Black Bear
Charleston, May 25
Race to Lil’ Moe’s Place
Philippi, July 7
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
Fayetteville, August 18
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.
Brapps Then Taps.
Photo by Arrowhead Bike Farm.
Race to Lil’ Moe’s Place.
Photo by West Virginia
Mountain Bike Association.
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. 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.
Grand Vue XC Henry Clay 30k
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. 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/.
Moundsville, June 30
Brapps Then Taps
Morgantown, July 21
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.
Black Bear Enduro
Charleston , May 26
Black Bear Enduro.
Photo by John Herrod III.
Valley Falls Enduro
Coopers Rock 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.
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2 0 1 9 D i sc o v e r Wes t V i rg i n i a
Morgantown, June 23
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.
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.