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Country Roads Trail aims to increase tourism in Preston County

KINGWOOD — Preston County has a new nonprofit organization that focuses on outdoor fun.   

John Bryan, vice president of Country Roads Trail, gave Preston commissioners an overview of the organization and its goals last week during the board’s regular meeting.

One of those goals is to map and mark all of the county, private and historical roads in Preston.

Bryan said Country Roads Trail is a volunteer- and membership-driven organization of off highway vehicle enthusiasts and community leaders who want to make an economic impact on the county.

Commission President Don Smith said he thought the organizers have a great plan, adding that Country Roads Trail will bring people into the county and help encourage tourism.

“People who come and stay overnight would visit other businesses, hotels, restaurants, or go to a convenience store for supplies,” he said. “It also gives people a dedicated place to ride.”

Bryan said the group is still in its infancy, and will hold an OHV fundraiser June 12.  He said the the ride will begin at the Bruceton/Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department and Screech Owl Brewery. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and will be $10 per rider.  Everyone is welcome. The ride will be 59.1 miles long and will end at Screech Owl Brewery and the Bruceton/Brandonville VFD.  Maps will be available at registration. Both establishments will sell food after the ride.  

Trail experience will include encounters with water, mud, and negotiating rough and rocky terrain and dirt roads. Hardtop road travel is kept to a minimum.

According to Country Roads Trail’s Facebook page, the proceeds from will go directly to the development of the Country Roads Trail System. The organizers are asking those who plan to attend the June 12 ride to leave the comment “let’s go” on the page, so they have an idea about how many people plan to attend. 

The names of those who comment will be entered into a drawing to be one of the first to own a Country Roads Trail official T-shirt.

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