Crews Search for Missing Autistic Hiker

More than 50 emergency responders and volunteers searched Monday for an autistic hiker who strayed from his parents in the Dolly Sods Wilderness area.

Jacob Allen, 18, of Morgantown, was hiking with his parents, Jim and Karen Allen, on Sunday afternoon when he got ahead of them and didn't answer when they called out his name, said Chris Stadelman, public information officer at the command post.

The family declined to speak with the media, but thanked searchers for their efforts and asked for the public's prayers, Stadelman said.

While Allen is described by his mother as severely autistic, he is in good physical shape and likes to hike, Stadelman said. He was not carrying food or water.

The family visits Dolly Sods, located within the Monongahela National Forest, a couple times a year, he said.

Temperatures dropped to as low as 38 degrees overnight, said Stadelman, but rose steadily on Monday, which was clear and sunny.

Residents of several counties were searching along with two search dogs and a crew in a National Guard helicopter.

The primary search area was about 4 square miles of terrain that included thick brush and steep inclines.

Officials on Monday asked for more volunteers to join in the search, requesting that they not call, but show up at The Canaan Valley State Park Nature Center.

"We only have one land line for all the calls that are coming in," Stadelman said.

Plantation Trail

Directions to Trailhead: Drive past Davis toward Canaan Valley for about 3 miles. The trail head will be on the right (clearly marked). Look for the parking lot on the left just before the trail head.

Trail Description: This is a great XC trail. However, this trail is not for the light hearted. It has every obstacle one could think of including rocks, streams, rocks, roots, rocks, logs, rocks, steeps, oh and did I mention rocks? You might want to bring out the fully for this one. Your ass will thank you!

Trail Length: 19 miles (1/2 singletrack)

Trail Type: Singletrack & Fire Roads

Skill Level: Advanced

WEST VIRGINIA'S PEAK COLORS

Foresters suggest heading to West Virginia’s high country this weekend to see the best fall color in the state. Higher elevations of Grant, Hardy, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph and Tucker counties are reported to be at 80 percent peak

• Tucker County is recommended destination for weekend travel where foliage at the higher elevations is reported to be 75 to 80 percent peak. Foresters recommend driving U.S. Route 219 through Davis and Canaan Valley for a variety of yellow and orange color. Lower elevations of Tucker County are at 40 percent peak.

Each fall, leaves turn breathtaking shades of orange, purple, red, yellow and brown in a fantastic show of nature's glory. But why do leaves change color? Although Jack Frost gets most of the credit, the scientific reason for our beautiful fall foliage is a process called photoperiodism. As the sun moves further south, the hours of daylight shorten and the temperatures fall. This causes leaves to cease production of chlorophyll, the chemical that colors leaves green. As the chlorophyll disappears, the underlying colors of the leaves are unmasked. The next strongest pigment becomes dominant giving the leaves a "new"color.

WVMBA 2008 Series Planning Meetings, Oct. 21 and Dec. 2

UPDATE: 2008 Series Planning Meetings, Oct. 21 and Dec. 2
** Mandatory for Race Directors **
If a race director does NOT show up to BOTH meetings, your race WILL NOT be included in the 2008 series(s).

Date/Time: Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Location: Truck Stop 67 Restaurant, Flatwoods, WV, Exit 67 off I-79
Questions: Contact J.R. Petsko at wvmba@hotmail.com
Another Mandatory Meeting will be held on December 2nd: Details TBA

Great turn out for Tour de Lilly!

Check out the photos!

One day till tour!

Saturday is just one day away and if you are coming to Davis for the tour de Lilly you are in for a treat. The weather has been great here in Davis for the past month and it looks to continue for this weekends event. Trails are dry! Yes I said it dry. The normally wet and slick trails are dry and fast after a lack of rain in the last month. Take advantage with you can. And if your riding the tour on Saturday don't forget about the race for the riddles on Sunday just one hour up the road at big bear lake. Makes for a great weekend of cycling. See ya there!

3 days till the Tour de Lilly!

This weekend marks the ten years for the Tour de Lilly. The tour is a loosely orginiatized mountain bike ride thoughout the beatuiful country side of Tucker County. The ride starts at 10:00am on Saturday. Riders are incuraged to show up around 9:00am. The ride will leave from downtown and take a morning ride. Then return for lunch. The ride will continue after lunch for those who want to continue.

Race for the Riddle's

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Joey Riddle had a serious crash at this year's West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) championship race. His injuries include two broken wrists, a broken collarbone, a separated shoulder, and a concussion. Joey is unable to work and his medical bills are piling up.

The mountain biking community is coming together to hold a benefit race on Sunday, October 7th at Big Bear Lake in Hazelton, WV. All proceeds from this event will go towards a fund to support the Riddle family. The event is sponsored by: Cannondale, Vicious Cycles, Big Bear Lake Campland, Blackwater Bikes, Fat Tire Cycle, Velocity Cycles, Dirt Bean Cafe and Bike Shop, Granny Gear Productions, Adventure Pursuit Triathlon, Ace Adventure Center (ACE), East West Printing, and WVU Cycling.

Day-of-race registration will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 11:00 a.m. All WVMBA classes will be offered, and racing will be held in conjunction with the WVU collegiate mountain bike race. A nice prize table is promised, three deep in each race category. This is a benefit for the Riddle family and no cash prizes will be awarded.

Nearly all of the racing is on single/double track. This extremely fast and technical course is full of large embedded rocks, which provide wide grin racing for all skill levels. Expert racers will do 30 miles. Sport racers will do 20 miles, and Beginners will do a 10 mile loop.

There will also be a raffle, thanks to Cannondale, Vicious Cycles, and Granny Gear Productions, with the following prizes:
1) Cannondale Single Speed 29er Frame
2) Vicious Cycles Hardtail Frame (Single Speed or Geared)
3) A team entry into the 2008 24 Hours of Big Bear
Both of the bike frames will come from the factory in whatever size the winner chooses. Tickets are on sale now for $5.00 for one ticket or $20.00 for five tickets. Email J.R. Petsko (jrpetsko@hotmail.com) for tickets or purchase them at the race.

For more information on the Race for the Riddles visit www.iplayoutside.com.

Revenge of the Rattlesnake - A great succes!

Revenge of the Rattlesnake is part of the longest running mountain bike series in the world and this race was a started in 1984. Check out all the results, photos, and coverage on iPlayOutside.com