Robin Boyd, author of The Mountain Biker’s Guide to West Virginia, says “I’ve mountain biked in Europe, Africa and Australia, and all across the United States, and I stand by the fact that the best mountain biking in the world is in West Virginia.”
Discover West Virginia’s mountain bike locales with someone passionate about the sport. Robin is a professor and journalist, but she’s also a competitive athlete, mom, and bicycling advocate. Robin’s love of the sport and the state is contagious as you read her book.
“In the book I cover all of my favorite places to ride throughout the state. We have so many trails for all skill levels—and they can be found within five minutes of Charleston; at world-renowned Snowshoe Mountain Resort; in the outback of Canaan Valley; and atop the mountains in the Eastern Panhandle at Cacapon State Park.”
Each ride is rated for its degree of difficulty, amount of climbing, and the quality of the scenery. Robin also gives mileage, directions and an accurate map for each ride. She describes what plants and wildlife to look for, shares anecdotes about what parts of the rides her kids like, and points out where you’ll get muddy. The guide also contains lodging and restaurant recommendations.
The first ride in the book is “Froghopper Frenzy,” in the 1,400-acre Ace Adventure Center, bordering the New River Gorge. It offers technical single-track, good climbs and fast downhills, while the resort offers reasonably priced cabins, each with a hot tub to ease any aching muscles. Another of Robin’s favorite rides is “Back Hollow Excursion,” located in Canaan Valley State Park, boasting more than 200 species of birds and 600 species of wildflowers. This particular loop combines tight but clean single-track with wide-open meadows.
A tough ride is “Huckleberry Trail” in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Recreation Area. Robin calls this trail, “. . . one of the best mountain biking trails in the world . . . if you have good technical skills! Many riders consider it the most difficult trail they’ve ridden, but they can’t wait to ride it again.”
The book also has numerous stunning pictures by photographer Danny Boyd. “Many people in West Virginia are familiar with Danny’s films. Now they’ll get to see his incredible adventure photography. His photos give you a feel for the terrain and capture what is special about each mountain biking area.”
In 2004, the International Mountain Bike Association chose West Virginia as the number one mountain biking state—the first time that a state east of the Mississippi has ever received this honor. Armed with that information, you know that West Virginia is a place to hit the trails, and you couldn’t have a more qualified or interesting guide than Robin Boyd.
To order the book contact Robin at mtnbiker83@hotmail.com Cost is $12.99 (includes shipping and handling).