01/23/2026
Canaan Valley Fat Bike Race Details
Good morning racers,
Thanks for signing up for this years race! Looks like we're going to get some good snow this year. We'll get to that, but first two important details.
Start Location:
RACE START IS 10AM. You will have to ride a half mile to the start line, so plan accordingly to ride over with whatever extra layers you need and time to make it to the start line by 10. The race is based out of the Balsim Fir Swamp Overlook, which you will see on the way in. You can drop any coolers or spare gear you need there. The Start Line is at the bottom of the hill on the main park road with the intersection of the road to the pool/iceskating rink.
Directions:
Race Parking is located at the Golf Pro Shop, which is in the far back of the park. Follow the parks directional signage once you are in the park. You'll drive right past the start finish on the way to the GOLF PRO SHOP. We use the golf pro shop because it has good parking we don't have to compete for and plenty of room inside, including a locker room to change in.
For your GPS:
Canaan Valley State Park
230 Main Park Rd, Davis, WV 26260
Course:
We've got a course that is right around 3.5 miles long. We'll plan on 3 laps. We are planning on using “the chute” from year 1. It's currently marked and rolling nicely. If you get a lap in on Saturday midday, it should be a blast. I highly recommend riding Saturday, mostly because it will be fun.
Weather:
I'm guessing this is the part that everyone wants to know about right now. Seems like social media is definitely getting some traffic on this topic.
There's been some curiosity about the weather forecasted for this weekends race. Here's our weather policy as a refresher:
"What about the weather? This years races can happen in all weather option. Chances are good for snow on these dates, but if there is no snow we may adjust courses as necessary. We are hardy West Virginians and will ride no matter the condition...unless it's just stupid out. Stay tuned to your email and social media as the event approaches. "
Here's your current update as the event approaches. There's 0% of cancelling due to the forecast. It does keep changing. It will be cold. We will get some amount of snow. Those are all good things. I highly encourage racers to be wise about their means, methods, timing, quality, and decisions regarding travel. This is just for fun and not a make it or break it kind of event. We want you to get here and get home safely.
Let me drive that point home: I hope everyone will make good travel decisions. You are all capable of making responsible decisions.
Course conditions are certainly up in the air as always. After finally getting deeper snows last year, I did a bunch of research and ended up purchasing a new groomer to improve riding conditions in high snowfall. After a test run earlier this week, I'm optimistic that it will do the trick. Seems like I'll be grooming right before we start, so that's not ideal and might yield a softer surface. That being said, snow is snow and you never know how its going to go. So we'll give it a go and see what happens.
Awards:
This year, we will probably do awards right on the spot once our top 3 is in, letting people be mobile with travel and whatever else they need to do.
Early Packet Pickup:
I'll be at the shop from 5-8pm for early packet pickup and happy hour (or three) on us. If you have your number from last week and want to reuse it, please bring it along and I'll make note of it. The address for that is: Trail Labs, 465 Cortland Rd, Davis, WV 26260
Thanks Everyone, I look forward to seeing you! If not, no worries, just please drop me a line and let me know you aren't coming so that we know what to expect.
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Happy Trails,
Zach Adams
304.460.8559
trail-labs.com
highlandsfatbikeseries.com
mountainstatetrailsupply.com
465 Cortland Rd
Davis, WV 26260
