DAVIS – Looking for a festival atmosphere that is down to earth in a classic Appalachian mountain town? You can find it all in Davis, West Virginia during the 10th annual Canaan Mountain Bike Festival on June 14-17.
“This event brings together enthusiastic mountain bikers looking for a laid back festival atmosphere with a community of like-minded folks. “Which makes for one heck of a good time,” said Brian Sarfino, Tucker County CVB Marketing Manager.
Trial rides, fundraiser party, live music, trail work, and bike hash are all part of the festival weekend.
On Friday, June 15 men’s and women’s clinics will be offered. The coaches are professional instructors as well as athletes, guaranteeing success and fun all in the same day.
Then on Saturday, June 16 group led rides for all abilities will be organized and will canvas all of Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Backcountry, and the infamous Moon Rocks trail system.
Annie Simcoe, an avid mountain biker and local artist, created this year’s event poster and had this to say about the race.
“Big rocks. Super dense vegetation. Feeling like you are in a pre-historic land that time forgot. That’s what riding in WV is to me,” Simcoe said. “For a mountain biker this is the race weekend you want to plan for and enjoy with family and friends.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, June 14
• 5 PM Ride at 5 at Blackwater Bikes
This is the local weekly group ride out of Blackwater Bikes (BWB). It is a social ride with different groups going out. This year we will be timing a Super D on one of our favorites, thinking about Hoo-Doo Rocks trail. The after-Party is at Hellbenders Burritos (across from BWB on Main Street) with a bar hop over to Stumptown Ales for the after, after party.
Friday, June 15
• 9 AM Women’s Skills Session and Lunch, Cost $70
Four hour skills session to learn and improve your mountain biking. Experienced instructors will share knowledge and set up drills and practice spots. A catered lunch at the end of the session will be provided.
• 9 AM Men’s Skills Session and Lunch, Cost $70
Four hour skills session to learn techniques and skills through drills and practice with Coach Harry Geyer. A catered lunch at the end of the session will be provided.
• 4 PM Run What Ya Brung Trials Competition, Cost $10
This is a fun way to test your technical bike skills in front of a cheering crowd. There are obstacles, tight turns, skinnies and slow speed moves. You don’t need a special bike, just the right attitude. This is the best spectator event of the weekend. Trials location is on private property at 622 Canaan Heights road in Canaan Heights, 3 miles south of Davis. Kids trials start at 3 p.m. Adults ($10 entry fee) at 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 16
• 9:30 AM Group Rides, Cost $0
Ride with a group with a set route or ride on your own.
• 7 PM VIP Fundraiser Party for Blackwater Bicycle Association
Event will take place at Wicked Wilderness Pub. Food, music, and two raffle tickets are included in with your ticket. Cost $40
Sunday, June 17
• 9 AM Trail Work at Thomas Beginner Trail
• 9:30 AM Kids and Family Ride at Pavilion in Thomas City Park
• 1:30 PM Bike Hash
Registration is $12. This is a fun event where the Hounds try to catch the Hares through a series of clues and markings. The local mountain bike hares are fast; and they are the cleverest bunch around. Try and catch them or just enjoy the route. Event includes beverages and Sirianni’s world famous pizza.
To register for different rides, visit https://www.bikereg.com/
To learn more about the Tucker County CVB, visit www.canaanvalley.org.
