BFGoodrich® Tires Announces 2014 Outstanding Trails Winners

GREENVILLE, S.C., April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BFGoodrich^® Tires, in collaboration with United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and Blue Ribbon Coalition, today announced the winners of the 2014 Outstanding Trails program.  Nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following, the trails selected for this year's program are:

• Pole Line Trail, Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Pennsylvania
• Mineral Basin Trail, American Fork Canyon, Utah
• Billings Canyon Trail, Grand Junction, Colorado

Since its inception in 2006, The Outstanding Trails program has been dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of off-road trails. In the last eight years, Outstanding Trails has recognized more than 33 off-road trails throughout the country and has awarded over $130,000 in grants in support of trail conservation efforts.

"BFGoodrich Tires is about providing driving enthusiasts the capability to discover the best of what we call Playground Earth," said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. "The Outstanding Trails program is a reflection of that commitment to work with four wheel clubs to enhance the trail system in North America and provide more opportunities to get out and play."

BFGoodrich Tires 2014 Outstanding Trails
During the course of the year, BFGoodrich Tires will be at club events associated with these trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location, educate off-road enthusiasts on the responsible use of the trails and present a $4,000 grant to each club to assist in the preservation of trail access.

• The Pole Line Trail is part of the 6,500 acre Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, a motorized recreation facility with its trailhead located in Coal Township, Pennsylvania. The AOAA frequently holds events, trials and family-oriented rides along this busy trail.
• The Mineral Base Trail takes its name from the rich history of mining in the area from the late 1800s and is one of the most popular trails in North Utah. The Dirt Hedz Offroad Club helps maintain the track and they are applying to the Forest Service's "Adopt- A-Trail" program to become the trail's official caretakers.
• The Billings Canyon Trail is 10 years old and one of the early extreme trails in Colorado. It was developed by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club and is still maintained by the club today. Rock Junction and The Grand Mesa Jeep Off-road Show are both held at this magnificent trail.

"The three trails and clubs recognized in 2014 truly live up to the name 'Outstanding Trail'," said Del Albright, Blue Ribbon Coalition Ambassador. "These clubs are doing some great work to help improve and conserve access to these trails."

"UFWDA has been honored to be a partner in the Outstanding Trails program," said Jim Mazzola, President of UFWDA. "The more than 30 grants provided by BFGoodrich as part of the Outstanding Trails program have made a tremendous impact helping preserve some of the most beautiful off-road trails available."

About the Outstanding Trails Program
The BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing support in the trails' conservation efforts. Through 2014, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized over 30 off-road trails and clubs across North America.  The program has provided more than $130,000 in grants in support of the various trails conservation efforts.

Both Blue Ribbon Coalition and UFWDA are non-profit organizations dedicated to responsible and ethical outdoor recreation.  BFGoodrich Tires collaborated with these two groups to select the finest off-road trails and continues to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives.

About BFGoodrich Tires
Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 40 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including sports car, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires  or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BFGoodrichTires. 

About Blue Ribbon Coalition
The Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC) is a national non-profit organization that champions responsible recreation and encourages a strong conservation ethic and individual stewardship, while providing leadership in efforts to keep outdoor recreation alive and well -- all sports; all trails.  With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, participation in the administrative process, outreach, education and collaboration among recreationists. BRC works with land managers to provide recreation opportunities, preserve resources and promote cooperation with other public land users. BRC is recognized nationwide for its credible staff of landuse and recreation professionals, as well as a legal team with nearly 30 years of accomplishments.  Learn more at www.BlueRibbonCoalition.Org or call 1-800-BLUERIB (258-3742).

About United Four Wheel Drive Associations
United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world's leading representative of all-brand, four wheel-drive enthusiasts. UFWDA benefits, developed and tested over the past 30 years, include four-wheel-drive safety and awareness education; such user ethics programs as adopt-a-road, conservation volunteer and volunteer trail patrol; assistance with new club formation; education seminars to aid four wheelers through complex state and federal programs affecting trail access; internet forums designed to instantly connect members globally; a legislative advocate and nationally recognized attorney who works exclusively for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to protect access and prevent road and trail closures. For more information on the UFWDA log on to www.ufwda.org, or call 1-800-44-UFWDA (800-448-3932).

SOURCE BFGoodrich Tires