Max is seven years old, my neighbor across the street. Max came up with this idea, and it has been discussed already by some of us (Frank, Nick, Bill Reger, maybe others, plus some cyclists who are not on the Bike Board).

As I express it, Max's Uphill Struggle is the insight of a child who first learns to ride on the flat, then downhill, then confronts (and meets) the challenge of UPHILL.

This is, of course, the challenge faced by folks of all ages when they consider biking in Morgantown.

(Incidentally, the Uphill Struggle is a metaphor for life itself, isn't it?)

The idea would be to have a sponsored bike event that involves riding uphill. Any hill could work. My ideal would be up Monongahela Blvd, then down to Star City Park. Access to the trail there would make a convenient end. This would require involvement of both municipalities (Star City and Morgantown) plus probably the State Police.

I think it is very important to keep Max in front, and to include him (and his mom, Laura Kemp-Rye) in the development of this idea, perhaps inviting him to talk with the Bike Board.

I can't be at the Bike Board meeting today, but since it is on the agenda this is my input.

John