volunteers. This is a fun(d)raiser for Blackwater Bicycle Association which is a 501c3 under International Mountain Bike Association.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2026 CANAAN MTB FESTIVAL
THURSDAY JUNE 11th RIDE AT FIVE
Kick off the festival with our weekly Locals ride. Meet at Davis Firehall and find a group level that’s good for you. What's Cookin with Chef Todd and Beers at Stumptown Ales or Hellbenders for the best burritos.
FRIDAY JUNE 12th MTB SKILLS SESSION at National Youth Science Academy 10am-1pm Must Pre-register
Flat, Fast, and Furious Cornering COED Intermediate + Advanced with Jason Cyr
Build confidence navigating loose turns or and advanced ride who wants to push their speed.
Tech Terrain Tactics for Intermediate and Up Women with Coach Kelly Hazlegrove , BICP Level 3 Instructor
Ladies, this is a clinic designed to tackle the rugged trails of Davis! Focus on navigating rock gardens, perfecting line choice, and building confidence on technical terrain. Ideal for riders looking to improve their skills on the local trails and ride with more precision and flow.
Level Up with Sue Haywood for Intermediate Women
Since you have the fundamentals it's time to hone body position, explore bike dynamics and fortify a successful mental game to start to ride more difficult trails and features.
Mountain Biking 101 with Alison Wells
This is a beginner class for women. We will learn the building blocks to make a strong foundation for your mountain biking. Focus on body position and tactics for more confidence on singletrack.
FRIDAY JUNE 12th RUN WHAT YA BRUNG TRIALS
This is a small group Trials competition on challenging sections of the Thunderdome. Advanced skills needed. You can compete with mountain bike or trials bike. The skilled will compete, while the charged crowd cheers, jeers, ooohs and ahhs. The spectating is the fun part. 5 sections plus a tie breaker. Dabs are counted, The Judge is strict. Location is at the Camp 70 Trail head across Beaver Creek. Main Adult Event starts at 5:30pm. Kids non competitive trials at 4:30
GROUP RIDES throughout the weekend. (SEE BELOW)
We are offering many group rides led by local riders. Beginner to advanced rides meeting at different trailheads and Davis Firehall at various times of day throughout the weekend.
SATURDAY 13th EVENING FUNdraiser PARTY
The Davis Firehall is the host for our FUN-raiser party. Buy a ticket $50 and enjoy a dinner catered by White Grass Cafe. Delicious food and great company. After dinner we will have raffle with incredible donations from local businesses. Please purchase tickets here. You are welcome to come just for the bountiful raffle around 7:30. BYOB CASH/Paypal
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ht6jKJLTqE6QDqDA
SUNDAY JUNE 14th MORNING TRAIL WORK
Meet at 9 am at the Camp 70 Trails to work on trails closest to town. This session is led by Heart of the Highlands Trail System. Coffee and donuts supplied by the TRAILHEAD Coffee
SUNDAY JUNE 14t^h YOGA for CYCLISTS 10am-10:45
Come join for a gentle slow flow to stretch our most used biking muscles. We'll focus on stretching and releasing tight muscles we use on the bike. Bring a mat and anything else you need to be comfortable. Class is led by Wander Wellness owner, Alison Wells. 10 am -10:45 Class is at the Davis Firehall.
GROUP RIDES ARE the FUN ZONE… YEEHA!
We are thankful to our local ride leaders who volunteer to do these group rides. 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.
GROUP RIDES
Friday June 12th
Adventure Ride
RIDE LEADERS: Rob Stull, Dave Rause, Mark Anderson
WHEN: Friday June 12th at 9:30a.m.,
WHERE : Meet at the Davis Fire Hall
RIDE: Where will we go? Who knows? It’s an adventure ride with three leaders who have been around the vast Canaan backcountry block more than once. Lots of tech with a casual pace. Intermediate+ with optional splashes of advanced. 4+ hours. Bring at least two peanut-butter sandwiches.
VIBE: Adventure meets not trying too hard.
GRAVEL Ride aka Monster Cross Ride
Sponsored by Cobalt Bikes
Ride Leaders: Darren, Mark, and Mike
When :Friday June 12th 10:30am
Where: Meet at Davis Firehall
Description: Canaan Monster Cross Style Ride 33 Miles -- Take your gravel bike on gravel roads, jeep roads, and single track! Tour the valley and enjoy the spirit of underbiking. If that's not your jam, riding a mountain bike would work, too. Recommended 40mm or bigger tires. The Ride is 33miles with an elevation gain of 2,105feet and a Max grade of 9.9% The route includes Camp 70 road, Chris Clower trail, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trails, Corridor H Rail Trail, and some of the tamer Camp 70 trails. Ride will finish with plenty of time to see the Trials Competition in the evening at Camp 70 Trails Gateway.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51164715
Davis Loop D Loop
Ride Leaders: Melissa Borowitz and Cass Matthew
When: Friday, June 12, 12:30pm
Where: Meet at the Camp 70 Trailhead parking lot.
Join for a 10 mile tour through the legendary trails right in Davis’ backyard. Experience a true cross-country mix of singletrack, rolling rocks, wetland bridge crossings, a little bit of gravel, and probably some mud. This ride takes you through the Little Canaan WMA and the WV Land Trust’s Yellow Creek Natural Area. We will be riding a small section of Splashdam (the “easy” part) with plenty of spots to bail out onto Camp 70 throughout the ride. Bring enough snacks and water for a 2.5 to 3 hour ride.
SATURDAY June 13th Rides(and Hike)
DOBBIN SLASHINGS PRESERVE HIKE
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 10 am
Where: A-Frame Road Parking Area (South end)
The West Virginia Nature Conservancy will lead a hike to Dobbin Slashings Preserve during the Canaan Mountain Bike Festival for the second year in a row! If you are curious about our newest preserve, want to hear our plans, need a break from your bike seat, or just want to be surrounded by azaleas and mountain laurel in bloom, you won't want to miss this 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, we’ll follow a northern extension of the Rocky Ridge Trail before joining the Historic Dobbin Railroad Grade. The distance along the grade will be determined by group interest before we loop back to the trailhead.
?? This hike is limited to 20 participants—spots will fill up fast! Please register
Live Mo Like KevMo: Pedal, History, and a Cold One
Ride leaders: Ed Rader
Where: Blackwater Falls State Park (Meet at Pendleton Lake)
When: 10:00 AM
Get ready for a classic tour of the Dobbin House trails! We’re keeping the tradition alive with a ride that’s all about the "KevMo" philosophy: getting out there and soaking up every bit of the trail. While Kevin used to be our trusty sweep, Doc Ed Rader is back at the helm to lead us through some of the best intermediate terrain in the area.
This is a stout 2.5-hour intermediate ride, so come prepared to work those legs. It’s not just about the sweat, though—Ed is a vault of local knowledge and will be pointing out hidden ruins • • The Goods: Bring your own beer and snacks for the post-ride hangout
• The Mission: Ride hard, learn something new, and "Live Mo"
PEDAL & PETALS
Calling all Nature Nerds!
Ride Leaders: Jess Tucker & Catherine Fleischman
When: 10 am
Where: Davis Riverfront Park
Join us for a morning of easy-rolling exploration through the stunning diversity of Canaan Valley. This isn't just a ride—it’s a rolling classroom on two wheels. We’ll be meandering for about 2 hours through the Davis trails, pausing to geek out over the unique landscape and whatever blooms we find along the way.
Whether you're here for the mileage or the milkweed, this ride is all about soaking in the scenery at a relaxed pace. Bring your bike and your inner botanist. Let’s get some dirt on our tires and some nature in our souls!
• The Vibe: Low intensity, high curiosity
• The Goal: Check out the diverse Davis trails and unique flora
Bring your bike and your inner botanist. Let’s get some dirt on our tires and some nature in our souls!
CANAAN MOUNTAIN Flow No RIDE
Leaders: Sue Haywood and David Workman
Where: Meet at the Rocks at the Gate on Canaan Loop Rd.
When: 9:30, leave at 9:45 am sharp
Ride: Trails of Canaan Mountain, 4 hours with options for turning back or going longer.
Vibe: Rhododendron slapping tight tech slow flow. Long snack stop to sip and socialize
YOUTH RIDE with snacks, and splashes. Grab your helmet and join us for the Apple Jacks & Singletrack Meander!
Ride Leader - Dave Dixon
Where: Meet at Camp 70 Trailhead
When: 11 am
This ride is all about fun, not speed. We’ll meet at the Davis Trails parking lot on Camp 70 Road to begin our adventure. We’ll cruise through the trails at a relaxed pace and learn how to tackle basic trail features like a pro! Suggested ages 8-12
Our destination? A scenic creekside lunch featuring Dixons favorite Fixins - pizza with a cold beverage - at Beaver Creek beach.
• Who: Kids of all skill levels (parents are encouraged to ride along!)
• Vibe: Easy-going, beginner-friendly, and educational.
• The Perks: Skills intro, pizza for all, soda, beers for mom and dad, and fun by the water.
CANAAN VALLEY POWER-PEDAL PLAY
Ride Leaders- Cass & Earl
Where: Meet at the Nature Center (Canaan Valley State Park)
When: Kickoff at 11:00 AM
Whether you’re using your motor to crush the climbs or just want to zip through the woods with a grin, this ride is for you. We’re hitting the stunning park trails for 15 to 20 miles of pure flow.
The best part? You set the pace. Go full turbo or keep it chill—with plenty of "e-exit" points, you can head back whenever you’ve had your fill.
• The Route: 15–20 miles of scenic, winding loops.
• The Fuel: BYO Doritos for our dedicated snack break!
• Analog Welcome: Manual bikes are invited to try and keep up with the e-pace challenge.
• No Rider Left Behind: Our "scent-sational" sweep will hang back with the tail end (and yes, he smells great).
Bring the boost. Bring the crunch. See you at the Nature Center!
TRIP TO THE MOON
Ride leaders: Peter Kotses and Ben Rau
When: Saturday 13th 10:00am
Where: Davis Firehall
Description: Don't tell NASA but the people of the valley go to the moon on a regular basis. Take a run at the classic Moon and Hoodoo Rocks loop and see some of the places that make this area so special. Pack for a 3-4 hour trip and bring a love for rocks, technical riding and people and snacks.
WOMEN’S TECH TOUR
Ride Leader - Meredith Erlewine
When: 10 am
Where: 853 Canaan Heights Road
Get ready for juicy moss and ferns, rock obstacles that invite you to say yes (or no), tight turns, and plenty of snack breaks. Expect very technical single track at whatever pace works for you. We will regroup at all intersections. Ride leader Meredith Erlewine knows her way around the Canaan Heights jungle and has been guiding women’s mountain bike tours for over 30 years. But don’t worry, she is still youthful enough to lead this ride!!! Options to bail out and ride back on a gravel road. Carry plenty of snacks and water.
Who: Ladies who love riding technical terrain in an encouraging atmosphere.
Why: Because you deserve it!
What: 3-4 hour trail ride with options to bail yourself out. Intermediate+ skill level with social pace. Expect 10 miles of trail connected with gravel road.
CLOWER POWER
Ride Leaders - Natalie, Charlie, Kim
When : 9:30 am
Where: Chris Clower Trailhead on Cortland Road
Vibe: Friendly and fun, with some steady climbing.
Dynamic trio of locals exploring some of the greatest trails at the south end of Davis. 3 hours with some additional options.
FAMILY RIDE
Leader: Pat O’Hammy
When: 10 am
Where: Promised Land Trail, parking at the Pool.
Vibe: Everyone welcome for a friendly , mellower, no drop ride.