• Learn new mushroom identification skills while exploring Appalachia by bike. Have a cool down in the New River, camp under the stars, and see fireflies.
• We will base out of a central camp, exploring upriver on Saturday and Downriver on Sunday. We will return to camp already set up both days.
• Wild Mushrooms, Camping, and tour guides included.
Cost: $150 USD
Weekend bike rental can be added for $50
Register by August 10th
Includes: Campsite, Basic Fitting, Helmet, Camp Kitchen, Guided Tour, and Experienced Mushroom Identification Guides.
BrambleBerry BikeWorks of Floyd will be providing a fleet of cool modernized retro mountain bikes in all sizes and fun colors; the perfect ride for traveling along the New River Rail Trail. $50 USD covers rental for the entire weekend.
In the field lessons on mushroom and plant identification, ecology, cooking, and other uses such as herbal medicine. Matthew and Ja each have 20 years experience being wild mushroom and plant nerds, always striving to stay up to date on taxonomy and learning new species interactions.
Misty Mountains
Old Train Trestle
The Trail: Meandering along the New River on a converted railroad corridor, the path is flat to gently rolling crushed stone. Plenty of swimming holes, lush forests, birds, and mushrooms to enjoy!
We plan to average 18 miles on a different out and back ride each day, so you can easily ride shorter or longer distances.
Lingzhi and Chicken Delight
Pinot at Gnomestead Hollow
The Mushrooms:
August is peak season for a staggering array of mushroom diversity in the New River Valley. Exploring across a number of different habitats, we will walk you through key identifying features and culturally important uses. Expect edibles and improved abilities to identify them.
Chanterelles
BrambleBerry BikeWorks
The Bikes:
A fleet of 90’s retro mountain bikes lovingly updated for comfort and safety will be provided by BrambleBerry BikeWorks of Floyd for a modest fee of $50 USD for the entire weekend. Plenty of sizes and colors available to get you the right fit and vibe.
Or bring your own
Bikes and Adaptive cycles of many styles that are equipped with durable off pavement tyres are suitable for the surface.
•38mm tyre width minimum
•E-bikes up to class 2 are allowed
Let’s talk about your ride preparation!
Description Set against the stunning backdrop of the Crystal Springs Recreation Area in the Town of Wytheville, Virginia, the event showcases the breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain of the High Rocks Spur Trail and Boundary Trail loop among others. These trails are technical in some areas and sure to bring you a challenge no matter your level of training. This race makes for the perfect prep for your next big local race, whether that's the Iron Mountain Trail Races at the end of August, the Hokie Half Marathon in September, Rim to River 100 or Mountain Masochist. Distances This is a loop course. For the 12 hour and 6 hour options:One loop equals 12.8 miles with 2,008 ft of elevation gain. Starting on Crystal Springs Loop Trail to Boundary Trail to High Rocks Spur Trail to High Rocks Trail to the Fire Road to returning to Boundary Trail to Waterline to Finish.For the 3 hour option (aka Crystal Light): One loop is the boundary trail to the Crystal Springs Loop and then the waterline
trail which is right at 3.1 miles and 466 ft of elevation gain that features a waterfall when we have had enough rain in the area. Details The schedule for the race:6:00 am Start for 12 hour (6:00 pm cutoff)8:00 am Start for 6 hour, 3 hour (Crystal Light) (5:00 pm cutoff)Crystal Springs is a beautiful area where there is limited parking. You are REQUIRED to take a shuttle (4 minutes round trip) on race day. The shuttle will start at 5:00 AM and run until everyone is finished with the race. SHUTTLE PARKING ADDRESS: 180 Pump Hollow Road, Wytheville, VA 24382NOTE THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE START LINEStart Line Address: 723 Pump Hollow Road If you register after August 1, you aren't guaranteed a race shirt. We try our best to anticipate the number of shirts needed, but also need to make sure our local vendor has enough time to get the shirts ready for race day. Thanks in advance for understanding. THIS IS A CUPLESS RACE so you will be REQUIRED to carry a collapsible cup or bottle for the race.
There are NO cups at the aid stations. There will be PB&J sandwiches, bananas, pretzels, oreos, hard candy, and a limited number of gels available at each aid station. Hot foods at select aid stations. Packet Pickup Friday, August 7, 2026 from 5 PM to 8 PM - Seven Sisters Brewery (355 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382) in Downtown Wytheville. Come pick up your packet and hang out with us!! PLUS Seven Sisters is offering runners HALF OFF of your first drink with a bib and/or medal all weekend. Refunds There will be no refunds of entry fees. Runners can transfer distances up to the day before the race, no refund for dropping down distances, runners increasing distances will have to pay the difference in price. Runners can transfer their entry to another runner, to be used the same year as originally registered. Rollovers are allowed for medical conditions including pregnancy and post-partum. The Leftover Option Looking to run without the fluff? Introducing The Leftover Option – a stripped-down,
no-frills entry for the cash-strapped, the mileage-hungry, or the racer who’s just in it for the grind.For just $25, you get:Entry to run any course of the Crystal Springs Trail RacesA leftover medal (from races past – it’s a surprise!)A leftover bib (who says it has to match the year?)No race shirt, no swag bag, no extras – just dirt, grit, and gloryLIMITED TO 10 RUNNERS, this option is ideal for the seasoned trail warrior who doesn't need another shirt in their drawer or medal on their wall – or maybe just loves a good deal.And here’s the twist: We’re keeping score. Among these minimalist legends, who will be crowned the Leftover King or Queen with the most miles completed in the time allowed? Bragging rights forever or not, whatever, it's just leftovers, right?!?No frills. All thrill.Are you the next Leftover Legend? Awards Awards will be given out for the following:1st Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary2nd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary3rd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary
Volunteers If any of your family or friends are coming to the race and willing to volunteer, please let me know. Volunteers are always needed to assist race weekend (whether that’s helping on Friday or race day!). All volunteers will get a free race shirt and earn a race entry (with 3+ hours of volunteer time) towards a future race we host (New River Trail, Woodbooger 100, Crystal Springs, or Damascus Festival of Miles). These credits are transferable, so if your friend or family member is not a runner, they can still earn you an entry. Event's current local time: 4:12 AM ET