CANAAN MTB FESTIVAL
June 11 - 14, 2025
GROUP RIDES
THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY
đź“ŤTUCKER COUNTY TRAILS
Kick off the Canaan Mountain Bike Festival with our Thursday “Ride at Five” weekly locals’ ride. Gather at Blackwater Bikes at 5:00 P.M. where a variety of group rides at different skill levels will disperse and regroup afterwards with beers at Stumptown Ales with the West Virginia Nature Conservancy from 7:00-8:00p.m.
From there, the excitement only builds as we offer a series of group rides throughout the weekend, each tailored to different interests and skill sets. Whether you’re looking to take a gentle tour through our beautiful woodlands or seeking the adrenaline rush of a technical backcountry challenge, our local guides are ready to lead the way.
For those new to the sport, our beginner-friendly rides provide an encouraging atmosphere to develop your skills, while the slow and easy rides ensure no one is left behind. Women only rides focus on creating a supportive space for female riders to shine on the trails, and for the young shredders, our kid’s social rides make the perfect family-friendly activity. With so many options, your festival experience can be as laid-back or as thrill-packed as you desire. Group rides are where it’s at!
*You still need to be responsible for your own needs by carrying food, water, tools, map and cell phone and have your bike in good working condition.Â
MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS SESSIONS
FRIDAY MORNING @ 10:00 A.M.
đź“ŤNATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE ACADEMY
Take your mountain biking to the next level with our MTB Skills Sessions, exclusively tailored for various skill sets. On Friday morning, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us at the National Youth Science Academy to elevate your trail riding prowess through targeted techniques and essential fundamentals. Coached by seasoned professionals, each session is curated to optimize learning.
Beginner women will engage in building critical skills, paving the way to confidently tackle singletrack trails, while intermediate women will be taught strategies to smoothly handle challenging rock gardens. For those at an intermediate-plus or advanced level, elevate your knowledge and skill execution to ride singletrack trails with finesse. Co-ed sessions for intermediate and advanced riders will focus on dynamic movements to enhance speed and provide insights on terrain navigation and optimal bike setup to perfectly align with your riding style.
Whether you’re starting off or seeking to refine your technique, our MTB Skills Sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn from the best and enhance your mountain biking experience.
RUN WHAT YA BRUNG TRIALS
FRIDAY EVENING @ KIDS 3:30 P.M. | MAIN EVENT 5:00 P.M.
đź“ŤCAMP 70 TRAILS GATEWAY - BBA THUMB TRAILS
Get ready for thrills on two wheels at the exhilarating Trials MTB Event! Join us at the Camp 70 Trails Gateway, where riders tackle challenging terrains in a thrilling small group competition. Whether you’re one of the few competing or joining the lively crowd of spectators, the real action is in the cheering!
For the little shredders, a Kids Trials event starts at 3:30 P.M. – all about fun, not the competition. The Run What Ya Brung main event launches at 5:00 P.M.Â
With exciting moments across 5 sections and an epic tiebreaker, every foot dab counts. Gear up for a kickstart at the Camp 70 Trails Gateway, shifting to high gear at the Blackwater Bicycle Association Thumb Trails skills area.
Don’t forget your noisemakers – airhorns, cowbells, or even homemade drums to amp up the atmosphere. See you at the trailhead!
BBA FUNDRAISER PARTY
SATURDAY EVENING @ 6:30 P.M.
đź“ŤDAVIS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
On Saturday evening at 6:30 P.M., at the Davis Firehall, the Blackwater Bicycle Association invites festival participants for an evening of celebration that promises good vibes and great times. For just $50 a ticket, savor a delicious dinner catered by White Grass Cafe, mingle with fellow biking enthusiasts, and get a chance to win big at the FUNdraiser raffle.Â
All proceeds go straight to supporting the Blackwater Bicycle Association’s efforts to blaze new trails and maintain our beloved biking paths. So come out, have fun, and be a part of something that’s more than just a party – it’s a pedal-powered movement!Â
*Cost includes one raffle ticket and dinner
HIKE ON DOBBIN SLASHING
SATURDAY MORNING @ 10:00 A.M.
đź“ŤA-Frame Road Parking Area (South end)
Curious about The Nature Conservancy’s newest preserve, Dobbins Slashing? Join Doug Milam, TNC WV board member, for a guided hike. This scenic 6–8 mile hike begins with a 900-foot ascent via the Cabin Mountain Trail, leading to a stunning ridge with panoramic views of Canaan Valley and the Dobbins Slashing bog. From there, the hike will follow a northern extension of the Rocky Ridge Trail before joining the Historic Dobbin Railroad Grade. For more information or questions, visit WV Nature Conservancy Facebook page.
📸 Hannah Snyder / TNC
MORNING TRAIL WORK
SUNDAY MORNING @ 9:00 A.M.
đź“ŤCAMP 70 TRAILS GATEWAY
Rise and shine with purpose on the final day of the Canaan MTB Festival by joining forces with the local Heart of the Highlands trail group for a rewarding morning of trail work. Gather with fellow trail enthusiasts at 9:00 A.M. sharp at the Camp 70 Trail Gateway parking lot, where we’ll set out to enhance the trails that are nearest and dearest to our community. Come, be a part of something bigger and help preserve the joy of mountain biking in Canaan for everyone!
YOGA FOR CYCLISTS
SUNDAY MORNING @ 10:30-11:45 A.M. đź“ŤBright Bear Yoga
After a weekend on the bike, give your body some love with a post-ride yoga session designed just for riders. Carol Milam will guide a feel-good flow at Bright Bear Yoga in Thomas from 10:30–11:45 a.m. Stretch it out and reset for the week.
All proceeds will be donated to the Blackwater Bicycle Association, supporting the trails you love.
BIKE HASH
SUNDAY AFTERNOON @ 1:00 P.M
đź“ŤBlackwater Bikes
Meet at 1:00 PM (ride starts at 1:30 PM) at Blackwater Bikes for an adventurous, and possibly silly, group ride close to town! Expect a fun, rigorous ride lasting 1–2 hours with great company and plenty of laughs. After the ride, stick around for a post-ride party at the shop, sponsored by Blackwater Bikes! We’ll have food, friends, and good vibes. Potluck dishes are welcomed and encouraged—bring something to share!
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Cost: $5
