WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)--The ageless mountain bike professional Ned Overend was among the industry personnel who lobbied Congress for a more bike friendly America last week during the fourth annual National Bike Summit. Retailers, suppliers, distributors all argued their case--and Overend offered his perspective on how bike racing benefits local economies while boosting tourism and promoting health and fitness.

"It's estimated the Iron Horse Race and NORBA Nationals generate over a million dollars in direct spending for each event, and brings in over 7,000 total visitors to Durango on an annual basis," Overend told Congressman Scott McInnis, who represents Overend's home state of Colorado. "Even more important is that the international media exposure for competitive racing highlights our trail network and bicycle facilities that has direct impact on tourism and benefits the local economy."

Following a round of meetings and photo oops, Overend told a standing-room-only Congressional Reception crowd that he was more concerned about the safety of his son riding on Colorado roads than his riding and racing freeride and downhill.

"An opportunity definitely exists in Durango to make improvements that make it safer for cyclists to ride. It is crucial we have the funds to build roads right the first time, as the proposed Complete Streets legislation proposes," Overend said.