The Dan River region will show off three of its hottest mountain biking destinations beginning next month with the Virginia Mountain Bike State Championships roll into the area.
The first of three races in three months takes place on May 18 with Return to the Ridge, an event in Danville, Virginia. A month later, Bootlegger’s Blitz plays out on June 15 in Woolwine, Virginia. Then, the championship series concludes on July 13 with the Sledgehammmer in Ridgeway, Virginia.
Each event includes multiple age groups and a total of 18 race categories, from beginner to expert/pro and everything in between.
To register and learn more, check out southernclassic.bike.
The Virginia Mountain Bike Championships offer one way to discover the rich mountain-biking trails of the Dan River Basin. In the region’s many trails, find multiple opportunities for both beginners and hardcore riders. You can find technical single-track in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains or a lazy dirt road in the woods.
Explore these options for more places to ride:
I.C. DeHart Park, Woolwine, Va
DeHart Park is a hidden gem just off the Blue Ridge Plateau in Patrick County, Virginia. The park provides great rides year-round, with two loops that offering multitude of ride options. The route used for Shiner’s Revenge XXC and Bootlegger’s Blitz XC offers a taste of everything. Better yet, 90 percent of the route is single-track. The park is located on the former estate of Isaac C. DeHart, who operated a mill and distillery.
Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury, NC
Four trails here offer 8.4 miles of intermediate riding on single track, with rock ledges, fast flow, stream crossings, and great views of the Sauratown Mountains. All four trails begin at the parking lot next to “The Farmhouse” located at 2700 Moore’s Springs Rd. Westfield, NC 27053. Advanced and beginner level trails will be built soon.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park, Randolph, Va
The Staunton River Battlefield Rail-Trail offers a leisurely mile-and-a-quarter ride along a gravel trail. The route follows the abandoned Richmond and Danville Railroad. The park itselfis a Civil War site where 700 Confederates held a strategically important bridge against 5,000 Union cavalry.
Farris Memorial Park, Mayodan, NC
The town of Mayodan recently built a 3.5-mile mountain-bike trail at Farris Memorial Park. The trail takes you through switchbacks, over rock gardens, and small streams. Most of it runs through hardwood and mixed pine forest. The MTB Project praised the trail, writing “these trails are fast and fun and stringing together a few laps is pure joy.” The support of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Reidsville Area Foundation, REI and Dan River Basin Association made the trail possible.
Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System
The Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System includes 30-plus miles of single track trail ranging from easy to difficult trails. The system has been designated as one of the best in the state and nation by singletracks.com, and draws visitors from all over the East Coast. The trails are also home to many annual running and biking events and are often used by hikers, walkers, and bikers. The trail was built through a partnership between Anglers Ridge Trail Association and Danville Parks and Recreation and includes natural and man-made elements to challenge mountain bike enthusiasts.
Tobacco Heritage Trail, multiple counties in Va
Mark this destination as one to watch. When complete, the Tobacco Heritage Trail will use abandoned rail beds, bridges, rights of way and state roadways to link five counties with 174 miles of road and trail.