The Meeks Mountain MTB Hoedown (WVMBA #9 SERIES FINAL) is a cycling and mountain biking event held on Sunday, July 19, 2026. It is located at 3543 Teays Valley Road in Hurricane, West Virginia.
Sun, Jun 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Welcome to the 2026 Black Bear Bike Festival! In conjunction with the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) and the City of Charleston, we hope to have a fun, safe and enjoyable event for
racers, non-racing bike riders and spectators alike. The social rides leave at 10:00 a.m. and the WVMBA race kicks off at noon. Finish line headquarters will have food trucks, kid's zone, and restroom facilities.
Spectators Area - Free - A spectators area will located along the park road at the bottom of Black Bear and Pigeon Roost Trail. Racers will start coming through about 12:30, so please be in position early. If you are driving, follow Kanawha Forest Park Drive approximately 4.3 miles from the Park Entrance to the large parking area at the Johnson Hollow shelter area and then walk the remaining distance along Park Drive to the spectator area. There is no parking adjacent to the spectator area. Please be aware that both the road and the trails are OPEN!!!!! Please use caution when in the area to avoid both vehicle traffic and interfering with racers on their quest for glory. After the racers have passed by, please return to the park headquarters lot to enjoy the rest of the festival and to watch the racers cross the finish line, enjoy some food and beverages and to celebrate the podium winners!
KID'S ZONE - FREE - The Kid's Zone will be located at the Headquarters Playground (Headquarters Parking Lot) from 11:00 to 2:00 pm for our youngest cyclists to have fun with new friends and to hone their skills on level grass and some small skill features. While free, registration (and liability waiver) is required. Bring your bike!
Group Mountain Bike Ride (Non-competitive) - $25
Join the group mountain bike ride for a ten-mile, intermediate skill-level ride on Kanawha State Forest’s newest trails. Volunteers will lead the ride and provide a sweep for any rider having trouble during the ride. The group ride will depart the Nature Center (main) parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and will climb Portercamp Hollow, a long, sustained gravel climb with 450-feet of elevation gain. After the climb, riders will descend Tuskegee a/k/a Bomber Ridge, a rolling and rollicking good time, then onto Flatlander, then around Snail Bite a/k/a Portercamp Trail. From there is onto Betty’s Bench a/k/a Whitetail Trail and then a descent of Miracle Mile a/k/a The Bob Ward Pathway and back to the Nature Center. While NOT a race, this is an intermediate level “real” mountain bike ride, where you will encounter steep climbs, singletrack trails, switchbacks, roots, rocks and other natural obstacles.
Route information: https://www.strava.com/routes/3350293716262420480
Group Paved Ride (Non-competitive) - $25
Join the group paved ride for either a 10 or 13-mile paved tour of Kanawha State Forest. Volunteers will lead the ride and provide a sweep for any rider having trouble during the ride. This ride will depart the Nature Center (main) parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and will turn left towards Dunlap Hollow after 1.1 miles, the riders will regroup and return towards the Nature Center. Riders wishing to end their ride at the 2.2 mile point can break off from the group. Riders wishing to complete the 8.8-mile route will ride to the Forest entrance and then onto Range Road to it end at the shooting range and back to the Nature Center. This is a beginner-friendly paved ride with minimal elevation change and no long or sustained climbs.
Route information: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50265196
Group Gravel Ride (Non-competitive) - $25
Join the group gravel ride for a gravel ride. Volunteers will lead the ride and provide a sweep for any rider having trouble during the ride. This ride will depart the Nature Center (main) parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and return back to the Nature Center. This is an intermediate ride.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTIAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION:
Race 7 out of 9, Black Bear Bike Festival, is the seventh event of the WVMBA Cross Country Mountain Bike Series. This race takes place at Kanawha State Forest Formerly known as the Black Bear 40K it's the longest running race in our series and started in 1986. Kanawha State forest features some classic back country trails mixed with modern trail designs on the Middle Ridge trail.
The WVMBA series is recognized as one of the oldest mountain bike racing series in the nation, renowned for its challenging courses and the vibrant community of riders it attracts. Join us in celebrating the spirit of mountain biking and enhancing our trails by becoming a WVMBA member at: WVMBA Membership 2026 Membership not only supports the promotion and development of mountain biking in the state but also provides benefits such as discounts on race entries.
The WVMBA race starts at 12 noon or shortly after, (unless otherwise posted). All participants must attend the pre-race meeting.
WVMBA Race Categories:
Each WVMBA Series Race offers participants the opportunity to choose from three categories when selecting their race class. Your choice should be based on a combination of fitness level, skill, and the time you anticipate needing to complete the course.
Pro/Cat 1: Distances range from 18 to 24 miles. This category is designed for experienced riders who are prepared for a challenging course.
Cat 2: Distances range from 12 to 18 miles. This category is suitable for intermediate riders, offering a balanced challenge.
Cat 3/Beginner: Distances range from 5 to 12 miles. This category is perfect for those new to racing or looking for a less intense experience.
Licenses/Membership:
WVMBA is pleased to announce that no USA Cycling license will be required this season. We encourage you to consider becoming a WVMBA member, as your support helps ensure the organization’s long-term future.
Annual members will receive a $5 discount code for each race entry. If you are not a member, the full cost of race entries will be included in your event registration.
WVMBA memberships can be purchased here: WVMBA Membership 2026.
Please note: You are encouraged to obtain an Annual WVMBA membership before registering for any race, as we cannot provide refunds for memberships purchased after registration.
WVMBA Category pricing:
All races will have a consistent price point to maximize the prize purse and simplify race-day registration. Cat 1 Juniors will have full payout opportunities.
All Cat 1 race entrees are $50 (including Juniors) (+online reg fees)
Cat 2 and Cat 3 for all adult categories are $50, Monday before race $60. (+online reg fees)
Cat 2 and Cat 3 for all Junior classes are $30, Monday before race $40. (+online reg fees)
WVMBA Annual Members will be $25 and $45, Monday before the race, $35 and $55.
All race entrees will increase $10 Sunday at midnight on the week before your event. Online registration will end on Friday before your event.
Starting June 8th, registration fees for all racers will increase by $10. Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12th, to allow time to submit the final roster to our timing company, Miles of Smiles.
Same-day, on-site registration is available (cash or check only). Fees are $60 for adults and $40 for Junior Categories.
Prizes:
Each category in the WVMBA Series is distance-based and offers unique prize opportunities:
Cat 1/Pro Categories: Competitors in this category will race for cash prizes awarded to the top three positions across all five subcategories. Notably, there is equal pay for both the men's open and women's open divisions, ensuring fairness and recognition for all athletes.
Cat 2, Cat 3, E-Bikes: Participants in these categories will compete for a prize table or special awards for the top three finishers in each subcategory. The specific prizes will be determined at the promoter's discretion.
The Award Ceremony for The Black Bear Mountain Bike Race will take place after all races have been accounted for on the course and will take place at the Shrewsbury Hollow Shelter
Rules:
Please review the updated WVMBA Racing Rules and Regulations available on our website. This comprehensive guide outlines all the necessary information for participating in our series.
Additionally, we are excited to offer E-Bike options for Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes. You can find the specific rules for E-Bike participation in the same section on our website. Explore the details today to ensure you’re fully prepared for the race!
Course Information:
The single-track trails in Kanawha State Forest are known for their demanding climbs and technical descents.
Download your race course:
Cat 1 - Expert: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55364757
Cat 2 - Sport: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55364605
Cat 3 - Beginner:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55364843
Cycling Gravel Group Ride Mountain Biking Trail
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM
The full competition schedule can be found here.
Please review the event eligibility guide here to ensure participation qualifications are met.
Please note, all riders who want to compete at the 2026
Pro Road National Championships (Elite, U23, Junior 17-18) must meet all eligibility, licensing, category, and age requirements as indicated in the eligibility guide linked above.
Riders must have both an active USA Cycling Membership and the appropriate Race License add-on to compete.
For event updates and additional resources, refer to the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships event page, as it will continue to be updated leading into the event.
Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Location Information
Learn more about our host here. You will be able to find lodging options and information on local restaurants and activities.
Any USA Cycling member could be tested at any event organized or sanctioned by USA Cycling and must adhere to all USADA, UCI and/or their designees anti-doping control procedures in effect at the event. Watch this short video to ensure you are adhering to anti-doping rules.
USA Cycling has a No Refund Policy for National Championships. We suggest adding the Participant Registration Insurance when completing your registration in BikeReg.
Cycling Road
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM
31.9 km from HurricaneCycling