Last month, in celebration of World Bike Day, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing MORCA’s many contributions to our Monterey County community.
Championed and presented by Supervisor Wendy Root Askew, the proclamation recognized MORCA’s, “pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life through the development and maintenance of multi-use trails, volunteer-led cleanup days, community rides, and youth engagement programs to encourage safe, inclusive access to outdoor recreation,” as well as MORCA’s, “enduring commitment to cycling advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community building.” And much more – you can read the full proclamation below.
It was an honor to be recognized for 23 years of positive community impact and fitting that some of MORCA’s biggest contributors and longest-standing board members were present to receive the proclamation: Secretary Henrietta Stern, Board Member and former President Mike McGirr, and Trail Crew Leader Darius Rike. Without their individual commitments, MORCA would not be succeeding in its mission.
And if not for hundreds of volunteers and tens of thousands of hours contributed over the years, MORCA’s many successes would not have been possible. On behalf of our greater Monterey County community, we are grateful to all those who have supported the cause in whatever way you did.
The proclamation was only possible because of all the work MORCA and our MTB community have already done, but it is also testament to what lays ahead; continued coalition building with community leaders and land managers; leading Monterey County residents and businesses along a trail to improved quality of life and community prosperity through mountain biking; advocating for equitable trail access and a dedicated space for mountain biking; and getting more kids and adults on bikes and into nature.
Read the full Monterey County Board of Supervisors Resolution here:
Resolution No.:25-177
Adopt a resolution recognizing Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) in celebration of World Bike Day – June 3, 2025….
WHEREAS, World Bike Day is celebrated annually on June 3rd, honors the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and sustainable means of transportation, promoting environmental stewardship, physical health, and social connectivity; and
WHEREAS, Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) was established in 2002 to be the voice for responsible mountain biking, to steward regional trails for the benefit of all trail users through 1,000 volunteer hours annually, and to catalyze outdoor recreation opportunities for youth and adults through events and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, MORCA has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life through the development and maintenance of multi-use trails, volunteer-led cleanup days, community rides, and youth engagement programs to encourage safe, inclusive access to outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS, MORCA’s partnership with regional, state, and federal agencies has ensured the responsible use and protection of Fort Ord National Monument and other critical open spaces, balancing recreation and conservation; and
WHEREAS, MORCA has made noteworthy contributions to our community and to Monterey County’s public lands, and continues to advocate for equitable trail access, for a park space or trails center dedicated to mountain biking, and for continued community benefits generated through the sport of mountain biking
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors on behalf of all the County and its residents thereof, hereby recognizes and commends the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) for its enduring commitment to cycling advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community building, and joins with communities around the world in celebrating World Bike Day on June 3, 2025.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on this 3rd day of June 2025