‘Women on Wheels’ Rumbles Into Canaan Valley to Celebrate Female Motorcyclists
Plus, Parsons City Council avoids commenting on power plant debate
Hundreds of women on motorcycles will roll into Canaan Valley this weekend for the 39th annual Women on Wheels “Ride In.”
The event typically draws about 250 people, said Laura Mitchell, a member of the group’s board and co-chair if this year’s Ride In. Last year’s event was held in Rapid City, S.D.
Women on Wheels is a national organization founded in 1982 that celebrates and supports female motorcyclists.
Canaan Valley was selected for this year’s June 24-26 Ride In because of the area’s natural beauty and well-maintained roads, Mitchell said. The group also held its annual event in Canaan Valley in 2004, she said.
The event is mostly about riding and socializing, Mitchell said, although there will be meetings and instructional classes. Most of the riders will be staying at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, which will serve as the primary hub of the group’s activities.
Mitchell said that all brands and styles of motorcycles are welcome, including “trike” motorcycles.
Online registration is closed, but women who want to participate in the weekend’s activities can join the organization and register on-site for weekend events. Members are welcome to bring family members, including non-females, to join the fun.
For more information, click here or email ridein@womenonwheels.org.
More News
Parsons City Council Avoids Comment on Power Plant
By Mat Cloak, contributing writer
Opponents of a power plant and data center complex made their case Tuesday night to the Parsons City Council, warning that the proposed facility about a mile from Davis and Thomas would have far-reaching consequences that would harm the entire county.
The group, Tucker United, sought to persuade Parsons council members and residents that the facility would spread dangerous levels of pollution over a wide area, hurt the tourism economy, and strain local infrastructure and emergency services.
Parsons is about 11 miles from the site of the proposed facility.
However, the Parsons City Council offered no feedback on the presentation.
“We’re here to listen,” Mayor Bruce Kolsun said before the presentation. “We can’t do anything tonight, and there’s not to be any interaction between council and speakers. That’s usually how we do it.”
The council also did not state whether the proposed power plant will be on their agenda in the future.
Making the rounds
Fundamental Data, a Virginia-based company, is currently seeking regulatory approval to build the power plant.
Tucker United is making the rounds of Tucker County municipalities, seeking to get elected officials on the record opposing the facility.
The group has gotten a mixed reception so far.
It scored a win on May 31 when the Davis Town Council unanimously approved a resolution stating its opposition to the proposed power plant and data center facility. But Tucker United got a cooler reception June 10 at the Thomas City Council meeting, where council members avoided taking a stand on the issue.
Tucker United is planning to make its case soon to elected officials in Hendricks and Hambleton, as well as the Tucker County Commission.
“Everyone in Tucker County deserves to know the severe threats that Fundamental Data’s proposed power plant and data centers pose to our livelihoods,” Tucker United spokesperson Nikki Forrester said in a statement. “Tucker United urges all our town councils and county commission to oppose the project by joining the Davis Town Council in its unanimous rejection of this ill-conceived proposal.”
Public hearing scheduled
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public hearing on Fundamental Data’s air quality permit application from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 30 at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
There will also be a virtual meeting at 4 p.m. on July 17 where the public can submit oral comments.
For more information about both events, click here.
(Dan Parks contributed to this story.)