Yukon, Ontario clubs win MEC Dirt Search funds

Mountain Equipment Co-op announced the winners of its 2014 Dirt Search on March 4. The Dirt Search was a contest to grant two Canadian bike clubs $10,000 each to fund trail projects.

The Contagious Mountain Bike Club, from the Yukon won the western division, with a total of 6,551 votes. The club has dedicated the funds toward a First Nation-led project that’s “reviving land-based traditions.” The goal is to help the community develop into a world-class riding destination.

The eastern division winners are the members of the ShortHills Cycling Club, in the Niagara region of Ontario. The group plans to buy a motorized wheelbarrow to keep on top of trail maintenance more easily in the Short Hills Provincial Park.

Every entry was eligible for votes from the general public. The club with the most votes won the grant money, with one grant given to a western club, and one to an eastern group.

Mountain Equipment Co-op continues to offer grants to organizations through the MEC Community Contributions program.