How about Black Mountain trails for mountain biking?

To the Editor:

I read the article in the Lewiston Sun on Feb. 21 about the proposed mountain bike trail system.

Jim Rinaldo and the selectmen wait it located behind the town garage on 83 acres. To begin with, the estimate given in the paper for three miles is incorrect. I think someone should give the taxpayers the correct estimate.

I used their numbers and came out with these figures. If built by hand, $15,580, and by machinery would cost the town a high of $79,200. This does not include the field work layout.

Black Mountain of Maine has miles of cross-country trails that could be used for a mountain bike system. This would involve very little trail work. The terrain is ideal for mountain bikes and has been used in the past years for bike racing. They have the accommodations to hold races if warranted.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen many in town or out of town people using the walking trail along Rumford Avenue and public library. This cost the local taxpayers a lot of money. The walking trail has some outstanding stone work. It's too bad people don't stop and enjoy using it.

The taxes in Rumford are high enough without wasting our tax money on another bike trail. Times are tough on people living on a fixed income without any retirement raises for the last few years.

Richard McInnis,

Rumford