plans take place. Once completed, Exchequer will have trails for those with all skill levels and abilities, including riders with disabilities.

“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 in a news release.

Exchequer park is considered unique because of its central location, varying terrain, panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and Lake McClure, and its numerous amenities. Cyclists have access to camping, restrooms, hot showers, boating, swimming and convenience stores.

“There are very few places like this. It will offer an opportunity for so many riders – and at all levels,” said Grant Parker, president of the Exchequer Riders Club.

Throughout April and May, one winner will be selected from each of the three regions by online voting. In June, the three regional finalists will face off with a final vote to determine a national winner.

The West Coast region, which includes Exchequer park, will be open to voting April 13-26. For more information, visit www.lakemcclure.com/index.cfm/bike-park/.

This story was originally published March 31, 2015 at 8:26 PM with the headline "Bike path near Lake McClure competing for $100,000 grant."