Outdoor
Adventures
Challenge at Mountwood.
Photo by Stephen Spencer.
written by jamie null
Down & Dirty
mountain bike racing
in almost heaven
F
ew 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.
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.
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.
Valley Falls Challenge XC White Oak Challenge
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. 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.
Chief Logan
Wilderness Challenge BBA Blackwater Classic
Fairmont, April 14
Lost Creek, May 9
Davis, May 19
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.
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.
BBA Blackwater Classic.
Photo by Brian Sarfino.
www.wve xe c uti v e.com
35