An Idaho legislator is seeking approval for a special vehicle license plate to benefit mountain bike trails. While many states (including our home state, GA) offer cycling-themed plates, as far as we know this would be the first mountain bike specific plate in the US. Those who choose the MTB plates would pay a $35 special tag fee initially and $25 each year upon renewal. The extra funds would go to support the 12,000 miles of bike-friendly trails in Idaho.

While some supporters of the MTB plate point to the revenue potential, we think the awareness potential is a much bigger deal. By some estimates the plates would generate $10,000 each year for trails but with 12,000 miles of trail, that’s less than a buck a mile! Nope, bringing awareness to such an awesome state resource (mountain bike trails) will be the real win here and could go a long way toward opening even more trails.

One final note: based on the article linked above this measure appears to have politicians split along party lines. We’ll leave the political commentary to our readers

As we head into the weekend there are a few cool things happening:

Chicago is gunning to host the Olympic Games in 2016 but one problem: Chicagoland is flat as a pancake. Case in point: The original road cycling course was rejected because it was just too easy. Instead, word is the mountain biking event would be held in Blue Mounds, WI near Madison. The Trek company has to be salivating over the prospects…

Downhillers, looking for a free ride to the top? Check out Brundage Mountain Resort in Idaho where they’re offering free lift rides all day on July 2 as part of the summer season opening. The mountain boasts a 4-person high speed lift to the top of the 7,640 foot-summit which I’m sure beats pedaling all the way up Free is a heck of a value too considering that a regular daily pass is $25 (though that’s still a heck of a bargain).

Did you know the National MTB Championships are being held in Colorado for the first time EVER? It’s hard to believe but it’s true. You can catch the action July 16-19 at SolVista Basin Resort which is not too far from Winter Park. While SolVista is one of Colorado’s lesser known resorts, the Granby Mountain Bike Park located on site boasts 10 trails and a pump track. Get more info on the official site.