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OGDEN — The Ogden Mayor's office is hoping to make the city into a haven for bicycling manufacturers and bicyclists of all kinds.
Thursday, Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell traveled to Monterey, Calif. to meet with companies at the Sea Otter Classic. The city — already home to Scott USA and ENVE Composites, Quality Bicycle Products, TRP/Tektro, and Amer Sports — hopes to attract more manufacturing companies and grow its reputation as a cycling nerve center in America.
Caldwell said he is meeting with about 15 companies about setting up shop in Utah.
"We've seen a tremendous amount of growth in companies like ENVE Composites (in Ogden). A lot of bicycle manufacturing now is leaning heavily on composites, and we've seen a great deal of growth there," Caldwell said. "There's a lot of energy and excitement in and around Ogden. Part of that is because it's so convenient to get out."
Ogden, he said, offers companies a good place to live, work, and play.
There's a lot of energy and excitement in and around Ogden. Part of that is because it's so convenient to get out.
–Mike Caldwell, Ogden Mayor
The outdoor lifestyle in Utah, he said, attracts companies to the area. There are more than 250 miles worth of mountain biking trails in Weber County, as well as close proximity to ski resorts. The high interest in bicycling within the community could be another draw.
"A lot of people really want to be in and around Quality Bike Manufacturing." he said. "It's a real small community in the bike manufacturing and cycling community, and they really enjoy being around and supporting each other."
Big ticket events like Tour of Utah and XTERRA that bring thousands of bicycling enthusiasts to Utah and Weber County each year is another allure of the area.
"There's a lot that comes through in terms of tourism dollars," Caldwell said. "People spend money to come participate in events and be around these companies."
Caldwell met with city officials in Taichung, Taiwan earlier this month, hoping to make it a cycling sister city with Ogden, Ogden Business reported.
