‘Ride the Missing Link’ event invites cyclists to ride
from Washington City to SunRiver St. George
on city trail systems
GEORGE— Cyclists from St. George, Washington, and all surrounding areas are invited to participate in the “Ride the Missing Link” event, set to begin June 12 at 8 a.m. at Washington’s Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park. Following a brief ceremony involving St. George Mayor Jon Pike and Washington Mayor Ken Neilson, all cyclists are invited to join the mayors on a leisurely ride west along the Virgin River North Trail to celebrate its long-awaited completion.
“We are so fortunate to live in an area with such natural beauty,” said Shane McAffee, Leisure Services Director for the City of St. George. “In our City, we are proud to have such an extensive network of paved trails that everyone — cyclists, runners, and walkers — can utilize to experience our gorgeous environment.”
The ride will culminate near the SunRiver golf clubhouse. Riders may terminate their ride at any junction along the trail. Three aid stations stocked with refreshments will be located at:
- Riverside Trailhead (1030 E. Riverside Drive)
- Crosby Family Confluence Park (2099 S. Convention Center Drive)
- Bloomington Community Park (650 W. Man O War Road)
“This is a celebration of two huge achievements — completing the Virgin River North Trail and eclipsing the 50-mile mark in paved trails,” McAffee added. “Now, people can ride from Washington to SunRiver and many parts in between.”
For years, St. George’s trail system has been lauded for its quality and scenic beauty. However, one portion of the Virgin River North Trail had been diverted away from the river to a city sidewalk along the heavily used Riverside Drive. This was often referred to as the “missing link” of the trail.
Following a four-and-a-half-month, multi-agency effort that included the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the Utah Division of Wildlife Services (UDWS), Washington County, the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation and the City of St. George, the trail is now complete.
“We started this project many years ago with ‘I wish we could,’” said Millie Cockerill, Landscape Architect for the City of St. George. “Today, with the help of state agencies, partnership with Washington County and community support, we have completed the one-mile paved ‘missing link’ portion of the trail, which includes a picturesque boardwalk. For trail users, the new route is less stressful, more relaxing, and closer to nature — which makes for an enjoyable recreational experience.”
