It's probably a little-known fact for many who live in the area, but on any given day, the surrounding hills and woods are alive with bicyclists.
The Marietta Trail Network is an ever-growing collection of biking and hiking trials that currently spans roughly 10 miles of terrain.
"We're working to connect parks, schools and neighborhoods as part of our mission," said Drew Smithberger with the River Valley Mountain Bike Association, a group which aims to promote the sport of mountain biking in the region.
For the third year in a row, area youth ages 6 to 16 will strap on helmets to participate in an annual bike riding event, which utilizes this system of trails. Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day will be held on Saturday at the Kris-Mar Woods trails, located behind Tractor Supply Company in Marietta's Frontier Shopping Center.
The local trails are constructed and maintained by the RVMBA, which is sponsoring the local event to coincide with the International Mountain Bicycling Association's event, now in its sixth year.
"We're trying to bring young people in to the sport of mountain biking and to get them involved in physical fitness," said Bill Lane, a member of RVMBA.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Third annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, registration starts at 9:30.
Where: Kris-Mar Woods, behind Tractor Supply Company in the Frontier Shopping Center, Marietta.
Who: Ages 6 to 16. Adults are encouraged to ride, too.
Details: Participants must bring bike, helmet and adult to sign waiver.
Cost: Free, includes food and prizes. Grand prize winner will receive a new bike.
For more information: Drew Smithberger at (740) 516-0600, Bill Lane at (304) 375-2609 or www.rvmba.com.
The local group boasts about 90 members, with 90 percent of those being from Wood and Washington counties, according to Lane.
The group also holds events throughout the year to encourage mountain biking in every community, such as group rides and handing out helmets to young people.
The Take A Kid Mountain Biking event usually sees 20 to 30 participants, although organizers are hoping for more.
"We've really gotten the word out this year," said Lane. "We're ready for it."
