Mountain Bike Racing in Almost Heaven
By Jamie Null
Challenge at Mountwood. Photo by Stephen Spencer.
Few outdoor adventures offer the same adrenaline rush as mountain biking, and that rush is compounded when it’s found in the mountains of West Virginia. Riders of all ages and experience levels visit the Mountain State each year to experience the thrills of the sport, whether they are exploring the beauty of new territory, flying down an incline or trying their hand at a challenging obstacle. Riders are drawn to West Virginia in particular because of the variety of cross country (XC) races hosted here throughout the year, and the Mountain State is now home to a series of enduro races—a new hybrid that pairs downhill and cross-country racing.
The West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) makes it easy for riders to find a race in the Mountain State. Here we highlight the upcoming races that will take place within West Virginia’s borders. To register for these races or learn about additional races and events, visit www.wvmba.com.
XC Races
Tour de Lake
Spencer, March 24
One of the WVMBA’s longest and most popular events, the Tour de Lake takes place at Charles Fork Lake in Spencer. The race site features 21 miles of trails and 1,600 acres, and the event offers three categories and a kids’ race. For more information, visit www.racespencer.com.
Challenge at Mountwood
Waverly, April 7
One of the longest XC races in West Virginia will return to Mountwood Park for the 24th time in 2019. Bikers can select from beginner, sport or pro/expert categories. The purpose-built stacked loop system is very runnable, with long and steady grades and some rocky terrain with roots. The park is located 12 miles east of Parkersburg.
Valley Falls Challenge XC
Fairmont, April 14
Beginner riders at this event will race 8 miles while the sports division races 13 miles and the expert racers conquer 18 miles. Located at Valley Falls State Park, this course debuted in 2014. For information, visit www.marioncvb.com.
Chief Logan Wilderness Challenge
Logan, April 28
This course, located at Chief Logan State Park, is moderately technical and perfect for spring weather. Beginners will ride 10 miles while the sports class races 15 and expert class goes 21.
White Oak Challenge
Lost Creek, May 9
Known for a tight, fast track, this race features beginner, sport and expert courses. Watters Smith State Park, where the race takes place, is a 532-acre historical park with a campground nearby.
BBA Blackwater Classic
Davis, May 19
Photo by Brian Sarfino.
Beginners, experts and kids can all join in on the fun at this WVMBA race. Considered the badlands because of the challenging terrain, fast rock gardens and deep mud puddles, this race is one riders won’t soon forget.
Black Bear
Charleston, May 25
This 40k race, which is celebrating 33 years, has long been referred to as the scariest race in the world. The Black Bear is located at Kanawha State Forest and features some of the steepest and most difficult terrain in West Virginia. According to event organizers, however, the beginner race is all smiles.
Big Bear Classic
Hazelton, June 9
Located at Big Bear Lake, nearly all of this 16-mile course is on a single track. A fast and technical course, riders will experience embedded rocks, tight slaloms and challenging rock gardens. For more information, visit www.bigbearwv.com.
Grand Vue XC
Moundsville, June 30
This race takes place at Grand Vue Park where riders will find a looped circuit with 8-mile laps. A kids’ race will also be held at the event. Riders can register at the main office on the day of the event.
Race to Lil’ Moe’s Place
Philippi, July 7
Photo by West Virginia Mountain Bike Association.
This 6-mile loop with single and double tracks leads riders along the Tygart River. The course is flat and fast in some areas and rocky and technical in others. The middle third of the trail is mostly climbing with the last third downhill.
Henry Clay 30k
Morgantown, July 21
All expert riders race for cash at this event. There are courses available for beginner, sport and expert levels, but this is not a kid-friendly event. For more information, visit www.gshogren.freeshell.org/Coops/.
Brapps Then Taps
Fayetteville, August 18
Photo by Arrowhead Bike Farm.
Located at Arrowhead Bike Farm, this race requires a one-day USA cycling license and a WVMBA membership. This event offers junior and youth classes as well as a just-for-fun class.
Revenge of the Rattlesnake
Davis, August 25
With a start and stop in Davis, this race is 40 miles in length. The course layout changes throughout, giving competitors a memorable experience in the Canaan Valley area.
Enduro Races
Timberline Enduro
Davis, April 28
This wild, four-stage course at Timberline Four Seasons Resort is muddy thanks to the spring thaw after winter. It can still be chilly this time of year, but the rush of the downhill race is worth it.
Valley Falls Enduro
Fairmont, May 12
A hybrid of downhill and cross-country racing, riders should be prepared for tricky turns and rock drops. Participants can expect three to four stages of timed runs. A lunch checkpoint is available between stages.
Black Bear Enduro
Charleston , May 26
Photo by John Herrod III.
Located at Kanawha State Forest, the Black Bear Enduro awards the fastest male and female riders. Cash prizes are given at an awards ceremony, followed by lunch. This is the third stop in WVMBA’s enduro series.
Coopers Rock Enduro
Morgantown, June 23
Riders will enjoy the vistas of this four-stage course that winds through Coopers Rock State Forest. According to www.mtbproject.com, stage four is the crown jewel with its 1,000-foot descent and the way it tests the riders’ endurance and skills.
Slatyfork Fat Tire Enduro
Slatyfork, August 11
Photo by Kurtis Schachner.
This three-day weekend event crowns a king and queen of the hill. Riders will experience rock gardens, rail grades with original ties, a spruce forest and great views. For more information, visit www.pocahontastrails.com.
Snowshoe Epic Enduro
Snowshoe, September 22
Photo by West Virginia Enduro Series.
What better place to wrap up the 2019 WVMBA season than at Snowshoe Mountain Resort? This enduro event began in 2015 and utilizes nearly 40 miles of trails and has 1,500 vertical feet of descent. Riders must have a WVMBA annual license or two one-day licenses to compete.
