Ride, Cheer, Stretch, Repeat: 2025 Canaan Mountain Bike Festival Returns June 12–15! Get ready for another adrenaline-pumping, trail-loving, community-powered weekend in the heart of West Virginia’s highlands—because the Canaan Mountain Bike Festival is rolling back into Davis and you won’t want to miss a minute.
This annual gathering is more than just a good time on two wheels—it’s a fundraiser for the Blackwater Bicycle Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and improving the iconic trail systems around Canaan Valley and the Blackwater River. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a trail-building champion, a yoga-loving adventurer, or just in it for the costumes and chaos, there’s something for everyone.
What’s Happening This Year
🚵♂️ Group Rides Galore
Expect everything from chill cruises to hammerhead heaven. No matter your speed or style, there’s a ride waiting for you. Local guides help lead the way through some of the best terrain the Mountain State has to offer.
🏁 Run What Ya Brung Trials – The Thumb
Think you’ve got the skills (or just want to watch someone else try)? Head to the Camp 70 Gateway Entrance for this crowd favorite. Competitors tackle technical trials on “The Thumb” while the rest of us wince, cheer, and laugh in equal measure. It’s weird, it’s wild, it’s legendary.
🥾 NEW: Guided Hike on Dobbin Slashing
Explore the newly acquired WV Nature Conservancy property at the end of A-Frame Road. This guided hike will showcase the beauty of the highlands and highlight the importance of continued conservation efforts.
🛠️ Trail Work with Heart of the Highlands
Give back to the trails you love! Join forces with the Heart of the Highlands Trail System for trail work on The Thumb, helping improve the Camp 70 trails between Beaver Creek and the Blackwater River. Your sweat equity makes a huge impact.
🧘♀️ NEW: Yoga for Cyclists
Unwind and re-center with Carol Milam at Bright Bear Yoga in Thomas, WV. This specially-designed class (Saturday, 10:30–11:45) focuses on mobility and recovery for cyclists. Your $10 donation goes directly to the Blackwater Bicycle Association.
🤪 Bike Hash – Chaos on Wheels
A Canaan Festival classic! This kooky, hectic bike chase pits “Hares” (trail-setters) against the rest of us “Hounds” as we try to catch them through a route filled with surprises. Stick around for the themed Down Down party afterwards—yes, costumes are encouraged, and yes, it’s still family friendly.
🎯 Mountain Bike Skills Sessions
From beginners to crushers, coaches will be on-site offering skills sessions tailored to all levels. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to corner tighter, descend smoother, or just ride with more confidence—this is your chance.
Don’t Miss the FUNdraiser Dinner & Raffle
Join the community on Saturday evening at the Davis Firehall for a hearty dinner and your chance to win rad gear and support an incredible cause. Proceeds go directly to the Blackwater Bicycle Association, helping fund trail maintenance and future events.
Merch, Donations & More
Can’t make the trip but still want to support the cause? You can donate or grab official festival merch on the BikeReg page. Your support helps keep Canaan’s trails flowing and accessible for all.
See You in the Saddle
The 2025 Canaan Mountain Bike Festival isn’t just a weekend—it’s a celebration of trails, community, creativity, and good old-fashioned West Virginia fun. Mark your calendars, pack your gear, and get ready to ride, stretch, dig, dance, and maybe even dress up a little.
Let’s keep the stoke high and the singletrack happy. See you June 12–15!