October 20, 2004 – In an effort to get kids more active and help fight
childhood obesity, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a
resolution officially declaring “National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.”
The legislation is in memory of Jack Doub, a teenage mountain biker from
North Carolina.

Promoted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA),
National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day encourages adults and cycling clubs
to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking. The day is scheduled for
the first Saturday of October each year.

The House adopted House Concurrent Resolution 480 by unanimous consent on
Oct. 5, 2004, just three days after IMBA celebrated the first annual Take a
Kid Mountain Biking Day. Thousands of kids participated in more than 100
events nationwide and in several other countries.

Congressman Richard Burr of North Carolina introduced the resolution and
Mark Udall of Colorado was a cosponsor. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Co-Chair
of the Congressional Bike Caucus, and Joe Barton of Texas both made
speeches in support of the resolution.

The legislation marks one of the few times the sport of mountain biking has
received attention from the U.S. Congress.

“We’re thrilled that Congress has stepped up to recognize mountain biking
and kids,” said IMBA communications director Pete Webber. “This will give
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day a huge boost. Mark your calendar now for
Oct. 1, 2005.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, childhood obesity in the U.S. has
reached an all-time high and today’s youth are less active than ever
before. IMBA believes mountain biking builds self-confidence and offers
kids and adults an adrenaline-packed adventure while giving them an
effective workout.

“Jack Doub saw the need for kids to get off the couch, get outside, and get
some exercise. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation,” said
Congressman Burr.

Visit http://www.imba.com/resources/kids/resolution480.html to read the
text of the legislation as well as the speeches of Congressmen Burr, Udall,
Barton and Blumenauer.

IMBA’s National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is supported by the Jack Doub
Memorial Endowment, Schwinn Bicycles and the Goldsmith-Greenfield
Foundation. For more information about National Take a Kid Mountain Biking
Day and local events, please visit
http://www.imba.com/resources/kids/index.html

end