MERCER COUNTY CVB DIRECTOR BEVERLY WELLMAN LEADS         THE FIRST ATV WOMEN’S ADVENTURE RIDE IN ASHLAND

            The first ATV Women’s Adventure Ride was held on August 18, 2007 in Ashland.  The             day began with a training by Jennifer Johnson and Michael Perry at the Ashland Resort             KOA for those ATV riders who had never ridden a four wheeler.  The ladies then had a             hearty lunch at the Coal Camp Café before starting their ride on the Hatfield McCoy Indian             Ridge Trail.  The women had an enjoyable ride that lasted over four hours as they             ventured on the newly opened trail.  After freshening up they returned to the Ashland             Company Store to shop, have a steak dinner and an evening of entertainment with Alan             Johnston and South 52 in the outside area of the store.
              Mercer County CVB Director Beverly Wellman was one of the participants for the event.              Even though this was her first ATV ride she was quick to say, “I signed up for the event             to be able to say I’d ridden the trail system.  I was somewhat hesitant since I don’t even             use the riding lawnmower at home.  To my surprise I found that I could maneuver the             ATV and loved the rocky trails and steep terrain.  It gives women such a feeling of             empowerment.  I never thought I’d be an ATV rider but I can’t wait to get another             opportunity.”    Rhonda Shumaker stated she intends to come again and will bring friends.              Robin Pruitt responded that we should not wait a year to schedule another ride and she             would like to see another women’s event for this fall.
              Dave Teasdale, Manager of the Ashland KOA Resort, was recently interviewed and ask             why a women’s ATV ride was being held and he responded, “Why not?  Women can             have as much fun as the men while riding the Hatfield McCoy Trail in Ashland.”
              The ATV Women’s Adventure Ride was sponsored by the Ashland KOA Resort with             support by the Ashland Company Store, the Hatfield McCoy Trail and the Coal Heritage             Authority.   If you would like to be included to receive information about the next             planned women’s event contact Debbie Bailey at 862-4800 or Dave Teasdale at                             862-2322.  

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