2009 Bicycle Travel Award Winners

SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2009
Submitted By: Sherwin Mapanoo

Missoula, Montana - Adventure Cycling Association - North America's largest cycling membership organization - is pleased to announce the winners of its 2009 Pacesetter, Bike Shop, Trail Angel, and Volunteer of the Year awards.

"There is an extraordinary community of people, groups, and shops who make the life of the traveling cyclist easier and more fulfilling," said Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling. "Our awards single out some of leaders in this community in order to honor their contributions and to raise awareness about how bicycle travel is making the United States a better, friendlier, and more connected country."

The June Curry Trail Angel Award goes to Bill and Nancy Nix of Knox, North Dakota. This couple has created a haven for cyclists willing to take a 15-mile detour off of Adventure Cycling�s Northern Tier Route. Upon arrival, cyclists are offered a spot to sleep in the bunkhouse that Bill built, which includes 4 beds, a dining room, and a living room area. They are also treated to a hot shower, as well as good meals and conversation. Bill and Nancy offer advice on the local roads, and a plethora of other amenities and assistance.

The Pacesetter Award has been presented to Richard Moeur of Phoenix, Arizona, for his longstanding commitment to bicycle travel and his efforts to put the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) at the forefront of transportation planning in the U.S. His knowledge of the inner workings of the national transportation network, and his passion for the idea of an interstate bicycle route system, has helped to guide the USBRS planning process. Richard's guidance was instrumental in leading to the approval of the USBRS Corridor Plan by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' board of directors in October 2008.

The Sam Braxton Bicycle Shop Award goes to Bikes@Vienna in Vienna, Virginia, recognizing their passion for sharing the local area with cyclists and the amazing services that they offer cyclists of all abilities traveling in the Washington D.C. area. As fierce proponents of full access, they offer cycling gear for all levels of rider and persons with physical disabilities. They are involved in the local community in a variety of ways, sponsoring several rides throughout the year. The owner, John Brunow, works hard to promote bicycle travel, and cycling in general, and to create positive change in his community by being an engaged, local leader.

Adventure Cycling's Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Charlotte Dadabay from Missoula, Montana, for her outstanding and timely volunteer efforts with Adventure Cycling's membership department this fall. During what could have been a difficult and stressful transition time at Adventure Cycling, Charlotte stepped in to help keep our membership processing running smoothly.

Adventure Cycling recognized all of the winners and thanked them for their efforts with a framed certificate, a complimentary membership to the organization, a pair of shoes from Keen, and 5 pounds of coffee from 53x11.

Adventure Cycling is always on the look out for bicycle travel heroes. If you would like to know more about past winners and how to nominate your hero, visit www.adventurecycling.org/awards.

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org