The gravel riding in West Virginia is stellar (If you like hills). If you enjoy the challenge of a good climb and the pure ecstacy of epic descents then you have to check out Morgantown gravel riding. There is just so much.
Morgantown, WV was home to the Hilly Billy Roubaix. One of the most challenging and fun gravel rides in the country. Unfortunately, the Hilly Billy is no longer being held as an organized event, but, the roads are all still there. You can find the route on Strava an test yourself against the full course, just make sure you wear mountain bike shoes. This course is notorious for its mud and creek crossings as well as for upsetting out-of-towners who didn’t realize what they signed up for. If you’re looking for a ride you’ll remember forever, this one will not disappoint.
There is also plenty of riding right from town. Jump on the rail trail and within a few miles you’ll find world class gravel roads or ride the infamous Blue Hole loop, crossing the Cheat River over the Jenkinsburg Bridge in Masontown. Whatever you decide, you will find no shortage of gravel adventures here.
Organized Rides
Whether you are frightened of hearing banjo music, enjoy some healthy competition, or just like the energy and camaraderie of group rides, the West Virginia Gravel Series has a number of races you can join. At these events you will find a mix of ability levels, from elite cyclists vying to claim the series title to casual riders looking for a fun challenge. Here are the 2024 dates below, you can register for any of these rides on BikeReg.com.
Rollin’ Coal Gravel Grinder
Location
Shinnston, WV
Date
April 13th, 2024
Description
The Rollin’ Coal Gravel Grinder is a mixed-surface cycling race which honors the hard-working coal miners who have travelled the very roads you will ride since the 1800s! There are three distances to choose from: 21, 46, and 75 miles.
The Kate’s Mountain Challenge
Location
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Date
May 18th, 2024
Description
The Kate’s Mountain Challenge is a great event if you’re traveling with family and/or friends that are not interested in riding. There are plenty of things to do nearby in the Greenbrier Valley, White Sulphur Springs, and Lewisburg. This ride comes in a wide variety of distances, offering 23, 30, 50, and 70 mile options.
Gravel Ride Up Spruce Knob (GRUSK) Gran Fondo
Location
Circleville, WV
Date
July 11-13, 2024
Description
GRUSK is an adventurous, mixed-surface ride to the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob. This ride is a more relaxed Grand Fondo format. It is, however, still timed and there will still be people racing. You can choose your own adventure with 27, 32, 50, 80, and 105 mile single day rides or massive 220 and 260 mile routes for 3-day epics! How cool is that!?
Lost River Classic
Location
Mathias, WV
Date
August 17th, 2024
Description
Proceeds from the Lost River Classic support the development of multi-use and mountain biking trails in Lost river State Park and help Hardy County West Virginia’s new NICA youth mountain bike team, The Cryptids. More trails and kids on bikes? Yes, please! This race has 20, 45, and 73 mile routes to choose from.
High Ground Gravel
Location
Terra Alta, WV
Date
September 28th, 2024
Description
The 2024 West Virginia Gravel Series Championship is the High Ground Gravel race in Terra Alta, WV. This ride is supported by High Ground Brewing and offers 30, 50, and 80 mile distances.
Hey there, I just came across this article about gravel riding near Morgantown – I’m new to the sport, but was curious about more info on the Blue Hole Loop , would you be able to provide any information? It’s been years since I’ve been to the area. Thanks so much!
Thanks for commenting!
Blue Hole is a swimming (and partying) spot and is also the only place to cross the Cheat River between Cheat Lake and Albright. Check out this Strava segment that goes from Masontown to Chestnut Ridge. How you get to Masontown and back from Chestnut Ridge can be something of a choose you own adventure. You can ride the Decker’s Creek Rail Trail all the way to Masontown. Or, if you like pain, you can climb Mayfield Rd up to Snake Hill Rd and take that into Masontown. Approach Mayfield from the north so you don’t have to ride on Rt. 7 (I like Dug Hill Rd > Snider Hill Rd > Pleasant Hill Rd > Fields Park Rd then you can take a right on Tyrone Rd and it’s all downhill to Mayfield. Once you get to Chestnut Ridge you can come down Quarry Run to get back to town or, or if you’re looking for a real epic, you can work your way out towards Point Marion and come back the rail trail from there.
Be careful coming down Bull Run Rd. I haven’t been down there in a few years but it can get pretty bad (Often too bad to get a car down!). If you end up doing a loop, come back here and tell us how it went and share anything you learned that might be helpful for others!